A combination of factors including the type of fuel, operation patterns, stove or boiler type, chimney design and surroundings determine the pollution caused by the specific wood burner. The Environmental Protection Agency is working to reduce pollution through solutions that address them all.
Campaigns for sensible heatingThroughout several heating seasons, the Environmental Protection Agency has conducted a series of nationwide information campaigns on proper wood burning. Most recent with the campaign "Quit Smoking for Wood Stoves".
New regulations for wood burning stovesThe Danish Ministry of the Environment issued a new Statutory Order on 1 January 2008 concerning wood burning stoves, boilers and similar heating systems. It states the permitted emission levels of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from wood burners.
Manufacturers, importers, distributors, users and chimney sweeps all play a part in ensuring newly installed heating systems comply with current limit values for emissions of harmful particles, etc.
The Statutory Order also stipulates actions municipalities can take regarding complaints about smoke from wood burning. In addition to enforcement orders, the municipality can institute requirements for specific areas in supplementary regulations.
Download Statutory Order on wood burning stoves (PDF, 36KB)
Support for new heating technologiesIn 2008 and 2009, the Government and the Danish People's Party set aside DKK 10 million for the development and testing of technologies, for the reduction of pollution from wood fuelled stoves. The technological devices include particle filters, moisture meters for wood and computer simulations.
The work includes following initiatives:
Scrapping of old wood burnersIn 2008 and 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency provided DKK 20 million for a scheme to scrap old burners. The money went towards phasing out of burners dating from 1980 or earlier and updraft boilers. The scheme was very successful and more than 5,600 stoves were scrapped. It has now ceased.
Additional areas of actionThe Environmental Protection Agency is engaged in further work to reduce pollution from wood burning stoves and boilers through several other measures, for example:
The Environmental Protection Agency's most recent campaign advices people on how to improve their wood burning.
Use top-down to ignite you woodPlace two pieces of wood at the bottom. Stack smaller layers on top. Make sure there is plenty of air between the layers.
Ignite at the top. The flames will work their way from the top and down, like a candle.
Only use dry woodWood that is still wet will smoke. Never use waste, advertisements, treated wood or similar.
Ensure plenty of airTurn down the air flow until the flames brightens and do not use large pieces of wood.
The smoke must be nearly invisibleGo outside and check that there is neither too much smoke nor that it smells bad.
Read about regulations on industrial air pollution limits in Denmark.