Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in a smoke control zone, you'll need an approved stove by Defra. These stoves come in a variety of designs that will fit your home.
They have been altered to stop you from closing the top air vent completely, if this is done it causes the fire to smoulder and creates more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a zone that has smoke control, you may want to purchase a Defra-approved wood burner. These stoves have been made to allow you to burn kiln dried wood logs and other authorized fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. They do this by supplying the minimum amount of combustion air needed to keep fires burning efficiently and avoiding unnecessary emissions.
The Defra approved logo is a widely recognised one in the industry of stoves and you'll often see it used in marketing and brochures for specific models. affordable DEFRA stoves can be written as 'SE,' which is a reference to Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to indicate that the appliance can legally be 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 old smoke control laws but lower than the standards established under the Clean Air Act 2030.
It is crucial to confirm the specifications of the stove you are considering purchasing it. Some stoves will carry an Defra exemption label that is a marketing label and is not a true Defra approval. Recent CAL investigation revealed some serious problems with new Ecodesign limits, including inadequate testing and confusion with existing smoke control regulations. Manufacturers also failed to communicate this information to the consumers.
While you can purchase a stove that isn't approved by the Department of Energy in a smoke controlled area It's important to remember that you'll need to buy an additional fuel kit in order to comply with the law. You'll also need to adhere to the guidelines regarding the types of fuel you can use.
This is a complex issue that needs to be addressed in order to maintain clean air and keep the UK's environment healthy. In the meantime it's a good idea to stick with kiln dried logs and other authorised fuels in your approved defra stove as they're less harmful than conventional house coal and sulphurised bituminous coal. This should help to keep your Defra stove in compliance with the law while also allowing you benefit from less smoke and a cleaner fire and saving money on heating bills.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason you should own the DEFRA is that you can legally burn logs in smoke control zones without risking being fined. However, this isn't the only reason you should consider 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 as much as one quarter when compared to open fires and older appliances. This, when combined with regular chimney sweepings that will ensure that the flue is operating properly, can reduce the levels harmful particulates in your home.
The main pollutant emitted during the burning of solid fuels like logs is ultra-fine particulate matter, that can get into the lungs and can cause a variety of health problems. This includes asthma symptoms as well as an overall feeling of being sick.
This type of pollution to the air can be minimized by using Defra exempt stoves, and only burning dry wood in them However, the most efficient method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 in your home is with an Ecodesign ready wood burner. These wood burners have been tested independently to ensure that they emit less toxic PM2.5 when compared to older open fires and stoves.
Defra stoves, as well as wood burning stoves that meet the Ecodesign standards have been designed to let as much air as is possible into the fire, so that it doesn't smoke. This helps reduce the amount of pollutants released and increases the efficiency of heat so that you can get more warmth for 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 pick the most suitable Defra compliant stove for your home, and you can also proof your purchase should legislation change in the future. Contact our team of experts to learn more about the stoves that are Defra approved that we stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves are a natural, cosy and cost-effective method to heat your home. Many people are unaware that even'smokeless stoves' emit high levels of harmful pollution. The most significant pollutant released by wood burning stoves are ultra-fine particles (PM2.5), that can easily penetrate human respiratory systems. In short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a variety of health problems, including asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular problems.
The Defra approved stoves are made for minimal emissions. However, the fuel type that is used can have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants produced. Therefore, it is crucial to use dry and seasoned wood that has been dried for at least two years. It is also recommended to only burn Defra-approved, smokeless fuels which are manufactured by the likes of Aduro.
Modern Defra approved stoves have been designed to comply with the new Ecodesign regulations, which set stricter manufacturing limits than prior. In accordance with the new regulations, any stove installed within a Smoke Control Area is required to emit less than 5g particles per hour. This is a far smaller amount than the 7.5g/hour that was previously set for older stoves.
According to the UK Government despite these reductions, wood and coal combustion in homes is still responsible for 17% of fine particle pollution in the UK. However, the latest data show that it accounts for less than one quarter of the total impact from all sources of particle pollution which includes road traffic and industrial processes.
It is vital to know that stoves with Defra approval and open fires and solid fuel cookers will remain the main source of fine particulate matter pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood you burn, and utilize fuels with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. The fire will burn at a lower temperature which results in more pollution. In addition it causes the stove glass to turn black more quickly and results in a faster build-up of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer numerous environmental benefits, such as efficient and clean combustion as well as reduced emissions. They can also offer potential savings in cost. They are also available in various designs to fit the needs of every homeowner's needs and have the added benefit that they are a green method of heating as opposed to fossil fuels, such as gas or oil.
The term 'Defra Approved Stove' refers to the fact that they conform with the laws of the government concerning their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an altered top air control that blocks the user from closing the door completely and reducing the air supply which could hinder the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoke, producing more smoke and releasing more harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Stove manufacturers are increasing their use of technology in their products that will improve the environmental credentials of their stoves and assist to comply with new legislation. They utilize secondary and tertiary technology to reduce the amount of combustibles part-burned that are emitted into your chimneys in black smoke. This reduces your carbon footprint and emissions.
If you live in a smoke-controlled area, a Defra-approved cooking stove is required in order to continue using wood and authorised fuels without breaking the law. These stoves have been tested independently and have been deemed to be compliant with the law and will continue to do so as new legislation is put in place.
A Defra Approved stove can be equipped with a 5" liner when burning authorised fuels. It is best with wood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. This will ensure an efficient burn, which results in less emissions and a longer life for your chimney and flue system.
If you don't reside in a smoke-free area, there is no reason to purchase a Defra stove, but there are plenty of reasons you should consider one even if you do not live in a smoke controlled area. They look great and are a great source of heat and you'll be helping the environment by reducing the impact you have on the atmosphere.