Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in a smoke control zone, you'll need a Defra-approved stove. The stoves are available in different designs that will fit your home.
They have been modified to prevent you from closing the top air vent completely If you do this, it will cause the fire to smoke and creates more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you live in a smoke control area you may want to consider buying a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to let you burn kiln dried logs and a list of other authorised fuels without producing excessive amounts of smoke. They do this by providing the minimum amount of combustion air required to keep your fire burning efficiently and avoid unnecessary smoke emissions.
The Defra approved logo is a widely recognised one in the stove industry and you'll see it used in marketing and brochures for specific models. It's sometimes referred to as 'SE', which means Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to indicate that the appliance can be legally used in a smoking space when using approved fuels.
Defra approved appliances are made to comply with the new Ecodesign emission standards that went into the market in 2021. These standards are higher than the older smoke control laws, but less stringent than the standards established under the Clean Air Act 2030.
It is important to check your chosen stove's specifications before buying it. Some stoves will carry an Defra exemption label that is a marketing label, and not a real Defra approval. Recent CAL investigation revealed some serious issues with the new Ecodesign limitations, including insufficient testing and confusion over the current smoke control regulation. Manufacturers also failed provide this information to consumers.
Although you can buy a stove that isn't approved by the Department of Energy in a smoke-free area It's important to remember that you'll have to purchase an additional fuel kit in order to ensure compliance with the law. Also, you'll need to adhere to the rules about the types of fuel you can use.
This is a complex matter that needs to be dealt with to ensure clean air and keep the UK's environment healthy. It's best to use kiln-dried logs or other approved fuels for your stove until the issue is solved. They are more secure than traditional house coke and sulfurised coal. This will help keep your Defra stove in line with the law, while allowing you benefit from an enviro-friendly, less smoky fire, and saving money on your heating expenses.
Clean Combustion
The main reason for owning DEFRA is that DEFRA is that you can legally burn logs in smoke control zones and not risk a fine. These stoves are not just eco-friendly They also feature the technology of clean combustion, which is healthier for you and the environment.
When Defra approved stoves are operated correctly (burning only dry, seasoned and ready to Burn wood) they can reduce pollution by up to one quarter when compared to open fires and older appliances. This, when combined with regular chimney sweepings that will ensure the flue is functioning properly, can help reduce the levels harmful particulates in your home.
The main pollutant emitted when burning solid fuels like logs is ultra-fine particulate matter that can get into the lungs and may cause a range of health issues. This includes asthma symptoms and an overall feeling of being unwell.
Ecodesign wood burners are the most efficient method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that enters your home. These have been independently tested and verified to ensure that they produce far less harmful PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.
Additionally, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that comply with the new Ecodesign requirements are designed to let the most fresh air to enter the fire as is possible to ensure they don't smoke or overheat. This reduces the amount of pollutants emitted and increases the efficiency of heat so that you get more warmth with less energy.
The Defra-approved wood burners we stock have been tested to meet the standards and are available as standalone stoves or as a kit for existing fireplaces. You can then pick the most suitable Defra-compliant model for your home, and ensure your investment in the event that laws change in the near future. If you'd like to know more about the Defra approved stoves we have in stock, please contact our team of experts or visit your local showroom today.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves are a very popular choice as they offer a cosy cheap and eco-friendly way to heat your home. Many people are unaware that even'smokeless stoves' emit high levels of harmful pollution. The primary pollutant produced by wood burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which is easily absorbed by the respiratory system of a person. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a range of health issues, including asthma, lung infections and heart problems.
While stoves that are Defra-approved are designed to emit minimal emissions However, the kind of fuel used can have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants produced. It is therefore crucial to use dry, seasoned wood that has been curing for at least two-years. Aduro, for example, produces smokeless fuels approved by Defra.
Modern Defra approved stoves will be designed to comply with the new Ecodesign regulations, which have set more stringent manufacturing standards than they did before. In accordance with the new regulations, any stove installed within a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is considerably less than the 7.5g/hour limit that was in place for older stoves.
Despite these decreases, domestic coal and wood burning still account for about 17% of UK fine particle pollution according to the government. The most recent figures however, reveal that coal and wood burning is less than one quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollutants. This includes roads and industrial processes.
It is important to note that stoves with Defra approval and open fires and solid fuel cookers will remain the primary source of fine particulate matter pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood that you burn, and utilize fuels with a moisture content under 20%. Burning wet wood causes the fire to burn at less temperature, which results in more pollution. In addition it causes the glass of the stove to darken more quickly, which results in an increase in the amount of soot within the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer many environmental benefits such as efficient and clean combustion, lower emissions and potential cost savings. They are also available in a variety of styles to suit every home and come with the added advantage that they are a sustainable method of heating as opposed to fossil fuels like oil or gas.
The term "Defra Approved Stoves' is a reference to the fact that they are in compliance with the laws of the government regarding their use in Smoke Control Areas. DEFRA approved wood burning stoves come with an altered air control on the top that prevents users from closing the top all the way to reduce air supply and hindering proper combustion. This could cause the stoves to smoke and produce more smoke.
Stove manufacturers are increasing their use of technology in their products that will improve the environmental credentials of their stoves as well as assist them comply with new legislation. They utilize secondary and tertiary technology to reduce the amount part-burned combustibles which go into your chimneys in black smoke. This reduces your emissions and carbon footprint.
If you live in a smoke-free area, a Defra-approved stove is a necessity in order to continue burning wood and authorised fuels while not breaking the law. The stoves are tested independently to ensure they conform to laws. They will continue to do this when new legislation is introduced.
A Defra Approved stove can be equipped with 5" liner when burning authorised fuels and will work best using wood that has an average moisture content of less than 20%. This will ensure an efficient burn, which results in lower emissions and longer life span for your chimney and flue system.
You don't require a Defra for those who live in a non-smoking area. However there are many reasons to get one. They look amazing, are a fantastic source of heat, and you will be helping the environment by reducing the impact you have on the air.