Guidance issued for wood burners as use increases amid rising energy bills
With woodburning stoves and open fires surging in popularity this winter in response to rising fuels bills, households are being urged to check their appliance is working correctly as part of a new safety campaign.
The growing use of solid fuel heating systems is being driven in part by homeowners looking to cut back on their wider energy use during the cost of living crisis, with chimney sweeps and engineers reporting unprecedented demand*.
It is estimated around 1.5 million households in the UK have a woodburner in their property and the government is introducing further measures regarding the use of the appliances to help combat air pollution as part of its Environmental Improvement Plan.
In response, trade association OFTEC which runs an accreditation scheme for technicians servicing solid fuel appliances, has issued advice to households on how to stay safe and ensure wood burners and open fires are used in compliance with regulations:
1.Have your chimney swept one or two times per year depending on how often you use your appliance and the type of fuel you use. Soot and other material can build up over time, which can mean poisonous gases aren’t vented out of your house correctly or lead to a chimney fire. Signs there might be a problem include soot falling back down the chimney or your fire not burning as well.
2.Install a carbon monoxide alarm. This is a legal requirement for a recently installed solid fuel appliance, but it is also recommended for existing solid fuel installations. The alarm detects a leak of carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous and odourless gas that is hard to detect and can lead to serious health problems. They typically cost around £20 and remember to check them regularly. Correct positioning is important. It should be positioned either on a ceiling or a wall (as high up as possible) in the same room as the appliance, located at least one metre away from the appliance but no greater than three metres in line with the manufacturers’ instructions. If it goes off, leave the house and call a technician.
3.Use the device safely. Don’t overfill your wood burner or open fire with fuel to ensure there is good air circulation and do not leave it unattended. Also, ensure the remaining ashes are cold before disposing of them. If you have pets or small children you should consider installing a fire guard for additional safety.
4.Service your appliance. As with any fuel burning system, solid fuel appliances should be serviced at least once a year by an accredited technician to ensure they are working correctly, safely and efficiently. OFTEC technicians with solid fuel registration are professionally trained and regularly inspected to maintain high standards for consumers.
5.Check what you are burning. It’s important to know whether you have a single fuel or multi-fuel wood burner as the wrong fuel type can damage the appliance and is potentially dangerous. Regulations have tightened in recent years with restrictions on the sale and use of wet wood and, in some areas, only smokeless fuels can be used. Further measures are planned so visit the government website for more details.
Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, commented: “As energy bills rise, many rural households are increasingly relying on their woodburner or open fire to help them keep warm. Whilst they are often seen as an attractive period feature in a home, we must remember they are fuel burning appliances and must be properly maintained to ensure they are operating safely. It’s particularly important to have your wood burner regularly serviced by a technician qualified in solid fuel to identify any issues before they become more serious – and expensive.
“There are some concerns regarding the impact of wood burners and open fires on air pollution, and further regulation is a possibility. We should always think about our impact on the environment and our neighbours if using this type of heating and it’s important to ensure they are safely maintained, and the right kinds of fuel are used. Fundamentally, at a time when many households are facing high heating costs, for many they are a lifeline for keeping warm. This must be considered as part of any long term changes to the regulations.”
For more information and advice visit the OFTEC solid fuel advice guides.