Thoughtful Living: fireplaces for a better future

Original fireplaces are often high on a buyer’s hit list when they’re looking for a historic home. It’s entirely understandable: not only does the architectural merit of a mantel or inglenook bring charm and character to a room, the ritual of lighting a roaring fire and basking in its warm glow can be a delight.

And while there’s no shortage of either supply (there are some 2.5 million homes with fires in the UK) or demand (searches for fireplaces were up 37 per cent in 2021, according to Google Trends), navigating the world of burners and blazes while being conscious of our impact on the planet is a thorny business – not least at a time of energy crisis.

We’re well aware a discussion about fireplaces can’t be had without addressing the implications on both our health and that of the planet. The fine-particle pollution emitted from burning wood can cause issues, especially for those with breathing or lung conditions, and this is a particular problem in urban areas, where the build-up of such particles is greater. According to government research, domestic combustion is the biggest source of air pollution in Britain, so it’s no wonder people are being urged to consider alternative heating solutions where they can. And given that nearly nine in 10 consumers have become more planet-friendly in their purchasing choices over the last five years, it also makes sense that there should be growing interest in indoor fire options that are less polluting, such as bioethanol stoves (on which more below).

With all this in mind, we’re here to arm you with useful information about the future of your fireplace – and the possible alternatives you might explore.

Explore your options

In terms of the environment and health, bioethanol fires come up trumps. Although they don’t offer the same experience as burning logs, this all-natural fuel is made from plants, gives off no smoke, carbon dioxide or particles and doesn’t require a chimney. Simply pour the liquid into the bioethanol fireplace and revel in its heat for four to five hours.

This is also the best option if you live in a smoke-free zone. In lots of urban areas across the UK (especially in London), there are smokeless zones (find out more here). This means you can only burn smoke-free fuels, which renders traditional wood out-of-bounds. There are many smoke-free fuels on the market, but unfortunately these tend to be made either from fossil fuels like coal, or non-regenerative materials such as petroleum wax or tropical charcoal.

If a bioethanol stove isn’t an option (affordability can be a limiting factor), you could consider an electric fire, which – as a move towards renewable energy becomes more likely – could be a clever decision. And you don’t have to lose out on looks either – if you’ve an existing wood-burning stove, you can adapt it with an electric insert. While the flickering flames aren’t real, you might just be convinced.

Open fires versus stoves

We can’t deny that an open fire is a beautiful thing. But we also cannot ignore the fact that open fires are not good for the environment. Primarily, this comes down to the fact they’re highly inefficient compared to stoves (also known as wood burners). It’s generally thought only about 20 per cent of an open fire’s heat is convected and radiates into the room around it, in contrast to 80 per cent of a stove’s. This means you have to use significantly more fuel to create the same level of cosiness. With more smoke particles filling the room (as opposed to going up the chimney) in comparison to stoves, they are also worse in terms of creating potentially harmful indoor pollution.

Choosing your stove

If alternative heat sources aren’t an option, there are a few things to take into account when purchasing a stove.

If you’ve looked into this topic before, you may well have come across the term ‘Ecodesign-ready stove’, or ‘Eco stove’; if you haven’t, the simplest explanation is that stoves bearing this label conform to international regulations around efficiency and particulate emission. This all being said, many believe that the current requirements for burners don’t go far enough.

There are, of course, intricacies worth bearing in mind. “Choose an Eco stove that’s also Defra-approved and with a Clear Skies rating of four or five out of five,” Damian Vizzard from Blazing Burners, a Cornwall-based wood-burner installation company, explains. Being Defra-approved means that you can’t completely shut down the air supply, which aids a cleaner burning process, while Clear Skies certification reflects that a stove has been tested to provide a lower-carbon and lower-emission heating solution. “The higher the rating, the better the performance,” he adds – though it’s worth bearing in mind this still isn’t perfect. There is still an environmental cost to all this.

Beyond these helpful markers, it’s also worth looking at the efficiency rating of the stove. “Check that it is Kitemarked to BS EN 13240,” Damian clarifies, referring to the service and quality standards trademark.

Getting the right fuel

When it comes to traditional fuels, coal is a no-go for both health and environmental reasons, but wood can be a slightly more sustainable option when used correctly. If you are buying logs, however, there are a few things to consider. “Think how far away from you the wood has been grown,” Gene Boyarov from Bioglow Wood Fuels points out. Also consider the wood itself and how it was grown. “In general, softwoods grow faster and renew more quickly after being felled for timber. Certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) highlight companies who use forest resources responsibly.”

Beyond this, the dryness of your logs makes a big difference. Wood needs to have less than 20 per cent moisture content to burn efficiently. So-called heat logs are also a good option on this account. “Compressed sawdust briquettes are generally dried to a moisture level of 10 per cent or less,” Gene tells us, “compared with about 18 per cent in most kiln-dried logs. They therefore contain more energy per unit of weight and volume, meaning they require less fuel to transport, as well as being space-saving and more convenient to store.” When you’re buying wood or wood products such as briquettes, always make sure to look out for the orange-and-red ‘Ready to Burn’ logo.

Improving efficiency

If a fire is your only heat source, we urge you to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible. Alongside what stove and fuel you choose, how you use and maintain your fire is key to ensuring it runs to the best of its ability. “If you use logs, start off with lots of kindling to get the stove and flue hot,” Damian recommends, as this helps create a good draw. “Then add a softwood log, followed by a hardwood log once your fire is established.”

It’s also important to get your stove installed professionally and correctly – including the flue (the pipe that runs to the chimney). “If you’re able to afford insulation around the flue – or to keep the flue inside the house – it will also help you contain heat.” An annual service will also ensure your stove runs as efficiently as possible.