Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then you will require an Defra approved stove. They are available in various 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 produce more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a smoke control area you may be interested in purchasing a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to let you burn kiln dried logs as well as other approved fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. These stoves do this by supplying the smallest amount of combustion air needed to ensure that fires burn efficiently and to avoid the emission of unnecessary smoke.
You will see the Defra logo in many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It's sometimes referred to as 'SE', which means Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to indicate that the stove can be legally used in a smoking area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved stoves are built to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits which will come into effect as of 2021. They are higher than the limits set by the previous 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 crucial to verify the specifications of your chosen stove prior to buying it as some will have an Defra exempt label that is merely an advertising label instead of being a genuine Defra approval. A recent study by CAL revealed a number of serious issues with the new Ecodesign limits including insufficient testing, confusion, and confusion with existing smoke control regulations, and an inability for manufacturers to effectively inform consumers about this information.
You can purchase an non Defra approved stove when you reside in a smoking-free zone. However, you'll have to purchase a specific fuel kit if you want to comply with the regulations. You'll also have to follow the rules regarding the kinds of fuel you can use.
This is a complicated issue that needs to be addressed in order to ensure clean air in the UK and to keep its environment healthy. In the meantime, it's a good idea to use kiln dried logs and other authorised fuels in your defra approved stove because they're more safe than conventional household coal and sulfurized bituminous coal. This will keep your Defra approved stove in compliance with the law while giving you the option of a cleaner and less smoky fireplace. You can also save money on your heating expenses.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason you should own the DEFRA is that you can legally burn logs in smoke control zones without risking being fined. They aren't just good for the environment - they also have clean combustion technology that is healthier for your health as well as the environment.
When Defra approved stoves are operated correctly (burning only dry, seasoned and 'Ready to Burn' wood) they can reduce pollution by as much as a quarter compared with open fires and older appliances. Combined with regular chimney sweeps, which can also make sure that the flue is operating properly, this will significantly reduce the levels of harmful particulate matter that can be found in your home.
The most significant pollutant released when burning solid fuels such as logs is ultra-fine particulate matter which penetrates deep into the lungs, and could cause a range of health problems. This includes asthma-related symptoms as well as the general feeling that you are not feeling well.
This kind of air pollution can be reduced by making use of Defra exempt stoves and only burning dry wood However, the most efficient method of reducing the amount of PM2.5 in your home is to install an Ecodesign ready wood burner. These wood burners have been tested by an independent lab to ensure that they emit less harmful PM2.5 when compared to older open fires and stoves.
Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that are compliant with the Ecodesign standards have been designed to let as much fresh air as possible into the fire so it doesn't get smoky. This reduces not only the amount of pollution released, but also increases the heat efficiency of the appliance, allowing you to gain more warmth for your money and also save energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners we carry have been tested to ensure they meet these standards. They are available either as standalone stoves or as kits for fireplaces already in use. This means you can pick the most suitable Defra approved stove for your home and also guarantee your purchase should laws change in the near future. If you'd like to learn more about the Defra approved stoves we the store, contact our team of experts or visit your local showroom today.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves are a popular choice as they offer a cosy inexpensive and sustainable method to heat your home. However, many do not realise that even 'smokeless' stoves emit large amounts of harmful pollutants. The main pollutant released by wood burning stoves are ultra-fine particles (PM2.5), that can easily penetrate the human respiratory system. Short-term exposure of PM2.5 is linked to asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular issues.
The Defra approved stoves are made to emit a minimum amount of emissions. However, the fuel type is likely to have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants produced. It is therefore crucial to select dry, seasoned wood that has been cured for a minimum of two years. Aduro for instance, produces smokeless fuels that have been approved by Defra.
Modern stoves that are Defra-approved will be constructed to conform to new Ecodesign regulations that impose higher standards for manufacturing than prior. The new rules say that any stove 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 older stoves.
Despite these reductions however, domestic coal and wood burning still contributes to around 17% of UK fine particle pollution according to the government. The most recent figures however, show that coal and wood burning accounts for less than a quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollutants. This includes road traffic as well as industrial processes.
It is vital to remember that Defra approved stoves will always be an important source of fine particle pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood that you burn, and only utilize fuels with an average moisture content of less than 20%. Burning try this out causes the fire to burn at lower temperatures, resulting in more pollutants. In addition it causes the stove glass to turn black more quickly and results in an increase in the amount of soot inside the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burners provide many environmental benefits, including energy-efficient and clean combustion, less emissions and potential cost savings. They are also available in a variety of styles to meet the needs of any home and come with the added benefit of being are a sustainable form of heating as opposed to fossil fuels such as oil or gas.
The term "Defra Approved Stove' refers to the fact that they are in compliance with the laws of the government concerning their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an altered top air control that prevents 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, producing more smoke and emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Stove manufacturers are increasing their use of technology in their products that will improve the eco-credentials of their stoves as well as assist them to be compliant with the new laws. They use secondary and tertiary systems to reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles that go into your chimneys in black smoke. This will reduce the carbon footprint and emissions.
If you live in a smoke controlled area then you need a Defra approved stove is required if you want to continue to burn wood or other approved fuels without breaking the law. These stoves have been tested independently and are compliant with the law and will continue to comply with the law as the legislation changes.
A Defra Approved Stove can be used with a 5" Liner when burning authorised Fuels. It's best with Wood that has a moisture content less than 20 percent. This will ensure that the burning is clean, leading to low emissions and a longer time span for your flue as well as chimney system.
You don't require a Defra If you are in a non-smoking zone. However there are plenty of reasons to purchase one. They look great, are a fantastic source of heat, and you will be doing your bit for the environment by reducing your impact on the air.