Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area then you will have to use a Defra approved stove. These stoves come in a variety of styles that can be suited to your home.
They have been altered to stop you from closing the top air vent completely, if this is done it can cause the fire to smolder and produces more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a smoke-free area, you may want to consider buying a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln-dried logs, as well as various other fuels without releasing excessive smoke. These stoves do this by supplying the minimum amount of combustion air to keep fires burning efficiently and avoid unnecessary emissions.
You'll see the Defra logo on a variety of brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is sometimes written as 'SE', which stands for Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to indicate that the stove can be legally used in a smoking area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved appliances are designed to comply with the new Ecodesign emission standards which came into effect in 2021. These standards are higher than old smoke control laws, but lower than the standards set by the Clean Air Act 2030.
As a result, it's essential to know the specifications of your chosen stove prior to buying it because some stoves will carry the Defra exempt label that is simply an advertising label instead of being a true Defra approval. Recent CAL investigation has revealed serious problems with new Ecodesign limitations, including insufficient testing and confusion over the current regulations for smoke control. Manufacturers also failed inform customers.
You can buy a non Defra approved stove for those who reside in a smoke-free area. However, you'll require a fuel kit if you want to comply with the regulations. Also, you'll need to adhere to the guidelines regarding the types of fuel you can use.
This is a complex problem that must be tackled to ensure clean air in the UK and to keep the environment healthy. It is recommended to use kiln dried logs or other approved fuels for your stove until the issue is resolved. They are safer than conventional house coke and sulphurised coal. This should help to keep your Defra stove in compliance with the law while allowing you benefit from an enviro-friendly, less smoky fire and saving money on your heating costs.
Clean Combustion
The main reason to own a DEFRA wood burner is that you can legally burn wood in smoke control areas, without the threat of being fined. But this is not the only reason to think about buying one. These stoves also come with eco-friendly technology, which is better for the environment as well as your health.
If Defra approved stoves are used correctly (burning only dry, seasoned, and 'Ready to Burn wood) they can cut pollution by as much as 25% compared to open fires and older appliances. This, combined with regular chimney sweeps to ensure that the flue is operating properly, can reduce the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.
Ultra-fine particulates are the main pollutant released when burning solid fuels, such as logs. These particles can get deep into the lungs, leading to a variety of health problems. This includes asthma-related symptoms and 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 However, the most efficient method of reducing the amount of PM2.5 in your home is to install an Ecodesign ready wood burner. These wood burners have been independently tested to ensure that they emit less harmful PM2.5 when compared to older stoves and open fires.
Additionally, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that comply with the Ecodesign standards are designed to allow the most fresh air to enter the fire as much as possible, so that they don't smoke or overheat. This doesn't just reduce the amount of harmful gases that are emitted but increases the efficiency of heat produced by the appliance, allowing you to enjoy more warmth for the money and save energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners we carry have been tested to meet these standards. They are available either as standalone stoves, or as kits for existing fireplaces. You can then choose the most Defra-compliant stove that is suitable for your home and safeguard your investment in case laws change in the near future. If you'd like to learn more about the Defra approved stoves we stock, contact our team of experts or visit your local showroom today.
Reduced Emissions
Wood-burning stoves are a very popular choice because they are a cozy, affordable and natural way to heat your home. However, many don't realize 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) that can easily penetrate the respiratory system of a person. The short-term exposure to PM2.5 can cause asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular problems.
The Defra approved stoves are made for minimal emissions. However the type of fuel used can significantly impact the amount of pollution produced. This is why it is important to use dry and seasoned wood that has been dried for at two years or more. Aduro, for example, produces smokeless fuels approved by Defra.
Modern Defra approved stoves will be designed to meet the new Ecodesign regulations, which have set higher standards for manufacturing than before. The new regulations state that any stove installed in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is a lesser 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 domestic homes still accounts for 17 percent of fine particle pollution in the UK. But the latest figures indicate that it is responsible for less than quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution, which includes road traffic as well as industrial processes.
It is important to note that Defra-approved stoves as well as open fires and solid fuel cookers, will continue to be the primary source of fine particulate matter pollution in the UK. The best method to lessen these harmful effects is by reducing the amount of wood you burn, and only using 'Ready to Burn' certified fuels that have an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. Burning wet wood causes the fire to burn at a lower temperature, producing more pollution. In addition, it causes the stove glass to blacken more quickly and results in the faster accumulation of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burners offer an array of environmental benefits such as energy-efficient and clean combustion, reduced emissions, and a potential savings in cost. 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 like gas or oil.
The term 'Defra Approved Stoves' refers the fact they comply with the laws of the government regarding their use in Smoke Control Areas. The stoves come with an air control that has been modified on the top that prevents users from closing the top completely, reducing air supply and hindering proper combustion. This would cause the stoves' smoldering and release more smoke.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating new technologies in their products to increase their environmental credentials and to comply with new legislation. For instance, they are using secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles that go up your chimney as black smoke. Fireplaces And Stove will reduce your emissions and your carbon footprint.
If you live in a smoke-free area, a Defra-approved cooking stove is a necessity if you wish to continue burning wood and other approved 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 comply with the law as future legislation comes in place.
A Defra Approved stove can be used with a 5" liner when burning authorized fuels. It works best with wood with a moisture content less than 20%. This ensures a clean burn, resulting in less emissions and a longer life for your chimney and flue system.
You don't need a Defra for those who live in a non-smoking area. However there are many reasons to purchase one. They are beautiful, provide an excellent source of heat, and reduce your impact on the environment.