Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then you will need to use a Defra approved stove. The stoves come in a variety of styles to fit your home.
They have been modified to stop you from closing the top air vent all the way, if this is done it will cause the fire to smoke and creates more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you live in a smoke-control area you might want to purchase a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves are made to allow you to burn kiln dried logs as well as other approved fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. They do this by supplying the smallest amount combustion air to keep fires burning efficiently and avoiding unnecessary emissions.
The Defra approved logo is a well-known one within the stove industry and you’ll often be able to see it on brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is sometimes written as ‘SE,’ which is a reference to Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to indicate that the appliance can be legally used in a smoking space when using approved fuels.
Defra approved appliances are designed to comply with the new Ecodesign emission standards which came into the market in 2021. They are more than the standards set by the old smoke control laws but lower than the standards that will be set under a planned Clean Air Act in 2030.
It’s crucial to verify the specifications of your stove before you buy it because some stoves will carry a Defra exempt label that is merely marketing labels instead of being a true Defra approval. A recent investigation by CAL highlighted some serious problems with the new Ecodesign limits including insufficient testing, confusion and duplication with existing regulations on smoke control and the inability of manufacturers to properly inform consumers about this information.
Although you can buy a non-Defra approved stove in a smoke controlled area but it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need an exclusive fuel kit to ensure compliance with the law. In addition, you’ll have adhere to the regulations regarding the kinds of fuel that you can burn.
This is a complicated issue that needs to be addressed in order to ensure clean air in the UK and to keep the environment healthy. It is best to use kiln-dried logs or other approved fuels for your defra stove until the issue is resolved. They are more secure than traditional house coke and sulfurised coal. This will help you keep your Defra approved stove in line with the law, while giving you the option of more smoky and cleaner fireplace. It also helps you reduce your heating expenses.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason you should own DEFRA is that DEFRA is that you can legally burn logs in smoke control zones without having to pay a fine. But this is not the only reason to think about purchasing one – these stoves also come with clean combustion technology that is better for the environment as well as your health.
When Defra approved stoves are used correctly (burning only dry, seasoned and ready to Burn’ wood) they can reduce pollution by up to a quarter compared with open fires and older appliances. This, in conjunction with regular chimney sweepings that will ensure that the flue’s functioning correctly, can lower the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.
The most significant pollutant released when burning solid fuels like logs is ultra-fine particulate matter, that can get into the lungs and may cause a range of health problems. This includes asthma symptoms and general feeling of being unwell.
Ecodesign wood burners are the ideal way to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that enters your home. They have been independently checked and verified to make sure that they emit less harmful PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.
In addition, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves which meet the Ecodesign standards are designed to let as much fresh air into the fire as is possible to ensure they don’t get smoky or overheat. This not only cuts the amount of pollutants that are emitted but increases the heat efficiency of the appliance so that you gain more warmth for your dollars and save on energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners that we carry have been tested to meet these standards. They are available either as standalone stoves, or as kits for fireplaces already in use. You can then select the most Defra-compliant stove that is suitable for your home and safeguard your investment in the event that legislation changes in the future. Contact our team of experts to learn more about the Defra-approved stoves that we carry in stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves offer the most natural, comfortable and economical method of heating your home. Many people are unaware that even smokeless stoves emit high levels harmful pollution. The most significant pollutant released by wood burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can easily penetrate the respiratory system of humans. In short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a variety of health issues including asthma, lung infections and cardiovascular issues.
The Defra approved stoves are made to emit a minimum amount of emissions. However the type of fuel is likely to have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants produced. This is why it is essential to make use of dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for at two years or more. Aduro is one example. It produces smokeless fuels approved by Defra.
Modern Defra-approved stoves will be designed to meet the new Ecodesign regulations that set more stringent manufacturing standards than before. According to the new rules the stoves that are installed in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g particles per hour. This is significantly lower than the 7.5g/hour limit that was in effect for fireplacesandstove older stoves.
Despite these improvements however, domestic coal and wood burning still accounts for around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution according to the Government. However, the latest data show that it accounts for less than one quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution, which 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 you burn, and only make use of fuels that have less than 20%. Burning wood that is wet causes the fire to burn at lower temperatures, resulting in more pollutants. In addition, it causes the stove glass to blacken more quickly and results in a faster build-up of soot within the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood-burning stoves offer many environmental benefits, such as clean and Efficient NRG Eco Design Stove – MultiFuel Fireplace for Sale combustion and reduced emissions. They also provide the possibility of cost savings. They are available in a variety of styles that can be a perfect fit for any style of home. They also provide the added benefit of being a green alternative to fossil fuels such as oil or gas.
The term “Defra Approved Stoves’ refers to the fact that they conform to regulations of the government pertaining to their use in Smoke Control Areas. The stoves come with an air control that has been modified on the top that prevents users from closing the top all the way, reducing air supply and preventing proper combustion. This would cause the stoves’ smoldering and create more smoke.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technologies into their products to improve their environmental credentials and conform to new legislation. For example they are using secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the amount of combustibles that are part-burned that are emitted up your chimney as black smoke. This will reduce your emissions and carbon footprint.
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, then a Defra approved stove is a must if you want to continue to burn wood and authorised fuels without violating the law. These stoves are independently tested to ensure that they are in compliance with legislation. They will continue to do this as new legislation is introduced.
A Defra Approved stove can be used with a 5″ liner when burning authorised fuels. It works best using wood that has a moisture content less than 20%. This will ensure a clean burn, resulting in lower emissions and a longer lifespan for your chimney and flue system.
You don’t require a Defra if you live in a non-smoking area. However there are many reasons to buy one. They are beautiful, provide a great source of heat, and reduce your impact on the environment.