Wood burning stoves – what you need to know when buying or selling your home

With the recent cost of living crisis, we have seen many homes switching to alternative fuel sources to keep cosy in the winter months in a cost-effective way.

Wood burning stoves have been linked to carcinogens found in the air in polluted urban areas leading their use to be put under a microscope. Details down to which fuel you can and can’t use are now in place, meaning sales of house coal and wet wood are illegal in small quantities. Areas like Wigan are also part of a ‘smoke control’ initiative where only fuels on the authorized list are permitted for use. Burning an unauthorized fuel can cost up to £1,000 in fines unless an exempt permit is held.

Contrary to what many believe, the installation and use of wood burning stoves has not been banned. There are simply guidelines now in place, known as Ecosdesign, for the manufacture of all wood-burning stoves, multi-fuel stoves and fireplaces. Any newly purchased appliances will therefore have been tested for air quality by an approved laboratory. If you are unsure as to whether you are using a permitted fuel, or whether your home is situated within a Smoke Control area, we would recommend that you visit the government website using the following link https://www.gov.uk/smoke-control-area-rules.

When you are buying a property with a wood-burning stove, please ensure that you advise your solicitor who will ensure that a HETAS certificate was obtained for the installation. We would also recommend that you arrange for a service to be carried out to ensure that it is in full working order.

If you do have any further questions, please contact our conveyancing law department who will be happy to assist on 01942 206060 or by e-mail to mbh@wigansolicitors.com.

Written by Georgia Wall – Trainee Apprentice Solicitor in the Conveyancing Department.