New Bans, Prices, and Rules: 2025-26 Wood Heating Season Update

With new regulations, bans on the sale of inefficient stoves, expansion of Smoke Free Areas, and constantly changing prices, the process of heating your home with wood changes in the UK every single year.

A number of changes have now taken effect that will impact wood-burning stove owners across the UK. With the heating season fast approaching, it’s important to understand what’s changed, what remains the same, and how best to prepare. This is especially important if you plan to buy fuel or install new equipment before autumn demand drives up prices.

In this article, Lekto Woodfuels experts will provide you with every change that takes effect in 2025 and 2026, so that you are 100% informed on what has or will change for the upcoming season.

With an 8-hour burn time, Night Briquettes are the UK's most economical and cost-efficient wood heating fuel.

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Regulations Now in Effect

The following new regulations will be effect in the 2025-2026 heating season.

2025 Ban on the Sale of Inefficient Stoves

As of 1 January 2025, it is no longer legal to sell or install non-Ecodesign wood-burning stoves in domestic properties in England and Wales. Any new stove installations must meet the Ecodesign standards, which are designed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions (learn more about Ecodesign here and about clearSkies here). 

Existing stoves can continue to be used, but local authorities have been granted stronger enforcement powers, particularly in urban smoke control areas.

2025 Smoke Control Area Expansion

Smoke Control Areas are also expanding in 2025 and 2026. In cities such as Birmingham, updated Smoke Control Orders now apply to a greater number of residential properties and, in some cases, moored vessels such as canal boats.

These rules are locally enforced and vary by council, so if you're a stove user in affected areas, you should check for updates relevant to your location.

2025 Scotland Reverses Wood Burner Ban in New Homes

In terms of better news for prospective wood stove users, in Scotland, a previous restriction on wood-burning appliances in new homes has been lifted. As of 1 January 2025, new homes and conversions may once again include wood stoves or bioenergy systems. This is provided they meet applicable efficiency and building standards. The reversal was made in response to rural energy needs and long-term energy security planning.

Expert video about Defra's Ready to Burn regulations.

Existing Fuel Standards and Compliance Stay in Force

There are no new national regulations coming into effect this autumn regarding firewood, briquettes, or pellets. The “Ready to Burn” certification scheme remains in force, requiring that wood fuel sold for domestic use has a moisture content of 20% or less and is properly labelled and certified (read our article about the Ready to Burn standard).

For pellet boilers, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) rules continue to require that fuel be sourced from biomass suppliers registered on the official list, and that pellets carry ENplus® A1 certification.

No additional changes to these requirements are planned for the 2025–2026 heating season. If this changes, Lekto Woodfuels will update this article.

Wood Fuel Prices: Seasonality Is Still in Full Force

With it being the summer, many retailers are offering summer discounts with savings for early buyers ahead of expected autumn price increases. For example, we at Lekto are having our Big Summer Sale, with prices that are up to 30% lower than they will be in September.

The reason for this is seasonality. Wood heating fuels are predominantly manufactured in the summer, while supply is highest in the winter. As a result, wood fuel suppliers can offer lower prices in the summer as stock is fresh, not limited, and does not need to be stored for a long time.

Until September 1, the following Lekto Woodfuels products are available at lower prices:

• Night Briquettes (including the 100% plastic-free option)
• Hardwood Heat Logs
• Fire Logs
• Pini Kay Eco Logs
• Nestro Softwood Logs
• Sawdust Briquettes
• Kiln-Dried Birch Logs
• Kiln-Dried Oak Logs
• Kiln-Dried Ash Logs
• Natural Firelighters
• Kiln-Dried Kindling Wood

As with other wood fuels, prices are expected to rise significantly from September onwards as temperatures fall and demand increases.

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2025-2026 UK Wood Heating Checklist: What to Do Now

Here's what you need to know, if you are a wood stove owner in the UK:

1. Check For Smoke Control Area Changes. Live in England or Wales? Check whether local rules have changed in your region, especially if you use a stove and live in a smoke control area.
2. Make Sure Your New Stove Is Ecodesign-Compliant. If you’re planning to install a stove, make sure the model you are looking for is Ecodesign-compliant. New non-Ecodesign stove installations are now banned in England and Wales, so a certified stove installer cannot legally sign off on a stove that is not compliant with the Ecodesign certification. 
3. Purchase Your Wood Fuels Ahead of the Winter Rush. Need wood fuels for the 2025-2026 season? Buy them ahead of the peak season. Until September is ideal, but you can still enjoy good savings until prices peak in December.

But who exactly are we, and why should you trust us? Lekto is the UK's most trusted wood fuel supplier, with over 27,000 positive Trustpilot reviews. Read Everything You Need to Know About Lekto Woodfuels.