Choosing a Defra Woodburner
Anyone living in a smoke control area must use a DEFRA approved stove to ensure they are in compliance with the law. These are stoves which have been independently tested to make sure that they burn smokeless and wood in accordance with the law.
There isn’t much of a difference between a DEFRA-approved stove and one that hasn’t been approved. Modern stoves are able to be modified by the stove manufacturer to become DEFRA stoves cost-approved.
Clean Burn Technology
A stove that is Defra-approved will employ clean burning technology to reduce the amount of waste generated when fuels are burned. In a stove that is fitted with this technology, pre-heated air is supplied to the combustion chamber. this air mixes with the gasses released by the fire, burning hydrocarbons that are not burned, which would normally be emitted straight to the chimney. This decreases the amount of smoke is released from a fireplace and also has a positive impact on asthmatics who suffer from respiratory issues.
This technology is found in many modern wood burners and stoves and this is one of the reasons that they are more eco-friendly than older stoves or open fires. If you live in a smoke-free zone and you want to legally burn logs on a stove that burns wood, you will need an DEFRA exempt appliance that has passed the stringent smoke particle emissions tests to qualify as a “clean burn”.
It is recommended to only burn wood with a low moisture content if you have a DEFRA-approved stove. This will permit you to benefit from the technology that lowers emissions. Ideally it should have been treated for two years to ensure that the wood has been reduced to less than 20 percent moisture. You can test the amount of moisture in your wood with the moisture meter.
Using a Premium DEFRA stoves approved stove that has Clean Burn technology will reduce your energy consumption as well as help ensure that the environment is kept clean. Clean burn technology reduces the amount of smoke particles released, and this can have a positive impact on those suffering with respiratory ailments. It is important to maintain your flue and stove to ensure that it functions optimally and to avoid obstructions.
Clean Burn offers a range of waste oil heaters that can help you reduce your energy costs. There are many boilers and furnaces that can be used to generate heat using your own waste oil. Each model is equipped with Clean Burn’s unique Heat Recovery Technology, which recycles waste oil and transforms it into a renewable energy source. Clean Burn has a vast network of dealers who provide excellent customer service prior to and after the purchase. They also offer a comprehensive warranty that covers the heat exchanger and combustion chamber of their equipment for 10 years or 15,000 hours.
Smoke Exempt Appliances
To be Defra Exempt the stove must pass a rigorous test designed by the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure that it can be used in smoke controlled areas. A stove that is DEFRA accredited stoves exempt is commonly referred to as a DEFRA or SE stove that has passed the tests that allow you to burn wood as well as authorised non-smoking fuels that are manufactured in UK Smoke Control Areas.
If you live in a UK city or a large town which is classified as Smoke Control Area then it is important to have a Defra Exempt Woodburner in order to avoid violating the law and possibly facing a significant fine. This is because you can only legally burn wood-burning stoves using a Smoke Control Approved Appliance and only certain approved fuels (see our Defra List of Authorised Fuels for a complete list).
A Defra-exempted stove can also keep your chimney and flue cleaner longer because it will not release harmful levels of smoke. Even if your home doesn’t live in a smoke control zone or smoke control zone, an Defra approved Stove is still an excellent option. It will be more sustainable and friendly to your neighbors because it will emit less nuisance smoke than a stove that is not Defra approved.
Regular maintenance is the best method to ensure your stove is operating at its best and improves its efficiency in terms of energy. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney on a regular basis. Stoves that are regularly maintained and cleaned are more efficient than those that are not, meaning that you will be saving more money in the long run by having a Defra stove.
When it comes to choosing the right stove, there are many things to think about, from the physical size of the heater to the amount of kW it will bring to your space. It is also important to think about what fuel you will be using and if you’ll need to operate it in a Smoke Control Area.
Eco-Friendly
The latest Ecodesign wood burners are engineered to minimise their impact on the environment. This is done by using third-generation and secondary combustion systems, which reduce harmful particle emissions while saving fuel. They also burn wood at a higher temperature than other stoves. This results in logs being burned more completely and releasing less pollutants. These eco-friendly stoves may also be a lot more efficient than older models, saving you money on your heating bills.
The Ecodesign logo that you see on many of our woodburners signifies that the stove is compliant with the new EU regulations and UK laws on environmental protection. The Ecodesign log burners have been designed to be efficient and have a performance of 70 percent over the course of an entire season. They also have a secondary clean burn system that is controlled by a chrome lever at the stove’s base. This mechanism opens and closes an air vent that draws air from above the fire, reburning any smoke that was originally produced by the fire. This reduces the amount of emissions being released and helps to keep your chimney and flue system in good condition for longer.
We would recommend all of our customers to check out for these Ecodesign stoves when shopping around for the best woodburner. They not only provide energy-efficient, clean combustion and reduced emissions however, they can be more affordable than other models and premium DEFRA stoves are available in a range of styles to match your home’s style.
Defra Approved Stoves
Back in the day there was a time when people could use whatever they wanted to use for their fires. This resulted in massive amounts of smoke being emitted into towns and cities across the nation. The government realized that this was a serious issue and acted. This led to the creation of Smoke Control Areas, which restricts any emission from residential homes unless they are using an approved stove and authorised fuel.
If you reside in a smoke-control zone, you must have a Defra Smoke Exempt woodburner to legally burn wood. You might be fined if violate the law.
Neighbour Friendly
Wood burning stoves are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. This is due to the recent increase in demand from urban areas. It is nevertheless important to be aware of and adhere to the regulations concerning log burners to avoid fines or legal action. The best way to accomplish this is to use a DEFRA approved stove that meets strict emission standards. Fortunately, there are several methods to determine whether the stove is DEFRA approved, such as checking the label or looking at the specifications on the website of the manufacturer.
The DEFRA approval stamp on a stove indicates that the stove has been subjected to rigorous tests and is in compliance with strict emission standards, allowing it to be used in smoke-control areas. The stove also burns less fuel and release less harmful pollutant. It is crucial to look for this feature when looking for a new stove as it will ensure that you get the most of your purchase and that you will be able to use it legally in smoke control areas.
It is important to use only kiln dried or seasoned wood for your stove. Kiln drying lowers moisture levels in the wood, which helps reduce emissions when it is burned. Wood can dry for up to two years naturally. If you’re burning wood in an area where smoke is controlled it is recommended to employ a chimney sweep or use a log storage to dry your wood. When buying wood you should look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn Logo. This indicates that the wood is low in moisture.
Smoke control laws in the UK are designed to limit harmful particulate matter that is generated by coal and wood fires. These tiny particles are extremely harmful to health and could cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Studies have shown that wood-burning stoves account for 23-31% of London’s PM2.5 pollution. It is therefore crucial to follow the rules when purchasing new stoves and to be cautious when using it in smoke-free zones.