Creating a healthier home environment this Clean Air Night

As we mark Clean Air Night on Thursday 22 January, let’s take a moment to think about how our everyday choices affect the air we breathe indoors and in our communities. 

Open fires and wood-burning stoves 

We all want to stay warm in winter, but cosiness shouldn’t come at the cost of our health. Open fires and wood-burning stoves have grown in popularity, yet the smoke and fine particles they produce can harm both your health and the wellbeing of those around you. 

Thinking of using a wood burner? Here’s what to know: 

• Wood burning releases fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which can affect heart and lung health over time.
• It doesn’t just impact your home, it can reduce local air quality too.
• Most households already have cleaner, safer heating alternatives. 

Tips for using wood-burning stoves responsibly 

• Choose the right appliance:  opt for an ‘ecodesign ready’ stove, which creates less pollution than open fires. However, even these produce more emissions than homes without wood burners.
• Buy ‘Ready to Burn’ fuel: dry wood (20% moisture or less) burns cleaner. Look for the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo.
• Use approved solid fuels: these generate less smoke than house coal and can be more efficient.
• Consider burning less: if your stove is a secondary heating source, ask yourself if it’s really necessary.
• Never burn treated wood or household rubbish: these release harmful fumes and toxic pollutants.
• Maintain your stove and chimney: annual servicing and regular chimney sweeping improve efficiency and reduce fire risk. 

Further Guidance 

• Bonfire guidelines
• Defra: Guide on open fires and wood burning stoves (PDF, 268KB)
• Visit our Clean Air Hub for more tips.