Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then you will need to use an Defra approved stove. They are available in a range of styles that will fit your home.
The top air vent has been modified so that you can't close it completely. This will cause the fire to smolder, and produce more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you live in a smoke control area you may be interested in purchasing a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves were made to allow you to burn kiln dried logs as well as other approved fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. They do this by providing the minimum amount combustion air to ensure that fires are burning efficiently and avoid unnecessary emissions.
You'll see the Defra logo in many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It can also be written as 'SE' which stands for Smoke Exempt stove and is used to indicate that the stove is legal to use in a smoke control area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved appliances are built to meet the new Ecodesign emission standards that came into the market in 2021. They are higher than the limits established by the old smoke control laws, but less than the standards to be established under a proposed Clean Air Act in 2030.
It is important to check your chosen stove's specifications before buying it. Some stoves will carry the Defra exemption label that is a marketing label and is not a true Defra approval. A recent study by CAL identified a number of serious problems with the new Ecodesign limits including insufficient testing, confusion, and duplicated smoke control regulations and an inability for manufacturers to effectively communicate this information to consumers.
You can purchase a non Defra approved stove for those who live in a smoke-controlled area. However, you will require a fuel kit to comply with the laws. You'll also have to follow the rules about the types of fuel you can use.
This is a complex issue that needs to be addressed 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 defra stove until the issue is resolved. They are more secure than conventional house coke and sulfurised coal. This will keep your Defra approved stove in line with the law while giving you the option of an easier to clean and less smokey fireplace. It also helps you reduce your heating costs.
DEFRA stoves ratings to have the DEFRA wood burner is that it allows you to legally burn logs in smoke control areas without the risk of getting fined. However, this isn't the only reason you should consider buying one. These stoves also come with green combustion technology that is more beneficial for the environment and your health.
If Defra-approved stoves are operated properly, (burning only dry wood that has been seasoned and is 'Ready to burn'), they can reduce pollution by up to four percent when compared to older appliances and open fires. When combined with regular chimney sweeps, which can also make sure that the flue is operating correctly, this can dramatically reduce the amount of harmful particulate matter within your home.
Ultra-fine particulates constitute the principal pollutant emitted when burning solid fuels, such as logs. These particles can travel deep into the lungs, leading to a variety of health problems. This includes asthma-related symptoms as well as the general feeling that you are not feeling well.
Ecodesign wood burners are the ideal method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that gets into your home. These wood burners have been tested independently to ensure that they emit less harmful PM2.5 than older stoves and open fires.
Defra stoves and wood-burning stoves that comply with the Ecodesign standards have been designed to let as much air as possible into the flame so that it doesn't become smoky. This doesn't just reduce the amount of harmful gases that are released but also improves the efficiency of heat produced by the appliance, allowing you to gain more warmth for your money and also save energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners we have on offer have been tested to meet these standards. They can be purchased either as standalone stoves or as kits 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 find out more about the Defra approved stoves we have in the store, contact our team of experts or visit your local showroom today.
Reduced Emissions
Wood-burning stoves provide the most natural, comfortable and economical way to heat your house. Many people are unaware that even'smokeless ' stoves' emit a lot of harmful pollutants. The primary pollutant produced by wood burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which is easily absorbed by the respiratory system of humans. In short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a variety of health problems, including asthma, lung infections and heart problems.
The Defra approved stoves are built for minimal emissions. However the fuel type used can have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants produced. Therefore, it is important to use dry seasoned, seasoned wood that's been dried for at two years or more. It is also recommended to only burn Defra-approved, smokeless fuels, which are made by the likes of Aduro.
Modern Defra approved stoves will have been designed to comply with the new Ecodesign regulations, which establish stricter manufacturing limits than before. In accordance with the new regulations the stoves that are installed in a Smoke Control Area is required to emit less than 5g particles per hour. This is considerably less than the 7.5g/hour limit that was in effect for older stoves.
Despite these decreases however, domestic coal and wood burning still contributes to around 17% of UK fine particle pollution, according to the Government. The most recent data however, show that coal and wood burning accounts for less than a quarter of the total impact of particles from all sources. This includes road traffic as well as industrial processes.
It is vital to know that stoves with Defra approval as well as open fires and solid fuel cookers will continue to be the primary source of fine particulate pollution in the UK. The best way to minimize the negative effects of these stoves is by reducing the amount of wood you burn, and only using Ready to Burn certified 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 blacken faster and leads to a faster build-up of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood-burning stoves offer many environmental benefits, including efficient and clean combustion as well as reduced emissions. They can also offer the possibility of cost savings. They come in a range of styles that will suit any home. They also have the additional benefit of being a green alternative to fossil fuels like oil or gas.
The term 'Defra Approved Stove' refers to the fact that they are in compliance 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 the door completely and reducing the air supply which could hinder the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smolder, producing more smoke and emitting more harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to enhance their environmental credentials and to comply with new legislation. They use 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-free area, a Defra-approved stove is a necessity in order to continue burning wood and approved fuels, and not in violation of the law. The stoves are tested independently to ensure they conform to laws. They will continue to do this until new legislation is enacted.
A Defra Approved Stove can be used with a 5" Liner when burning approved fuels. It is best with Wood that has a Moisture Content less than 20%. This ensures the burning process is clean, resulting in less emissions and a longer life span for your chimney and flue system.
You don't need a Defra If you live in a non-smoking area. However there are many reasons to buy one. They look great, are a fantastic source of heat, and you will be helping the environment by reducing the impact you have on the air.