What fuels should you burn in a stove or open fire?
Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Stove or Open Fire
Using the correct fuel is essential for the safe, efficient operation of your wood-burning stove, multi-fuel stove or open fire. The fuel you burn directly affects appliance performance, chimney condition, air quality and how often your chimney requires sweeping.
Wood-Burning Stoves
Burn only well-seasoned or kiln-dried logs with a moisture content below 20%, together with approved manufactured wood fuels, such as compressed sawdust briquettes that are specifically designed for wood-burning stoves.
Multi-Fuel Stoves
Multi-fuel stoves are designed to burn seasoned wood, approved manufactured wood fuels and authorised smokeless fuels, providing greater flexibility while maintaining efficient combustion.
Open Fires, Inglenooks & Jetmaster Fires
Open fires are generally suitable for seasoned hardwood logs and approved smokeless fuels, depending on the appliance and local smoke control requirements.
Avoid Burning Wet or Unseasoned Wood
Burning green (unseasoned) wood is one of the leading causes of excessive creosote and tar deposits inside chimneys and flues. High moisture content results in incomplete combustion, producing heavy smoke and sticky residues that rapidly coat the flue.
Over time, these deposits can:
- Significantly increase the risk of chimney fires
- Reduce the efficiency of your stove or fireplace
- Cause unpleasant odours and poor draw
- Lead to expensive specialist creosote removal treatments
- Shorten the lifespan of your chimney and appliance
For the safest and most efficient performance, always burn dry, quality-approved fuel and have your chimney professionally swept at least once a year by a NACS Approved chimney sweep. Regular chimney sweeping removes soot, tar and creosote before they become a fire hazard, helping to protect your home and ensure your wood-burning stove, multi-fuel stove or open fire continues to operate safely.
Finally, never burn household waste, treated timber, plastics or other unsuitable materials, as these can damage your appliance, pollute the environment and create hazardous deposits within your chimney.
A brilliant resource with much detail, and all you’ll need to know is on the Burn Right website www.burnright.co.uk
Due a sweep? Book online, or ring Paul on 07769 032121.