A recent survey by Statistics Denmark reveals that one in five Danish homes now have a wood-burning stove, but the total number of stoves has significantly decreased in recent years.

The 2023 survey, based on 19,000 responses, estimates approximately 675,000 wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or similar heating devices across the country. This total breaks down to 538,000 in year-round residences and 137,000 in vacant holiday homes.

This figure represents a drop from 775,000 stoves in 2021 and 888,000 in 2015, indicating a continued downward trend.

According to Statistics Denmark, the decline is attributed to multiple factors including the phase-out of older, less environmentally friendly models, stricter regulations, and a shift towards renewable energy sources. Many homeowners are transitioning from fossil fuels like oil and gas to district heating and heat pumps.

The survey highlights that wood-burning stoves serve as the primary heating source in only 13 percent of homes that have them.

Furthermore, there are considerable differences in wood-burning stove prevalence between municipalities.

Regulations implemented in recent years have contributed to the decline, including an August 2021 mandate requiring the decommissioning or replacement of wood-burning stoves manufactured before 2003 upon property sales.

Additionally, municipalities now have the authority to prohibit the use of stoves older than 2008 in areas with access to district heating or gas. These measures are designed to combat particulate pollution.

The Ministry of Environment identifies wood burning as the largest source of particulate pollution in Denmark, prompting the implementation of stricter emissions standards for new wood-burning stoves in 2008.