Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then you will have to use a Defra approved stove. The stoves are available in different designs that will fit your home.
The top air vent has been modified to make it impossible to close it completely. This causes the fire to smoulder and create more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you live in a smoke-control area, you may want to buy a Defra-approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln-dried logs as well as various other fuels, without releasing excessive smoke. The stoves accomplish this by providing the minimum amount combustion air to ensure that fires burn efficiently and to avoid the emission of unnecessary smoke.
The Defra approved logo is a well-known one in the industry of stoves and you’ll often find it in brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘SE,’ which means Smoke Exempt Stove and is used to indicate that the appliance can legally be used in a smoking space when using approved fuels.
Defra approved stoves are designed to meet new Ecodesign emission limits that will been in effect since 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 your chosen stove’s specifications before buying it. Some models will have the Defra exemption label that is a marketing label and not a genuine Defra approval. A recent investigation by CAL highlighted some serious problems with the new Ecodesign limits including insufficient testing, confusion and duplication with existing smoke control regulations, and an inability for manufacturers to effectively inform consumers about this information.
You can buy an non Defra approved stove when you reside in a smoke-free area. However, you will have to purchase a specific fuel kit to be in compliance with the law. Additionally, you’ll need adhere to the rules regarding the fuel types that you can burn.
This is a complicated issue that must be addressed to ensure that clean air is maintained in the UK and to keep its environment healthy. It is recommended 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 compliance with the law while giving you the option of a cleaner and less smoky fireplace. You’ll also save money on 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 control areas without the threat of being fined. They aren’t just good for the environment They also feature clean combustion technology, which is healthier for your health and the environment.
When Defra Recognized Stoves approved stoves are operated 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 sweeps to ensure the flue is functioning properly, can help reduce the levels harmful particulates in your home.
Ultra-fine particulates are the primary pollutant that is released from burning solid fuels such as logs. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to a range of health issues. This includes asthma symptoms as well as a general feeling of being sick.
Ecodesign wood burners are the ideal way to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that gets into your home. These have been independently checked and verified to make sure that they emit less harmful PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.
Defra stoves, as well as wood-burning stoves that comply with the new Ecodesign standards are designed to let as much air as is possible into the fire, so that it doesn’t smoke. This not only cuts the amount of pollution that are released but also improves the efficiency of the appliance so that you enjoy more warmth for your money and save energy.
The DEFRA permitted stoves-approved wood burners that we have in stock are all tested to meet these standards and can be purchased in a standalone stove or as a kit for existing fireplaces. You can then select the best Defra-compliant stove for your home and safeguard your investment in the event that laws change in the near future. Contact our team of experts to learn more about the Defra-approved stoves that we stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced Emissions
Wood-burning stoves are a very popular choice because they provide a warm cheap and eco-friendly way to heat your home. Many people are unaware that even’smokeless ‘ stoves’ emit high levels harmful pollution. The main pollutant emitted by wood-burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which can easily penetrate the human respiratory system. Short-term exposure of PM2.5 is linked to asthma as well as lung infections and cardiovascular problems.
The Defra approved stoves are built for minimal emissions. However the fuel type that is used can significantly impact the amount of pollution produced. For this reason, it is crucial to use dry seasoned, seasoned wood that’s been dried for at two years or more. Aduro is one example. It produces smokeless fuels approved by Defra.
Modern Defra-approved stoves will be designed to meet the new Ecodesign regulations that have stricter manufacturing limitations than before. The new rules say that any stove that is installed 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 place for earlier stoves.
Despite these reductions, domestic wood and coal burning still contributes to around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution according to the Government. The latest figures show that it accounts for less than one quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution which includes road traffic and industrial processes.
It is important to remember that Defra approved stoves will remain a major source of fine particle pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood you burn, and only use fuels with a moisture content under 20%. The fire will burn at a lower temperature which results in more pollution. In addition, it causes the stove glass to blacken more quickly, which results in the faster accumulation of soot inside the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer many environmental benefits, such as clean and efficient combustion and reduced emissions. They also provide potential savings in cost. They are also available in various styles to meet the needs of any home, and have the added advantage that they are a green method of heating, as opposed to fossil fuels like oil or gas.
The term “Defra Approved Stove’ refers the fact that they conform with government legislation regarding use in Smoke Control Areas. They have a modified top air control that blocks the user from closing it all the way and reducing the air flow that could hamper the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoke creating more smoke and emitting more harmful gases into the air.
Stove manufacturers are increasing their use of technology in their products to increase the environmental credentials of their stoves and help them to be compliant with the latest legislation. For example, they are using secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the amount of combustibles part-burned that enter your chimney as black smoke. This will reduce your emissions and carbon footprint.
If you live in a smoke controlled zone, then you need a Defra approved stove is a must if you want to continue to burn wood and other authorised fuels without breaking the law. The stoves have been tested independently and complied with the legislation and will continue to comply with the law as new legislation is put in place.
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 of Less Than 20 percent. This will ensure the burning process is clean, [Redirect-303] resulting in less emissions and a longer lifespan for your chimney and flue system.
If you do not reside in a smoke controlled area then there is no reason to buy a Defra stove, however there are plenty of reasons you should consider one even if you do not reside in a smoke-free area. They look great, are a fantastic source of heat and you’ll be doing your bit for the environment by reducing the impact you have on the environment.