Ecodesign 2022
As of 1st January 2020, all independent biomass boiler appliances (those that do not provide heat into the room in which they are installed) are now required to meet new stringent maximum emission limits for seasonal efficiency, particulate matter, organic gaseous compounds, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, to support government incentives in improving the UK’s overall air quality.
As part of the previous 2019 HETAS Guide renewal, we have been working closely with those approved biomass boiler manufacturers to ensure the necessary emission performance criteria have been met, and associated additional marketing criteria are also in place. Those appliances not meeting the new efficiency and emission limits have now subsequently been removed from the HETAS Guide altogether, to ensure continued compliance with UK (and EU) legislation, and to allow for easier consumer and installer identification of those appliances that meet the necessary legal requirements.
From 1st January 2022, the Ecodesign legislation will extend to all solid fuel heating appliances, including roomheater stoves and roomheater stoves with boilers. From this date, it is important for appliance manufacturers to ensure all solid fuel heating appliances placed on the market are in full compliance with all required testing and performance requirements.
A breakdown of the new seasonal efficiency requirements can be found in the table below;
| Appliance Type | Fuel | Seasonal Efficiency (%) | PM (mg/m3) | OGC (mg/m3) | CO (mg/m3) | NOx (mg/m3) |
| Open Fire | Wood | 30 | 50 | 120 | 2000 | 200 |
| Open Fire | Smokeless | 30 | 50 | 120 | 2000 | 300 |
| Closed Appliance | Wood | 65 | 40 | 120 | 1500 | 200 |
| Closed Appliance | Smokeless | 65 | 40 | 120 | 1500 | 300 |
| Closed Appliance | Pellet | 79 | 20 | 60 | 300 | 200 |
| Cooker | Wood | 65 | – | 120 | 1500 | 200 |
| Cooker | Smokeless | 65 | – | 120 | 1500 | 300 |
Cleaner Choice
HETAS has designed the Cleaner Choice product approval scheme to clearly signpost buyers to the cleanest-burning appliances. All stoves certified under the scheme have to emit a lower level of particulate emissions than the most stringent legislation that is required within Smoke Control Areas. While focused on particulate emissions, approval also provides assurance that the appliance listed meets all the relevant regulations in the UK, including safety and performance requirements, correct operation, and correct installation for HETAS registrants.
If you’re a registrant looking for further information on requirements surrounding appliance standards, please visit the HETAS Technical Hub (login required) or contact the HETAS technical helpline on 01684 278170.
