Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you reside in a smoke control zone, you’ll need an approved stove by Defra. The stoves are available in various styles that will suit your home.
They have been modified to stop you from closing the top air vent all the way when you do this, it causes the fire to smoulder and creates more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a smoke-free 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 of combustion air required to keep your fire burning efficiently and avoid unnecessary smoke emissions.
The Defra approved logo is a well-known one in the stove industry and you’ll see it used in brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It can also be written as ‘SE’ which means Smoke Exempt stove and is used to indicate that the stove can be legally used in a smoke control area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved stoves are built to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits that will come into force as of 2021. They are higher than the limits set by the old smoke control laws, but lower than the standards to be set under a plan for a Clean Air Act in 2030.
It is important to check the specifications of the stove you are considering purchasing it. Some stoves will carry the Defra exemption label that is a marketing label and not a genuine Defra approval. A recent CAL investigation revealed some serious problems with new Ecodesign limits, DEFRA Stoves Ratings including inadequate testing and confusion with the existing regulations for smoke control. Manufacturers also failed to inform consumers.
Although you can buy a non-Defra approved stove in a smoke-free area but it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to buy an exclusive fuel kit to ensure compliance with the law. In addition, you’ll have adhere to the regulations regarding the types of fuel that you can burn.
This is a complex matter 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 solved. They are safer than traditional house coke and sulphurised coal. This will keep your Defra approved stove in line with the law while allowing you to enjoy more smoky and cleaner fireplace. You can also reduce your heating expenses.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason to have the DEFRA wood burner is the fact that you can legally burn wood in smoke-free areas without the risk of getting fined. But this is not the only reason you should consider purchasing one – these stoves also come with clean combustion technology that is more beneficial for the environment and your health.
When Defra-approved stoves are used properly, (burning only dry wood that has been seasoned and is ready to burn’), they can reduce pollution by as much as a fourth when compared to older appliances and open fires. This, in conjunction with regular chimney sweepings that will ensure that the flue is operating properly, can help reduce the harmful particles in your home.
The primary pollutant that is released during the burning of solid fuels like logs is ultra-fine particulate matter which penetrates deep into the lungs and can cause a range of health problems. This includes asthma symptoms and a general feeling of being unwell.
Ecodesign wood burners are the best method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that gets into your home. They have been independently tested and verified to ensure that they emit less toxic PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.
Defra stoves, and wood burning stoves that are compliant with the new Ecodesign standards are designed to let as much air as is possible into the flame so that it doesn’t become smoky. This doesn’t just reduce the amount of pollutants that are emitted but increases the efficiency of heat produced by the appliance so that you get more warmth for your dollars and save on energy.
The Defra-approved wood burners that we offer are all tested to meet these standards and are available in a standalone stove or as a kit for existing fireplaces. You can then pick the most suitable Defra-compliant model for your home and safeguard your investment in the event that legislation changes in the future. Contact our team of experts to find more about the stoves that are DEFRA Stoves Ratings approved that we stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves offer a natural, cosy and affordable way to heat your house. 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 the human respiratory system. Short-term exposure of PM2.5 is associated with asthma lung infections, asthma, and cardiovascular issues.
The Defra approved stoves are made to emit a minimum amount of emissions. However, the fuel type used can significantly impact the amount of pollutants produced. It is therefore essential to use dry, seasoned wood that has been cured for at least two years. It is also advisable to only burn Defra-approved smokeless fuels, which are made by companies like Aduro.
Modern Defra approved stoves be designed to comply with the new Ecodesign regulations, which have set stricter manufacturing limits than before. The new regulations state that any stove used in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is significantly 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. However, the latest data show that it accounts for less than a quarter of the overall impact of all sources of particle pollution, which includes road traffic and industrial processes.
It is vital to remember that DEFRA approved British stoves approved stoves will always be the main source of fine particle pollution in the UK. The best way to reduce the negative effects of these stoves is to limit the amount of wood you burn, and only using Ready to Burn certified fuels that have a moisture content that is less than 20 percent. The fire will burn at a lower heat and will produce more pollutants. It also causes the glass of the stove to darken faster, which causes a faster buildup of soot inside the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer many environmental benefits such as efficient and clean combustion, lower emissions, and a potential savings in cost. They are also available in a variety of styles to suit every home, and have the added benefit that they are a sustainable method of heating as opposed to fossil fuels such as oil or gas.
The term “DEFRA stoves reviews Approved Stoves’ refers the fact that they are in compliance with regulations of the government pertaining to their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have a modified top air control that prevents the user from closing it all the way and reducing the air supply which would hinder proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoulder creating more smoke and emitting more harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology in their products to increase their environmental credentials and conform to new regulations. For example they are using secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the amount of combustibles part-burned that go up your chimney as black smoke and reduce the amount of emissions and carbon footprint.
If you live in a smoke-free zone, a stove that is Defra-approved is a necessity in order to continue burning wood and approved fuels, without breaking the law. The stoves are tested independently to ensure they conform to legislation. They will continue to do this when new legislation is introduced.
A Defra Approved Stove can be used with 5″ Liner when burning authorised fuels. It is best with wood that has a moisture content less than 20 percent. This will ensure a clean burn, resulting in lower emissions and longer life for your chimney and flue system.
If you do not reside in a smoke controlled area, there is no need to purchase a Defra stove, but there are many reasons why you may still need one, even if you don’t live in a smoke controlled area. They look great, are a fantastic source of heat and you’ll be helping the environment by reducing the impact you have on the atmosphere.