Woodburners can be an efficient and enjoyable way to heat your home, but how you use them makes a big difference to both performance and environmental impact. By choosing the right fuel and following a few simple best-practice tips, you can enjoy reliable warmth while burning cleaner and more sustainably.
Choose the Right Fuel
One of the most important steps is using dry, high-quality fuel. Always burn kiln-dried logs with the Woodsure Ready to Burn accreditation. These logs will have a moisture content below 20%. Wet wood produces excess smoke, wastes energy and increases harmful emissions. Sustainable options such as Hot Max or renewable smokeless fuels like Harvest Flame also offer higher efficiency with lower environmental impact.
Light Your Fire the Right Way
Using the top-down lighting method helps your fire burn hotter and cleaner from the start. By placing kindling and firelighters on top of larger logs, smoke is burned off more effectively as the fire establishes, reducing visible emissions and improving efficiency.
Burn Little and Often
Instead of overloading your stove, aim for smaller, hotter fires. This allows fuel to combust fully, producing more heat with fewer pollutants. Overfilling the stove can restrict airflow and lead to incomplete burning.
Maintain Good Airflow
Never completely close the air vents while the fire is burning. A steady supply of oxygen is essential for clean combustion. Once the fire is established, you can reduce airflow gradually to maintain a consistent, efficient burn without wasting fuel.
Keep Your Stove Well Maintained
Regular maintenance plays a big role in sustainability. Have your chimney swept at least once a year and ensure your stove is serviced as recommended. Alternatively, use a Flamefast Chimney Sweeping Log to help keep your flu clearer between professional sweeps. A clean, well-maintained stove burns fuel more efficiently and safely.
Use the Right Stove for Your Space
An oversized stove can waste fuel, while an undersized one may struggle to heat effectively. Modern DEFRA-approved stoves are designed to burn fuel more cleanly and are ideal for smoke-control areas.
Only Burn Approved Materials
Avoid burning treated wood, painted timber, household waste or plastics. These materials release harmful pollutants and can damage your stove and flue. Stick to approved fuels like our kiln-dried logs or smokeless fuels to protect both your appliance and the environment.
Don’t Empty Ash Too Often
Leaving a small bed of ash in the firebox can actually help insulate the fire and improve combustion. Just remove excess ash as needed to keep airflow clear.
Enjoy Efficient, Responsible Heat
By making small changes to how you use your woodburner, you can reduce emissions, improve efficiency and make your fuel go further. Sustainable burning isn’t about losing comfort — it’s about getting the best performance from your stove while being kinder to the environment.
