Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in a Smoke Control Area then you will require an Defra approved stove. The stoves are available in various styles that can be suited to your home.
They have been modified to prevent you from closing the top air vent completely If you do this, it can cause the fire to smolder and creates more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, you might be interested in purchasing a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves have been designed to allow you to burn kiln dried logs as well as a list of other authorised fuels without producing excessive amounts of smoke. They do this by supplying the least amount of combustion air needed to keep your fire burning efficiently and avoid unnecessary smoke emissions.
You'll see the Defra logo on a variety of brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is sometimes also written as 'SE' which is a reference to a Smoke Exempt stove and is used to indicate that the stove is able to be legally used in a smoke control zone when using approved fuels.
Defra approved appliances are built to comply with the new Ecodesign emission standards that went into effect in 2021. These standards are higher than the old smoke control laws however, they are lower than the standards set under the Clean Air Act 2030.
It is crucial to confirm the specifications of your stove prior to purchasing it. Some stoves will carry an Defra exemption label, which is a marketing mark and not a real Defra approval. A recent study by CAL highlighted some serious problems with the new Ecodesign limits including insufficient testing, confusion, and confusion with existing regulations on smoke control and an inability for manufacturers to effectively communicate this information to consumers.
You can purchase a non Defra approved stove when you reside in a smoke-free area. However, you'll have to purchase a specific fuel kit if you want to comply with the laws. Also, you'll need to adhere to the rules regarding the kinds of fuel you can use.
This is a complicated issue that needs to be dealt with to ensure that we have clean air and keep the UK's environment healthy. In the meantime it's best to stick with kiln dried logs as well as other approved fuels in your stove that are defra-approved as they're less harmful than conventional house coal and sulfurised bituminous coal. This will help keep your Defra stove in line with the law, while helping you to benefit from a cleaner, less smoky fire and saving money on your heating costs.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason to have the DEFRA wood burner is the fact that you can legally burn logs in smoke control areas, without the risk of getting fined. But this is not the only reason to think about purchasing one. These stoves also have clean combustion technology that is better for the environment as well as your health.
When Defra approved stoves are used correctly (burning only dry, seasoned and ready to Burn' wood) they can cut pollution by up to a quarter compared with open fires and older appliances. This, in conjunction with regular chimney sweepings that will ensure the flue is functioning properly, can help reduce the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.
The most significant pollutant released when burning solid fuels such as logs is ultra-fine particulate matter which penetrates deep into the lungs and may cause a range of health issues. This includes asthma symptoms, as well as the general feeling that you are not feeling well.
Ecodesign wood burners are the most efficient method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that gets into your home. These wood burners have been tested by an independent lab to ensure that they emit less harmful PM2.5 compared to older open fires and stoves.
Additionally, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves which meet the Ecodesign standards are designed to allow the most fresh air to enter the fire as possible so they don't smoke or overheat. This helps reduce the amount of pollution that is released and improves the efficiency of heat, meaning you'll get more warmth using less energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners that we stock have been tested to meet these standards. They can be purchased either as standalone stoves, or as kits for fireplaces already in use. This means you can choose the best Defra compatible stove for your home and also guarantee your purchase should laws change in the future. If you'd like to learn more about the Defra approved stoves that we stock, please contact our team of experts or visit your local showroom today.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves are a popular choice as they offer a cosy inexpensive and sustainable method to heat your home. Many people are unaware that even'smokeless stoves' emit high levels of harmful pollution. The primary pollutant released by wood burning stoves is ultra-fine particles (PM2.5), that can easily penetrate human respiratory systems. A short-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with asthma lung infections, asthma, and cardiovascular issues.
While Defra-approved stoves are designed to emit minimal emissions however, the kind of fuel used can have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants released. For this reason, it is important to use dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for at two years or more. It is also recommended to only burn Defra-approved, smokeless fuels that are produced by the likes of Aduro.
Modern Defra approved stoves will be designed to comply with the new Ecodesign regulations, which establish higher standards for manufacturing than prior. As per the new regulations the stoves that are installed in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is a far smaller amount than the 7.5g/hour that was previously used for older stoves.
Despite these decreases, domestic wood and coal burning still contributes to around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution, according to the Government. The most recent data however, show that coal and wood burning is less than one-quarter of the total impact of particles from all sources. This includes roads and industrial processes.
It is vital to remember that Defra approved stoves will remain a major source of fine particle pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood that you burn, and use fuels with an average moisture content of less than 20%. Burning wood that is wet causes the fire to burn at less temperature, which results in more pollutants. Additionally it causes the stove glass to turn black faster and leads to a faster build-up of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves provide numerous environmental benefits, such as efficient and clean combustion as well as reduced emissions. They also offer potential cost savings. They are also available in various designs to fit the needs of every homeowner's needs and have the added advantage that they are a sustainable form of heating as opposed to fossil fuels, such as oil or gas.
The term 'Defra Approved Stove' is a reference to the fact that they comply with government legislation regarding use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an altered top air control that blocks the user from closing it completely and reducing the air flow which could hinder the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoulder, producing more smoke and releasing more harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Stove manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to increase the environmental credentials of their stoves and help them comply with the latest legislation. They utilize secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce the amount of combustibles part-burned that are emitted up your chimney in black smoke. This helps reduce your carbon footprint and emissions.
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, then a Defra approved stove is essential if you want to continue to burn wood and other authorised fuels without violating the law. The stoves have been tested by an independent third party and are compliant with the law and will continue to do so until new legislation is put in place.
A Defra Approved Stove can be used with a 5" Liner when burning authorised Fuels. find more info is best with wood that has a Moisture Content of less than 20 percent. This will ensure that the burn is clean, resulting in low emissions and a longer time span for your flue as well as chimney system.
There is no need for a Defra If you live in a non-smoking area. However there are plenty of reasons to buy one. They are beautiful, provide an excellent source of heat, and reduce your impact on the environment.