Stoves

A stove is located in the room that is to be heated and reflects radiation of heat to a room. It may also distribute heat as a supplementary function via a water or ventilation system. It is fired on solid biofuel, that is wood, wood pellets or, in some cases, an alternative biofuel. Stoves include heaters such as wood stoves, slow heat release appliances such as tiled stoves and stone-clad stoves, inset stoves and sauna stoves.

The fuel can be fed by hand or mechanically. Wood is generally fed by hand while pellets are fed mechanically. A stove contains the fire. Air is supplied through special ducts and the air flow can often be regulated.

As a rule, a stove does not provide the majority of a building’s heating requirement; rather it usually supplements another heat source. In energy efficient houses, however, a stove may cover all heating needs.

The flue gas emissions produced by the stove are tested. If the stove is fired on pellets, noise is also tested. The supplier must provide clear user information as to how to operate and maintain the stove for optimum performance.

A Nordic Swan Ecolabelled stove offers high efficiency and has low emissions of particles, carbon monoxide (CO), organic gaseous carbon (OGC). The manufacturer must also ensure that the instruction manual contains comprehensive information and recommends that the stove is installed by a qualified fitter.

The requirements in the Nordic Ecolabel criteria on flue gas emissions are more stringent than the Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and Finnish national regulations. Norwegian and Danish law regulations only require particle tests and Swedish regulations only hydrocarbon tests. There are no law emission requirements in Finland.