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The combustion of wood releases harmful fine particles. To minimize the amount of fine particles released into the air, it is sometimes advised to install a fine particle filter. In this article, we explain why this is unnecessary for a modern high-efficiency wood stove.

What is fine dust?

Fine dust is a collective term for small particles smaller than 10 micrometers that float in the air. Fine dust is so small that it is not visible to the naked eye. However, it can be harmful to your health and the environment. Fine dust reduces lung function.

More efficient and environmentally friendly wood stoves thanks to EcoDesign

Due to European legislation, wood stoves have become much more efficient and environmentally friendly in recent years. Whereas a wood stove about 20 years ago achieved an efficiency of only 10-20%, a modern wood stove now has an efficiency of between 80% and 90%.

The European EcoDesign directive sets requirements for the minimum efficiency of products, including wood stoves. The latest directive is EcoDesign 2022, which sets standards for minimum efficiency and maximum fine particle emissions from wood stoves.

EcoDesign 2022 mandates that wood stoves must achieve an efficiency of at least 75% and emit no more than 40 milligrams of fine dust per cubic meter. Manufacturers are required to report the efficiency and emissions of stoves, including a test report.

All wood stoves in the Leenders Haardkachels collection meet the EcoDesign 2022 standards. Thanks to efficient combustion, our stoves are also cost-effective.

Is a fine particle filter still necessary?

A fine particle filter, also known as a wood smoke filter, reduces the emission of fine particles from chimneys. The filter is usually placed in the chimney and purifies the stove’s emissions through electrostatic or mechanical filtration.

If you buy a new, efficient wood stove, do you still need a fine particle filter? The answer is no, and it is even unnecessary. With a modern high-efficiency wood stove, you do not need a fine particle filter. In fact, a filter could cause the stove to burn less efficiently, leading to even more harmful emissions.

Tips for efficient burning

Do you want to minimize your wood stove’s emissions? Ensure you burn as efficiently as possible with the following tips.

• First, choose hardwoods such as oak, beech, maple, and cherry. These have a high energy density and burn slowly.
• For efficient combustion, use dry wood. We recommend a moisture content of 20% or lower. Read our article on the best way to dry wood.
• Light your wood stove using the Swiss fire-lighting method. This ensures an almost complete combustion right from the start.
• Make sure your stove and chimney are cleaned regularly.

Are you looking for a modern, efficient wood stove? Check out our collection of high-efficiency wood stoves.