Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then you will require a Defra approved stove. They are available in a variety of styles that will fit your home.
They have been modified to prevent you from closing the top air vent all the way, if this is done it causes the fire to smoulder and produces more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a smoke-control zone you might want to purchase a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln dried logs, as well as various other fuels, without releasing excessive smoke. They do this by providing the least amount of combustion air to keep your fire burning efficiently and eliminating unnecessary smoke emissions.
You'll see the Defra logo on many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is also sometimes written with the letter 'SE', which is a reference to a Smoke Exempt stove and is used to signify that the appliance is legal to use in a smoke-control area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved appliances are built to comply with the new Ecodesign emission standards that came into effect in 2021. These standards are higher than the older smoke control laws, but less stringent than the standards established under the Clean Air Act 2030.
It's crucial to verify the specifications of your chosen stove before you buy it as some will have a Defra exempt label that is just a marketing label rather than being a valid Defra approval. A recent investigation by CAL revealed a number of serious issues with the new Ecodesign limits including inadequate testing, confusion and confusion with existing smoke control regulations and an inability for manufacturers to effectively inform consumers about this information.
Although you can buy a non-Defra approved stove in a smoke-free zone It's important to remember that you'll have to purchase an exclusive fuel kit to ensure compliance with the law. In addition, you'll need to abide by the rules regarding the fuel types that you can burn.
This is a complex issue that must be addressed to ensure clean air and ensure that the UK's environment is healthy. It's best to use kiln-dried logs or other approved fuels for your stove until the issue is addressed. They are safer than traditional house coke and sulfurised coal. This will help you keep your Defra approved stove in compliance with law, while also giving you the option of more smoky and cleaner fireplace. You'll also reduce your heating expenses.
Clean Combustion
The main reason to own a DEFRA wood burner is that it allows you to legally burn logs in smoke-free areas without the threat of being fined. But this is not the only reason to consider purchasing one - these stoves also come with eco-friendly technology, which is better for the environment as well as your health.
When stoves that are Defra-approved are used properly, (burning only dry wood that has been seasoned and is ready to burn'), they can reduce pollution by up to 44% in comparison to older appliances and open fires. This, in conjunction with regular chimney sweepings to ensure the flue is functioning correctly, can lower the harmful particles in your home.
The main pollutant emitted during the burning of solid fuels like logs is ultra-fine particulate matter which can penetrate deep into the lungs and can cause a range of health problems. This includes asthma symptoms and a general feeling of being sick.
This type of pollution to the air can be lowered by making use of Defra exempt stoves and burning dry wood, but the most effective method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 in your home is to install an Ecodesign ready wood burner. They have been independently tested and verified to ensure that they release less toxic PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.
Additionally, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that meet 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 reduces the amount of pollutants emitted and increases the efficiency of heat, meaning you get more warmth with less energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners we stock have been tested to meet these standards. They can be purchased as stoves that stand alone, or as kits to fit existing fireplaces. This means that you can select the best Defra compliant stove for your home, and you can also guarantee your purchase should laws change in the 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 popular choice because they are a cozy inexpensive and sustainable method to heat your home. Many people are unaware that even'smokeless stoves' emit a lot of harmful pollutants. The main pollutant emitted by wood burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that is able to easily enter the respiratory system of humans. In short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a range of health problems, including asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular issues.
Although Defra-approved stoves are made to emit minimal emissions, the kind of fuel used can make a significant difference to the amount of pollutants produced. This is why it is crucial to use dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for at least two years. It is also recommended to only use Defra-approved smokeless fuels which are manufactured by the likes of Aduro.
Modern Defra-approved stoves will be designed to conform to 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 lower than the 7.5g/hour limit that was in place for earlier stoves.
Despite these improvements, domestic wood and coal burning still accounts for around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution according to the Government. But the latest figures show that this is less than one quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution which includes road traffic as well as industrial processes.
It is important to remember that Defra approved stoves will continue to be a major source of fine particle pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood that you burn, and utilize fuels with less than 20%. The fire will burn at a lower temperature, resulting in more pollutants. It also causes the glass of the stove to become black more quickly and leads to a faster accumulation of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer a range of environmental benefits, including clean and efficient combustion and reduced emissions. They can also offer potential cost savings. They are also available in various designs to fit the needs of every homeowner's needs and have the added advantage that they are a green method of heating as opposed to fossil fuels, such as oil or gas.
The term 'Defra Approved Stove' is a reference to the fact that they conform with the regulations of the government regarding their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an altered top air control that stops the user from closing the door completely and reducing the air supply that could hamper the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoke creating more smoke and emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to improve their environmental credentials and conform to new legislation. They use secondary and tertiary systems to reduce the amount part-burned combustibles that are emitted up your chimney in black smoke. This reduces your emissions and carbon footprint.
If you live in a smoke controlled area then a Defra approved stove is essential in order to continue to burn wood or other approved fuels without violating the law. The stoves are tested independently to ensure they comply with legislation. Read the Full Article continue to be tested until new legislation is enacted.
A Defra Approved stove can be equipped with a 5" liner when burning authorized fuels and will work best using wood that has a moisture content less than 20%. This will ensure that the burning is clean, resulting in low emissions and a longer life span for your flue and chimney system.
You don't require a Defra for those who are in a non-smoking zone. However there are plenty of reasons to buy one. They're beautiful, offer a great source of heat, and help reduce your impact on the environment.