Under the right conditions, burning wood can be a sustainable and renewable heating choice.

HETAS suggests choosing a modern, HETAS and Defra-approved Ecodesign stove which burns safely and efficiently.

It also advises burning properly seasoned or kiln dried wood marked Woodsure Ready to Burn, which will not smoke as much as other fuels and offers a long-lasting, warm burn, and keeping your appliance and chimney clean and well-maintained with regular checks from trusted HETAS-registered sweeps and engineers.

These three things can reduce carbon and particulate emissions in the home by up to 80 per cent compared to burning coal in an open fire.

Bruce Allen, chief executive of HETAS, said: “It’s more important than ever that users of wood burning stoves understand the steps they can take to significantly reduce particulate emissions. Innovation across our industry is focused on improving the efficiency and safety of burning biomass fuels, including wood. We all have a responsibility to spread the word and help people make well-informed decisions.”

HETAS supports Defra’s 2019 Clean Air Strategy and is working with government bodies, industry partners, stove manufacturers, installers, sweeps and fuel producers and suppliers to inform consumers about choices of appliances and fuels that will benefit homes and the environment.