What is Ecodesign?
Ecodesign is a European regulation that set tougher efficiency and emissions standards for new stoves, effective from 1 January 2022. Every new stove sold in the UK since then has to meet the standard.
In practical terms: an Ecodesign-ready stove exceeds 80% efficiency and reduces particulate emissions by as much as 75% compared to older models (industry figures). That means more heat from your fuel, and cleaner air, both inside and out.
What's a DEFRA-exempt stove?
DEFRA exemption (also called "smoke exempt" or "SE approved") means a stove has been tested and approved to burn wood legally in a smoke control area. Smoke control areas exist across most Scottish cities, central Edinburgh, parts of Glasgow, and many town centres.
You can't legally burn wood in a smoke control area unless your stove is DEFRA-exempt. Every new stove we supply for a smoke control area install is DEFRA-exempt.
Am I in a smoke control area?
Check with your local council. If you're in central Edinburgh, assume yes. If you're in rural Fife, usually no. We'll check for you on survey.
Do I have to replace an old stove?
No. The Ecodesign rules apply to new stoves. Existing installations are unaffected. But if your stove is ageing and inefficient, upgrading to a modern Ecodesign model will typically pay back in fuel savings and cleaner burning.
What about the fuel?
In Scotland, from 2021, unseasoned "wet" wood in small volumes (under 2m³) is restricted. We recommend kiln-dried or properly seasoned hardwood at 20% moisture content or less. Approved smokeless fuels for multi-fuel stoves are available from most builders' merchants.