Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then you will need to use an Defra approved stove. These stoves come in various styles that can be suited to your home.
The top air vent has been modified to make it impossible to close it all the way. This will cause the fire to smolder and create more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you live in a smoke control area you may be interested in purchasing a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves have been designed to let you burn kiln dried logs as well as other authorized fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. They accomplish this by supplying the smallest amount of combustion air required to keep your fire burning effectively and avoiding unnecessary smoke emissions.
fireplacesandstove.com will see the Defra logo on a variety of brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It's sometimes referred to as 'SE' which is a reference to Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to indicate that the stove can legally be used in a smoking area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved appliances are built to comply with the new Ecodesign emission standards that went into effect in 2021. These standards are higher than old smoke control laws, however, they are lower than the standards set under the Clean Air Act 2030.
It is essential to verify your chosen stove's specifications before buying it. Some stoves will carry a Defra exemption label that is a marketing mark and not a genuine Defra approval. A recent investigation conducted by CAL identified a number of serious problems with the new Ecodesign limitations, including insufficient testing, confusion, and duplication with existing smoke control regulations and the inability of manufacturers to properly inform consumers about this information.
You can buy an non Defra approved stove for those who live in a smoke-controlled area. However, you'll require a fuel kit to comply with the regulations. Additionally, you'll need adhere to the rules regarding the types of fuel that you can burn.
This is a complicated issue that needs to be addressed in order to ensure that clean air is maintained in the UK and to keep its environment healthy. In the meantime it's best to stick with kiln dried logs and other fuels that are authorised in your defra approved stove as they're less harmful than conventional house coal and sulfurized bituminous coal. This should help to keep your Defra stove in compliance with the law while also allowing you enjoy the benefits of less smoke and a cleaner fire and saving money on your heating expenses.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason to have a DEFRA wood burner is that it allows you to legally burn logs in smoke-free areas without the risk of getting fined. These stoves aren't only green - they also have clean combustion technology which is healthier for your health and the environment.
When stoves that are Defra-approved are used correctly (burning only dry wood that has been seasoned and is 'Ready to burn'), they can reduce pollution by up to a fourth when compared to older appliances and open fires. This, when combined with regular chimney sweepings to ensure the flue is functioning properly, can reduce the levels harmful particulates in your home.
The primary pollutant that is released when burning solid fuels such as logs is ultra-fine particulate matter which can penetrate deep into the lungs and may cause a range of health problems. This includes asthma symptoms as well as a general feeling of being sick.
This type of air pollution can be reduced by using Defra exempt stoves, and only burning dry wood in them However, the most efficient way to cut the amount of PM2.5 in your home is to install an Ecodesign ready wood burner. These wood burners have been tested independently to ensure they produce less harmful PM2.5 when compared to older stoves and open flames.
Defra stoves, and wood burning stoves that are compliant with the new Ecodesign standards are designed to let as much air as possible into the fire so it doesn't become smoky. This reduces the amount pollutants emitted and increases the efficiency of heat, meaning you can get more warmth for less energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners that we have on offer have been tested to meet these standards. They are available either as standalone stoves, or as kits to fit existing fireplaces. You can then pick the most suitable Defra-compliant model for your home, and ensure your investment in the event that laws change in the near future. If you would like to know more about the Defra approved stoves that we the store, contact our team of experts or visit our showrooms today.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves offer an eco-friendly, cozy and economical method of heating your home. However, many don't realize 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 easily absorbed by the human respiratory system. In short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked with a variety of health problems, including asthma, lung infections and heart problems.
Although Defra-approved stoves are made to minimize emissions however, the type of fuel used can make a significant difference to the amount of pollution produced. Therefore, it is important to use dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for at two years or more. Aduro is one example. It produces smokeless fuels that have been approved by Defra.
Modern Defra approved stoves have been designed to meet the new Ecodesign regulations, which establish higher standards for manufacturing than before. According to the new rules the stoves that are installed in a Smoke Control Area is required to release less than 5g of particles per hour. This is significantly lower than the 7.5g/hour limit that was in effect for older stoves.
Despite these reductions, domestic coal and wood burning still accounts for around 17% of UK fine particle pollution according to the Government. The latest figures indicate that it is responsible for less than one quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution, which includes road traffic and industrial processes.
It is vital to know that stoves with Defra approval as well as open fires and solid fuel cookers, will remain the primary source of fine particulate pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood that you burn, and use fuels with an average moisture content of less than 20%. Burning wood that is wet causes the fire to burn at a lower temperature, producing more pollutant. It also causes the glass of the stove to blacken more quickly and leads to a faster buildup of soot inside the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer a wide range of environmental benefits like efficient and clean combustion, reduced emissions, and the potential for cost savings. They are available in a variety of styles that can be a perfect fit for any style of home. They also have the additional benefit of being a green alternative to fossil fuels like gas or oil.
The term "Defra Approved Stoves' refers to the fact that they are in compliance with 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 the door completely and also reducing the air supply that could hamper the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoke creating more smoke and releasing more harmful gases into the air.
Stove manufacturers are increasing their use of technology in their products to improve the environmental credentials of their stoves and help to comply with the latest legislation. For instance they are incorporating secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles that go up your chimney as black smoke. This will reduce your emissions and your carbon footprint.
If you live in a smoke controlled area then a Defra approved stove is a must if you want to continue to burn wood and other authorised fuels without breaking the law. These stoves have been tested by an independent third party and complied with the legislation and will continue to do so until the legislation changes.
A Defra Approved stove can be equipped with a 5" liner when burning authorized fuels. It works best with wood with a moisture content less than 20%. This will ensure a clean burn, resulting in less emissions and a longer life span for your chimney and flue system.
If you don't reside in a smoke-free area, there is no reason to buy a Defra stove, however there are many reasons why you should consider one, even if you don't reside in a smoke-free area. They look beautiful, are a great source of heat, and can reduce your environmental impact.