Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then you will need to use a Defra approved stove. The stoves are available in a variety of styles to suit your home.
The top air vent has been altered to make it impossible to close it all the way. This causes the fire to smoulder, and produce more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you live in a smoke-control area you might want to purchase a Defra-approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln-dried logs and a variety of other fuels without producing excessive smoke. These stoves do this by supplying the minimum amount combustion air to ensure that fires are burning efficiently and avoiding unnecessary emissions.
You'll see the Defra logo on many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It's sometimes referred to as 'SE,' which stands for Smoke Exempt Stove and is used to indicate that the appliance is legal to use in a smoking area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved stoves are built to meet new Ecodesign emission limits that have come into effect as of 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's essential to know the specifications of the stove prior to buying it as some will have the Defra exempt label that is simply an advertising label instead of being a true Defra approval. Recent CAL investigation revealed some serious issues with the new Ecodesign limits, such as inadequate testing and confusion with the existing smoke control regulation. Manufacturers also failed inform consumers.
You can buy an non Defra approved stove for those who reside in a smoke-free area. However, you will require a fuel kit if you want to be in compliance with the law. Additionally, you'll need adhere to the regulations regarding the fuel types that you can burn.
This is a complicated issue that needs to be dealt with to ensure clean air and ensure that the UK's environment is healthy. It is best to use kiln-dried logs or other approved fuels for your stove until the issue is addressed. They are more secure than traditional house coke and sulphurised coal. This will keep your Defra approved stove in line with the law while giving you the opportunity to enjoy a cleaner and less smoky fireplace. You can also save money on your heating expenses.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason to own a DEFRA wood burner is the fact that you can legally burn wood in smoke control areas without the threat of being fined. But this is not the only reason you should consider purchasing one. These stoves also feature clean combustion technology that is better for the environment and your health.
When Defra approved stoves are operated correctly (burning only dry, seasoned and ready to Burn' wood) they can reduce pollution by up to a quarter compared with open fires and older appliances. This, combined with regular chimney sweepings that will ensure the flue is functioning properly, can help reduce the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.
Ultra-fine particulates are the primary pollutant emitted when burning solid fuels, such as logs. These particles can travel deep into the lungs, causing a range of health issues. This includes asthma symptoms, as well as a general feeling that you're not in good health.
Ecodesign wood burners are the ideal method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that enters your home. These wood burners have been tested independently to ensure that they emit less harmful PM2.5 compared to older stoves and open fires.
Defra stoves, as well as wood burning stoves that are compliant with the new Ecodesign standards are designed to let as much air as possible into the fire, so that it doesn't become smoky. This reduces not only the amount of harmful gases that are released but also improves the efficiency of heat produced by the appliance so you can get more warmth for the dollars and save on energy.
The Defra-approved wood burners that we stock have been tested to be compliant with these standards and are available as standalone stoves or as a kit to existing fireplaces. You can then select the best Defra-compliant stove for your home and safeguard your investment should laws change in the near future. Contact our team of experts to learn more about the stoves that are Defra approved that we have in stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves offer a natural, cosy and affordable method to heat your home. However, many do not realise that even smokeless stoves produce high levels of harmful pollution. The main pollutant emitted by wood burning stoves is ultra-fine particles (PM2.5) which can easily penetrate the human respiratory system. Fireplaces And Stove -term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a range of health issues, including asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular problems.
The Defra approved stoves are designed to produce the least amount of emissions. However, the fuel type is likely to have a significant impact on the amount of pollution produced. This is why it is essential to use dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for at least two years. It is also recommended to only use Defra-approved smokeless fuels which are manufactured by companies like Aduro.
Modern Defra approved stoves will be built to comply with the new Ecodesign regulations, which establish higher standards for manufacturing than they did before. The new rules say that any stove used in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is a far lower limit than the 7.5g/hour that was previously in place for older stoves.
According to the UK Government, despite these cuts, wood and coal combustion in homes is still responsible for 17% of fine particle pollution in the UK. The most recent figures however, show that coal and wood burning contributes less than one-quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollutants. This includes road traffic, as well as industrial processes.
It is crucial to remember that stoves with Defra approval as well as open fires and solid fuel cookers, will remain the primary source of fine particulate pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood you burn and make use of fuels that have an average moisture content of less than 20%. The fire will burn at a lower temperature, resulting in more pollutants. It also causes the glass of the stove to become black faster, which causes a faster accumulation of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer many environmental benefits, including clean and efficient combustion, less emissions, and the potential for cost savings. They are also available in a variety of styles to meet the needs of any home and come with the added benefit of being are a sustainable method of heating as opposed to fossil fuels, such as gas or oil.
The term 'Defra Approved Stove' refers the fact that they comply with the regulations of the government regarding their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an altered top air control that blocks the user from closing it all the way and reducing the air flow which would hinder proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoke creating more smoke and releasing more harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Stove manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to increase the eco-credentials of their stoves as well as assist them to be compliant with the new laws. They use secondary and tertiary technology to reduce the amount part-burned combustibles that are emitted up your chimney in black smoke. This helps reduce your emissions and carbon footprint.
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, then it is essential to have a Defra approved stove is essential for those who want to continue to burn wood and authorised fuels without violating the law. The stoves are tested independently to ensure they comply with laws. They will continue to do this until new legislation is enacted.
A Defra Approved Stove can be used with a 5" Liner for burning authorised Fuels. It is best with wood that has a Moisture Content of Less Than 20 percent. This will ensure a clean burn, resulting in less emissions and a longer life for your chimney and flue system.
There is no need for a Defra for those who reside in a smoke-free area. However there are plenty of reasons to get one. They are beautiful, provide an excellent source of heat, and help reduce your impact on the environment.