Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in a Smoke Control Area then you will need to use an Defra approved stove. The stoves are available in a range of styles to suit your home.
The top air vent has been modified to make it impossible to close it all the way. This makes the fire smolder, and produce more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, you might want to consider buying a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves were made to allow you to burn kiln dried logs as well as a list of other authorised fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. These stoves do this by supplying the minimum amount of combustion air to ensure that fires burn efficiently and avoiding unnecessary emissions.
You will see the Defra logo on a variety of brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It can also be written with the letter 'SE', which is a reference to a Smoke Exempt stove and signifies that the appliance can be legally used in a smoke-control area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved stoves are built to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits which will come into force as of 2021. They are higher than the limits set by the old smoke control laws, but less than the standards to be established under a proposed Clean Air Act in 2030.
It is essential to verify your chosen stove's specifications before purchasing it. Some will have an Defra exemption label, which is a marketing label and not a real Defra approval. A recent investigation conducted by CAL revealed a number of serious issues with the new Ecodesign limits, such as insufficient testing, confusion, and duplicated smoke control regulations, and the inability of manufacturers to properly communicate this information to consumers.
Although you can buy an unapproved stove that is not in a smoke controlled area but it's important to keep in mind that you'll have to purchase a special fuel kit to be in compliance with the law. Also, you'll need to adhere to the rules about the types of fuel you can use.
This is a complicated issue that must be tackled to ensure that clean air is maintained in the UK and to keep the environment healthy. In the meantime it's a good idea to use kiln dried logs and other authorised fuels in your approved defra stove as they're less harmful than conventional household coal and sulfurised bituminous coal. This will help you keep your Defra approved stove in compliance with the law while allowing you to enjoy more smoky and cleaner fireplace. You can also reduce your heating bills.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason to own the DEFRA wood burner is the fact that you can legally burn logs in smoke-free areas without the risk of being fined. These stoves are not just eco-friendly They also feature green combustion technology which is better 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 four percent when compared to older appliances and open fires. This, when combined with regular chimney sweepings that will ensure the flue is functioning properly, can help reduce the levels harmful particulates in your home.
Ultra-fine particulates are the primary pollutant emitted when burning solid fuels such as logs. DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves can travel deep into the lungs, leading to a range of health issues. This includes asthma symptoms as well as an overall feeling that you are not in good health.
This type of air pollution can be reduced by using Defra exempt stoves and only burning dry wood However, the most efficient way to cut the amount of PM2.5 in your home is with an Ecodesign ready wood burner. They have been independently checked and verified to make sure that they release less harmful PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.
Additionally, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves which meet the Ecodesign standards are designed to allow the most fresh air to enter the fire as is possible to ensure they don't smoke or overheat. This helps reduce the amount of pollution that is released and improves the efficiency of heat so that you get more warmth with less energy.
The Defra-approved wood burners we stock have been tested to be compliant with these standards and are available in a standalone stove or as a set for existing fireplaces. You can then choose the most Defra-compliant stove that is suitable for your home, and ensure your investment should legislation changes in the future. Contact our team of experts to find more about the Defra-approved stoves we stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves offer a natural, cosy and economical method of heating your home. However, many do not realise that even 'smokeless' stoves emit significant levels of harmful pollution. The main pollutant emitted by wood burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which can easily penetrate the respiratory system of humans. A short-term exposure to PM2.5 can cause asthma as well as lung infections and cardiovascular issues.
The Defra approved stoves are made for minimal emissions. However the fuel type that is used can have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants created. Therefore, it is essential to use dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for at least two years. It is also recommended to only burn Defra-approved, smokeless fuels which are manufactured by companies like Aduro.
Modern Defra approved stoves have been designed to conform to the new Ecodesign regulations, which have set more stringent manufacturing standards than they did before. In accordance with the new regulations that any stove that is installed within a Smoke Control Area is required to release less than 5g particles per hour. This is a far smaller amount than the 7.5g/hour that was previously used for older stoves.
According to the UK Government, despite these cuts the use of coal and wood in domestic homes still accounts for 17% of fine particle pollution in the UK. The most recent data however, reveal that wood and coal burning is less than a quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution. This includes roads and industrial processes.
It is important to note that stoves with Defra approval as well as open fires and solid fuel cookers will remain the main source of fine particulate pollution in the UK. The best way to reduce the harmful effects of these appliances is to limit the amount of wood you burn and only using Ready to Burn certified fuels with a moisture content below 20 percent. Burning wet wood causes the fire to burn at lower temperatures, resulting in more pollutant. The glass of the stove to darken faster, which causes a faster buildup of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer an array of environmental benefits, including efficient and clean combustion, lower emissions, and a potential savings in cost. They are available in a variety of styles that are suitable for any home. They also have the additional benefit of being a green alternative to fossil fuels such as gas or oil.
The term "Defra Approved Stoves' is a reference to the fact that they are in compliance with regulations of the government pertaining to their use in Smoke Control Areas. The stoves come with an altered air control at the top that stops users from closing the top all the way, reducing air supply and hindering proper combustion. This can cause the stoves' smoldering and create more smoke.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology in their products to increase their eco-credentials and comply with new legislation. They use secondary and tertiary technology to reduce the amount of combustibles part-burned which go through your chimney as black smoke. This reduces your carbon footprint and emissions.
If you live in a smoke-free area, a Defra-approved stove is a necessity if you wish to continue burning wood and other approved fuels while not breaking the law. These stoves are independently tested to ensure that they are in compliance with legislation. They continue to comply with this as new legislation is introduced.
A Defra Approved Stove can be used with a 5" Liner when burning approved fuels. It will work best with Wood that has a Moisture Content of Less Than 20 percent. This will ensure that the combustion is clean, resulting in less emissions and a greater time span for your flue as well as chimney system.
If you don't reside in a smoke controlled area, there is no reason to buy a Defra stove, however there are plenty of reasons you may still need 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 environmental impact.