Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in a smoke control zone, you'll need an approved stove by Defra. These stoves come in a variety of designs that will fit your home.
The top air vent has been altered to make it impossible to close it all the way. This causes the fire to smoulder and generate more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a smoke control area, you may think about purchasing a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln dried logs as well as a variety of other fuels without producing excessive smoke. These stoves do this by providing the minimum amount of combustion air needed to ensure that fires are burning efficiently and to avoid the emission of unnecessary smoke.
The Defra approved logo is a widely recognised one in the stove industry and you will often see it used in brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is also sometimes written as 'SE' which means Smoke Exempt stove and is used to indicate that the stove is legal to use in a smoke control zone when using approved fuels.
Defra approved appliances are built to meet the new Ecodesign emission standards that came into the market in 2021. These standards are higher than older smoke control laws, but less stringent than the standards set by the Clean Air Act 2030.
It is important to check your chosen stove's specifications before buying it. Some will have an Defra exemption label that is a marketing label, and is not a true Defra approval. A recent investigation conducted by CAL highlighted some serious problems with the new Ecodesign limits including inadequate testing, confusion and confusion with existing smoke control regulations, and the inability of manufacturers to properly inform consumers about this information.
Although you can buy a non-Defra approved stove in a smoke-free area, it's worth remembering that you'll have to purchase an exclusive fuel kit to comply with the law. Additionally, try this out need adhere to the rules regarding the types of fuel that you can burn.
This is a complicated issue that needs to be addressed to ensure that we have clean air and keep the UK's 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 less harmful than conventional household coke and sulfurised coal. This will help keep your Defra stove in compliance with the law while also helping you to benefit from a cleaner, less smoky fire and saving money on heating bills.
Clean Combustion
The main reason to own a DEFRA wood burner is the fact that you can legally burn logs in smoke-free areas without the risk of getting fined. They aren't just green They also feature the technology of clean combustion which is healthier for your health and the environment.
When Defra approved stoves are used properly (burning only dry, seasoned and 'Ready to Burn' wood) they can cut pollution by one quarter when compared to open fires and older appliances. This, when combined with regular chimney sweeps to ensure that the flue is operating correctly, can lower the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.
Ultra-fine particulates constitute the principal pollutant released when burning solid fuels, such as logs. These particles can get deep into the lungs, leading to a range of health issues. This includes asthma symptoms, as well as the general feeling that you are not feeling well.
Ecodesign wood burners are the most efficient 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 toxic PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.
In addition, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that comply with the Ecodesign standards are designed to allow as much fresh air into the fire as much as possible, so that they don't smoke or overheat. This reduces not only the amount of pollution that are released but also improves the heat efficiency of the appliance so you can gain more warmth for your money and save energy.
The Defra-approved wood burning stoves we offer are all tested to meet the standards and are available as stoves on their own or as a kit to existing fireplaces. You can then pick the most Defra-compliant stove that is suitable for your home and safeguard your investment should legislation changes in the future. Contact our team of experts to find out more about the stoves that are Defra approved that we carry in stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves are the most natural, comfortable and cost-effective method of heating your home. However, many don't realize that even smokeless stoves produce high levels of harmful pollution. The most significant pollutant released 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 with a variety of health issues, including asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular problems.
Although Defra-approved stoves are made to produce minimal emissions, the kind of fuel used can significantly impact the amount of pollutants produced. It is therefore important to select dry, seasoned wood that has been cured for a minimum of two years. It is also recommended to only burn Defra-approved, smokeless fuels which are manufactured by the likes of Aduro.
Modern Defra approved stoves will be designed to comply with the new Ecodesign regulations, which establish higher standards for manufacturing than prior. The new rules stipulate that any stove installed in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is a lower limit than the 7.5g/hour that was previously in place for older stoves.
According to the UK Government, despite these cuts coal and wood combustion in homes accounts for 17 percent of fine particle pollution in the UK. But the latest figures show that this is less than a quarter of the overall impact of all sources of particle pollution which includes road traffic and industrial processes.
It is crucial to keep in mind that Defra approved stoves will continue to be the main source of fine particle pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood you burn, and utilize fuels with less than 20 percent. The fire will burn at a lower temperature, resulting in more pollutants. Additionally it causes the stove glass to blacken more quickly, which results in an increase in the amount of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer a wide range of environmental benefits like efficient and clean combustion, lower emissions, and the potential for cost savings. They are also available in various styles to meet the needs of any homeowner's needs and have the added advantage that they are a green method of heating, as opposed to fossil fuels like gas or oil.
The term "Defra Approved Stoves' refers the fact that they conform to the laws of the government regarding their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an altered top air control that blocks the user from closing it all the way and reducing the air supply which could hinder the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoke, producing more smoke and emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technologies into their products to improve their eco-credentials and comply with new legislation. They utilize secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles that go through your chimney as black smoke. This helps reduce your carbon footprint and emissions.
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, then it is essential to have a Defra approved stove is a must in order to continue to burn wood and other authorised fuels without breaking the law. These stoves are independently tested to ensure they conform to laws. They will continue to do this as new legislation is introduced.
A Defra Approved stove can be used with 5" liner when burning authorized fuels and will work best using wood that has a moisture content less than 20%. This will ensure the burning process is clean, resulting in lower emissions and a longer lifespan for your chimney and flue system.
If you don't live in a smoke control area then there's no need to purchase a Defra stove, however there are plenty of reasons you may still need one, even if you don't reside in a smoke-free area. They look amazing, are a fantastic source of heat, and you'll be helping the environment by reducing your impact on the air.