Wood-burning

With the increase in energy prices over recent years, many have chosen to supplement their conventional heating systems with solid fuel appliances such as wood-burning/multi-fuel stoves or biomass boilers.

If done incorrectly, burning solid fuels like wood and coal can lead to increases in local air pollution, adversely affect respiratory health and lead to complaints from neighbours about odour and smoke nuisance.

Perth and Kinross Council recommend the following to minimise smoke and odour from a domestic burning appliance:

1. Use a reputable supplier/installer
   Incorrectly installed stoves are often the cause of excessive smoke emissions and can also be less efficient than those installed correctly, burning more fuel for less heat.

   Perth and Kinross Council recommends using HETAS approved installers to install your appliance. Please use DEFRA approved appliances where possible and install adhering to national Building Standards Guidance.

2. Consider your neighbours
   The Environmental Health team continue to receive complaints from residents about smoke and odour from wood-burning appliances, issues which can often be avoided at the point of installation.

   The positioning and height of the flue/chimney for a wood-burning appliance should be considered carefully with respect to neighbouring properties. Perth and Kinross Council do not recommend installing any wood-burning appliances where the flue/chimney will terminate below the eaves of surrounding buildings, as this can lead to nuisance complaints. If you have any concerns or questions about the height or positioning of your appliance's flue, please contact the Environmental Health team or Development Management.

   If the smoke from a neighbour's wood-burning appliance is regularly impacting your health or living environment at your property, information on how to report the issue can be found on our smoke issues page.

3. Use the correct fuel
   Please always ensure the correct fuel is used for your appliance. Wood should have a moisture content of under 20% and be stored in a dry place, no treated or wet wood should be burned. If using a multi-fuel stove or open fire, smokeless coal (anthracite) should be used.

   Further guidance on good burning practices can be found at Burn Right or in the DEFRA Guidance, as well as within the operating instructions of your appliance.

4. Regular maintenance
   Your appliance must be regularly maintained to ensure maximum efficiency. Regular maintenance includes annual chimney sweeps, internal cleaning, regular fuel moisture checks and door seal checks. As well as reducing your appliances efficiency and increasing smoke, unswept chimneys can be a dangerous fire risk, as soot and unburnt fuel can build up within the chimney and ignite when using your appliance.

   Qualified chimney sweeps can often give advice on how to optimise your appliance's performance as part of your annual sweep. Details of your nearest chimney sweep can be found on various websites such as the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps website or HETAS website.