You can still use your wood burner in a smoke control area (SCA) Even if you live in an SCA – or live in an area that will soon become an SCA – you are still allowed to use your wood burner as long as it’s not a really old inefficient appliance.

22 November 2024

The Government website (www.gov.uk/smoke-control-area-rules) states

“Many parts of the UK are smoke control areas where:

• you cannot release smoke from a chimney

• you can only burn authorised fuel, unless you use an appliance approved by Defra (also known as an ‘exempt appliance’ or ‘Defra approved appliance’)”

More cities across England, such as Oxford and Reading, have recently announced intentions to expand their smoke control areas (SCAs).

Because this sounds like you can’t use your chimney it’s important to dispel any misinformation surrounding these plans and clear up any confusion you may have had about what you can do in a smoke control area.

You can still use your wood burner!

Even if you live in an SCA – or live in an area that will soon become an SCA – you are still allowed to use your wood burner as long as it’s not a really old inefficient appliance.

Log burners are not being banned and smoke control areas only restrict those burning inappropriate materials like freshly chopped wood, wood treated with wood preservatives like wood pallets, old furniture, varnished or painted wood or wet wood, plastics etc. For further guidance on what not to burn visit the HETAS website here.

Smoke control area rules 

So, SCAs do not stop you from heating your home with your log burner, but there are a few rules you need to follow.

Am I in a smoke control area? 

You can find out if you live in a smoke control area by looking on the interactive map on Defra’s UK AIR website.

The map is updated as any changes occur, keeping you informed of any changes in your area. Contact your local council to stay updated on any upcoming discussions or consultation

In short, if you live in an SCA, you must not:

• Emit smoke from a chimney

• Buy or sell unauthorised fuel for use in a smoke control area unless it is to be used in an exempt appliance

Emitting smoke from a chimney is not specifically defined in the legislation, but due to the high efficiency of modern appliances you will not need to worry about your chimney emitting smoke if you are burning “Ready to Burn” or “Woodsure” certified wood with a moisture content of 20% or less.

Burning dry wood results in a cleaner burn that heats your home better and produces considerably less pollutants than wet wood. Using a moisture meter to measure your wood’s moisture content before each use also ensures that the wood you are burning has remained dry throughout storage.

Visit the HETAS website for advice on optimal burning advice in a modern Cleaner Choice wood burner.

Unauthorised fuel is any fuel that is not listed on Defra’s Authorised/Certified Fuels list. Wood is an example of an unauthorised fuel – if you live in an SCA, you can only burn wood in an exempt appliance.

An exempt appliance is any stove that has been approved by Defra for use in smoke control areas, following emissions tests. There are over 3000 listed in England alone and a search facility to find out if yours is on the list!

Appliances are exempted separately in the different countries of the UK as follows, Simply, click through to your country and search.

• England
• Wales
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland
• All four countries

These rules will not change anything for many users. A modern appliance – such as a Cleaner Choice stove – burning quality, dry fuel being operated correctly is incredibly efficient and can continue to be used in SCAs.

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Editor’s Notes:

SFL is a leading manufacturer of flues and chimneys in the UK with well-established distribution in the USA and Far East. SFL has over 55 years of experience in flue & chimney systems across Residential, Commercial, and Industrial markets.

For installations in commercial buildings, SFL manufacture a range of flue systems from complex header configurations to large-diameter stacks. SFL are committed to offering industry-leading technical support services, throughout the whole process of design, manufacture, and supply.

SFL also provide high-quality residential flue and chimney components via a network of distribution partners. With fast delivery times and comprehensive product warranties, SFL ensure quality and reliability.

SFL became part of the Sphering Group in 2022, the market leader in Flue and Air Care across Europe. This new acquisition added R&D capabilities to SFL and a sixth, (UK based) manufacturing plant to the Group’s industrial capacities already operating in France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, and Poland. The Group now employs over 1000 people across Europe with a turnover of c.190 million euros, with each business renowned for expertise in the design, manufacturing and distribution of innovative, high-quality chimney and ventilation systems.

The Sphering Group includes Apros, Eurotip, Joncoux, Lorflex, MK, SFL and more recently EKA in Germany. As a committed company, determined to play an active role towards the environment and society, Sphering has its own R&D centre: “WeLab”. This facility has allowed the group to comply with the newest European standards in terms of security, safety, and performance of their products and adopt a responsible innovation approach.

Sphering celebrated a century of existence in 2019. Faithful to its historic values implemented its CARE policy with customers, employees, secured and efficient products, environment, and society. Supported by committed local teams and backed by controlled financial stability, the Group has demonstrated its ability to carry out rapid, structured, and profitable growth.

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