Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then you will have to use a Defra approved stove. The stoves are available in a range of styles that will fit your home.
The top air vent has been modified to make it impossible to close it completely. This makes the fire smolder and generate more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a zone that has smoke control, you may want to purchase a Defra-approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to allow you to burn kiln dried wood logs and other authorized fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. They do this by providing the smallest amount of combustion air required to keep your fire burning efficiently and avoiding unnecessary smoke emissions.
The Defra approved logo is a well-known one in the stove industry and you'll often be able to see it on brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is also sometimes written with the letter 'SE', which stands for Smoke Exempt stove and is used to indicate that the appliance can be legally used in a smoke-control area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved stoves are designed to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits that have been in effect since 2021. They are more than the standards established by the old smoke control laws, but less than the standards that will be established under a proposed Clean Air Act in 2030.
As a result, it's important to check the specifications of the stove prior to buying it as some will have an Defra exempt label that is merely a marketing label rather than being a genuine Defra approval. A recent investigation conducted by CAL highlighted some serious problems with the new Ecodesign limitations, including insufficient testing, confusion and duplicated smoke control regulations, and the inability of manufacturers to properly inform consumers about this information.
Although you can buy an unapproved stove that is not in a smoke-free area It's important to remember that you'll need an exclusive fuel kit to be in compliance with the law. You'll also need to adhere to the rules regarding the kinds of fuel you can use.
This is a complex issue that must be addressed to ensure clean air in the UK and to keep the environment healthy. In the meantime, it's a good idea to use kiln dried logs and other authorised fuels in your stove that are defra-approved, as they're safer than conventional house coal and sulphurised bituminous coal. This should help to keep your Defra stove in compliance with the law while helping you benefit from a cleaner, less smoky fire, and saving money on your heating costs.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason you should own DEFRA is that DEFRA is that you can legally burn logs in smoke control zones and not risk the possibility of a fine. These stoves aren't only eco-friendly - they also have the technology of clean combustion which is healthier for your health and the environment.
If Defra approved stoves are used properly (burning only dry, seasoned and ready to Burn' wood) they can reduce pollution by as much as 25% compared to open fires and older appliances. This, combined with regular chimney sweeps to ensure the flue is functioning correctly, can lower the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.
Ultra-fine particulates are the main pollutant that is released from burning solid fuels such as logs. These particles can get deep into the lungs, causing range of health issues. This includes asthma symptoms as well as an overall feeling of being unwell.
This type of air pollution can be reduced by using Defra exempt stoves, and only burning dry wood, but the most effective method of reducing the amount of PM2.5 in your home is to use an Ecodesign ready wood burner. These wood burners have been independently tested to ensure they produce less harmful PM2.5 when compared to older stoves and open fires.
Defra stoves, and wood burning stoves that meet the Ecodesign standards have been designed to let as much fresh air as is possible into the flame so that it doesn't become smoky. This helps reduce the amount of pollutants emitted and increases the efficiency of heat so that you'll get more warmth using less energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners that we carry have been tested to meet these standards. They can be purchased either as standalone stoves or as kits to fit existing fireplaces. This means you can choose the most suitable Defra approved stove for your home and future proof your purchase should legislation change in the future. Contact our team of experts to learn more about the Defra-approved stoves that we carry in stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced recommended DEFRA stoves burning stoves offer a natural, cosy and economical method of heating your home. Many people are unaware 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) which is able to easily enter the respiratory system of a person. A short-term exposure to PM2.5 can cause asthma lung infections, asthma, and cardiovascular problems.
While stoves that are Defra-approved are designed to minimize emissions, the type of fuel used can have a significant impact on the amount of pollution produced. It is therefore important to use dry, seasoned wood that has been cured for a minimum of two years. It is also advisable to only burn Defra-approved smokeless fuels which are manufactured by the likes of Aduro.
Modern stoves that are Defra-approved will be designed to meet the new Ecodesign regulations that have more stringent manufacturing standards than before. In accordance with the new regulations that any stove that is installed within a Smoke Control Area is required to emit less than 5g 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 account for about 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution according to the government. The most recent figures, however, show that wood and coal burning is less than one quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollutants. This includes road traffic as well as industrial processes.
It is crucial to remember that Defra-approved stoves and open fires and solid fuel cookers will continue to be the primary source of fine particulate matter pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood that you burn, and only use fuels with less than 20 percent. Burning wood that is wet causes the fire to burn at less temperature, which results in more pollutants. In addition, it causes the glass of the stove to darken more quickly and results in a faster build-up of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves provide numerous environmental benefits, including energy-efficient and clean combustion, as well as reduced emissions. They also provide potential cost savings. They come in a range of styles that will suit any home. They also offer the added benefit of being a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels like oil or gas.
The term 'Defra Approved Stove' refers to the fact that they conform with the regulations of the government regarding their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an improved top air control that prevents the user from closing it completely and reducing the air flow that could hamper the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smolder, producing more smoke and releasing more harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Stove manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to improve the environmental credentials of their stoves and assist them to be compliant with the new laws. For example they are using secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce the amount of combustibles that are 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 controlled zone, then it is essential to have a Defra approved stove is a must in order to continue to burn wood and authorised fuels without violating the law. The stoves are tested independently to ensure they comply with legislation. They continue to be tested until new legislation is enacted.
A Defra Approved Stove can be used with 5" Liner when burning approved fuels. It's best with wood that has a Moisture Content of Less Than 20 percent. This ensures a clean burn, resulting in less emissions and a longer lifespan for your chimney and flue system.
There is no need for a Defra if you are in a non-smoking zone. However there are many reasons to buy one. They look fantastic, are a fantastic source of heat and you'll be doing your bit for the environment by reducing your impact on the environment.