Woodburning stoves become even more efficient thanks to clearSkies

The stove industry has taken a bit of flack over the last couple of years as there is an ever-increasing focus on cleaner air and lower emissions.

In 2015 a European wide initiative was designed to lower emissions from stoves and Defra cited Ecodesign as the method it will use to improve efficiency and reduce emissions from solid fuel stoves and to instigate these new standards across all stoves by 2022 giving the industry time to react.

However, with the majority of stove manufacturers and distributors already working together in the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA), of which Certainly Wood was one of the founding members, there was a determination in the industry to work with government on reducing emissions and indeed to be even further ahead of these 2022 regulations. Consequently, SIA members have been producing stoves that meet the Ecodesign limits since 2017.

SIA Ecodesign Ready wood burning stoves and fireplaces are recommended in Defra’s 2019 Clean Air Strategy.

These appliances have been shown in independent testing to produce 90% less particulate emissions than an open fire and 80% less than a wood burning stove that is over 10 years old. Current testing regimes require just one test to achieve the CE mark, however for Ecodesign stoves, the tests are more stringent and assess levels of particulate matter (PM), organic gaseous compounds (OGC), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO).

So, Ecodesign is a big step forward, however, it is encouraging to see that the stove industry is moving forward at a pace and consumers, government and local authorities can be comforted and excited by the recent launch of clearSkies. A brand new, objective and independent emissions and energy performance certification mark for solid fuel stoves and fireplaces. This was launched in September 2020, initiated by the SIA and launched across the trade and retailer network. It will drive even more efficient and cleaner appliances for all to use. It provides an easily recognised and independent verification of appliance performance and efficiency, helping consumers to make an easier purchase decision.

We all need to do our part when it comes to reducing emissions and providing cleaner air so if you have an older stove, consider upgrading to a new clearSkies certified stove and perhaps more importantly and for a much bigger impact, if you have an open fire, you should seriously consider one of these new stoves.

Here is a short video to explain the benefits of a clearSkies appliance:

Nic Snell