Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in a smoke control area, you'll require a Defra-approved stove. These stoves are available in a range of styles that will fit your home.
They have been modified to prevent you from closing the top air vent all the way when you do this, it can cause the fire to smolder and produces more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a smoke-control zone it is possible to buy a Defra-approved wood burner. These stoves have been made to allow you to burn kiln dried wood logs and a list of other authorised fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. They do this by supplying the smallest amount of combustion air required to keep your fire burning effectively and avoiding unnecessary smoke emissions.
The Defra approved logo is a well-known one within the stove industry and you will often find it in brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It can also be written as 'SE' which is a reference to a Smoke Exempt stove and is used to indicate that the stove is legal to use in a smoke-control area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved appliances are made to comply with the new Ecodesign emission standards which came into the market in 2021. They are more than the standards established by the old smoke control laws, but less than the standards that will be set under a plan for a Clean Air Act in 2030.
It is important to check the specifications of your stove prior to purchasing it. Some will have the Defra exemption label, which is a marketing label, and is not a true Defra approval. A recent investigation conducted by CAL revealed a number of serious issues with the new Ecodesign limits including inadequate testing, confusion and duplication with existing regulations on smoke control and the inability of manufacturers to effectively inform consumers about this information.
While you can purchase a stove that isn't approved by the Department of Energy in a smoke controlled area, it's worth remembering that you'll need to buy an exclusive fuel kit to ensure compliance with the law. In addition, you'll have adhere to the rules regarding the kinds of fuel that you can burn.
This is a complicated issue that must be addressed to ensure clean air in the UK and to keep the environment healthy. It's best to use kiln-dried logs or other approved fuels for your stove until the issue is resolved. They are less harmful than conventional house coke and sulfurised coal. This will allow you to keep your Defra approved stove in line with the law, while allowing you to enjoy a cleaner and less smoky fireplace. You can also reduce your heating expenses.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason to have a DEFRA wood burner is the fact that you can legally burn logs in smoke-free areas without the threat of being fined. But this is not the only reason you should consider buying one. These stoves also feature green combustion technology that is better for the environment as well as your health.
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 44% in comparison to older appliances and open fires. This, combined with regular chimney sweepings to ensure that the flue is operating properly, can help reduce the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.
The primary pollutant that is released when burning solid fuels such as logs is ultra-fine particulate matter that can get into the lungs and may cause a variety of health problems. This includes asthma symptoms as well as an overall feeling of being unwell.
Ecodesign wood burners are the ideal method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that gets into your home. These wood burners have been tested by an independent lab to ensure they produce less toxic PM2.5 than older stoves and open fires.
Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that are compliant with the new Ecodesign standards are designed to let as much fresh air as possible into the flame so that it doesn't smoke. This reduces the amount of pollution that is released and improves 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 ensure they meet these standards. They are available as stoves that stand alone, or as kits to fit existing fireplaces. This means you can choose the best Defra compatible stove for your home and also guarantee your purchase should laws change in the near future. Contact our team of experts to learn more about the stoves that are Defra approved that we carry in stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves offer the most natural, comfortable and cost-effective way to heat your house. However, many don't realize that even smokeless stoves produce significant 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 human respiratory system. In short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a range of health issues including asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular issues.
The Defra approved stoves are built for minimal emissions. However, the fuel type used can significantly impact the amount of pollution produced. It is therefore important to select dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for a minimum of two years. It is also recommended to only burn Defra-approved, smokeless fuels, which are made by the likes of Aduro.
Modern stoves that are Defra-approved will be constructed to conform to new Ecodesign regulations that set more stringent manufacturing standards than before. In accordance with the new regulations, any stove installed within a Smoke Control Area is required to emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is considerably less than the 7.5g/hour limit that was in place for older stoves.
Despite these decreases, domestic coal and wood burning still accounts for around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution according to the Government. The most recent data however, reveal that wood and coal burning contributes less than one-quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution. This includes road traffic as well as industrial processes.
It is vital to remember that Defra approved stoves will continue to be an important source of fine particle pollution in the UK. The best way to reduce the negative effects of these stoves is to limit the amount of wood you burn, and only using 'Ready to Burn' certified fuels with a moisture content below 20%. The fire will burn at a lower heat which results in more pollution. The glass of the stove to blacken faster, which causes a faster accumulation of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer a wide range of environmental benefits such as energy-efficient and clean combustion, reduced emissions and potential cost savings. They are also available in various styles to suit every home and come with the added benefit of being are a green method of heating, as opposed to fossil fuels like oil or gas.
fireplacesandstove.com Approved Stove' is a reference to the fact that they comply with the laws of the government concerning their use in Smoke Control Areas. The stoves have a modified air control on the top that prevents users from closing the top completely which reduces air flow and hindering proper combustion. This can cause the stoves to smoulder and release more smoke.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to enhance their eco-credentials and comply with new laws. For instance, they are using secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce the amount of combustibles part-burned that are emitted up your chimney as black smoke. They also reduce your emissions and carbon footprint.
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, then you need 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 comply with legislation. They continue to comply with this when new legislation is introduced.
A Defra Approved Stove can be used with 5" Liner for burning authorised Fuels. It is best with Wood that has a moisture content less than 20 percent. This will ensure that the combustion is clean, resulting in less emissions and a greater lifespan for your flue and chimney system.
If you do not reside in a smoke controlled area, there's no need to buy a Defra stove, but there are many reasons why you might still want one even if you do not reside in a smoke-free area. They are beautiful, provide an excellent source of heat, and help reduce your impact on the environment.