Fuel rules
In England, wood sold in volumes under 2 cubic metres must be certified as Ready to Burn, which means a moisture content of 20% or less (Defra). The restrictions on selling wet wood and house coal began on 1 May 2021 (GOV.UK).
Smoke control areas
Some towns and villages are smoke control areas. There you can't let smoke out of a chimney unless you burn an authorised fuel or use a Defra-exempt appliance. In England you can be fined up to £300 for releasing smoke, and up to £1,000 for buying unauthorised fuel to use in an unexempt appliance (GOV.UK). Ask your council if your property is in one.
Biomass boiler grants
In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £5,000 towards a biomass boiler (GOV.UK), but only if the property is off the gas grid, in a rural location, and the boiler has an emissions certificate (BUS eligibility).
Carbon monoxide alarms
In Scotland, every home with a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, open fire or wood burner, must have a carbon monoxide detector in the room where the appliance is (Scottish Government). In England, the building regulations guidance on combustion appliances (Approved Document J) was updated on 1 October 2022 with new provisions on CO alarms (Approved Document J). The NHS advises an alarm in every room with an appliance that burns gas, oil, coal or wood (NHS).
Sweeping
HETAS, a government-authorised competent person scheme for solid fuel and biomass (GOV.UK), recommends sweeping at least twice a year when burning wood (HETAS). See our chimney sweeping page.
Frequently asked questions
Do building regulations apply to a wood burner?
Yes. In England, stoves, flues and hearths are covered by Approved Document J (combustion appliances and fuel storage systems), and the other nations have their own building standards. Ask your installer how the work will be certified.
Can I burn wood in a smoke control area?
Only on a Defra-exempt appliance, or with an authorised fuel. Otherwise releasing smoke from the chimney is an offence, with fines of up to £300 in England.
Is there a grant for a biomass boiler?
In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £5,000 if your home is off the gas grid, in a rural location, and the boiler has an emissions certificate.