Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in a Smoke Control Area then you will have to use an Defra approved stove. They are available in a range of styles to suit 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 create more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a zone that has smoke control, you may want to purchase a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln dried logs and various other fuels without producing excessive smoke. They accomplish this by supplying the smallest amount of combustion air needed to keep your fire burning efficiently and avoiding unnecessary smoke emissions.
The Defra approved logo is a widely recognised one in the industry of stoves and you'll be able to see it on marketing and brochures for specific models. It's sometimes referred to as 'SE,' which stands for Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to show that the appliance can be legally used in a smoking area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved stoves are made to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits that will been in effect since 2021. These standards are higher than the old smoke control laws, but less stringent than the standards established under the Clean Air Act 2030.
Therefore, it's important to check the specifications of your stove before you buy it as some will have the Defra exempt label that is simply an advertising label instead of being a valid Defra approval. A recent CAL investigation found some serious problems with new Ecodesign limits, such as inadequate testing and confusion with the existing smoke control regulations. Manufacturers also failed communicate this information to the customers.
While you can purchase a non-Defra approved stove in a smoke controlled area It's important to remember that you'll have to purchase a special fuel kit to comply with the law. Additionally, you'll need adhere to the rules regarding the types of fuel that you can burn.
This is a complex matter that needs to be addressed to ensure clean air and keep the UK's environment healthy. It is best to use kiln-dried logs or other approved fuels for your stove until the issue is solved. They are less harmful than conventional household coke and sulphurised coal. This will keep your Defra approved stove in line with law, while also allowing you to enjoy more smoky and cleaner fireplace. It also helps you save money on your heating costs.
Clean Combustion
The main reason to own a DEFRA wood burner is the fact that you can legally burn logs in smoke control areas without the risk of being fined. However, this isn't the only reason to consider buying one. These stoves also come with green combustion technology that is more beneficial for the environment and 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 a fourth when compared to older appliances and open fires. Combined with regular chimney sweeps which will also ensure that the flue is operating properly, this can significantly reduce the levels of harmful particulate matter in your home.
Ultra-fine particulates are the primary pollutant that is released when burning solid fuels such as logs. These particles can get deep into the lungs, causing a range of health issues. This includes asthma symptoms and an overall feeling of being sick.
Ecodesign wood burners are the ideal method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that enters your home. These wood burners have been independently tested to ensure they produce less harmful PM2.5 compared to older open fires and stoves.
DEFRA Accredited Stoves stoves and wood burning stoves that are compliant with the new Ecodesign standards are designed to let as much air as is possible into the fire so it doesn't become smoky. This reduces the amount of pollutants emitted and increases the heat efficiency, so you get more warmth with less energy.
The Defra-approved wood burners we have in stock have been tested to meet these standards and are available as stoves on their own or as a set for existing fireplaces. This means that you can select the best Defra compliant stove for your home and future ensure your purchase should the law change in the future. Contact our team of experts to find out more about the Defra-approved stoves we stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves offer the most natural, comfortable and economical way to heat your house. Many people are unaware that even smokeless stoves emit high levels of harmful pollution. The main pollutant emitted by wood-burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is able to easily enter the respiratory system of a person. 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 fuel type used can significantly impact the amount of pollutants created. It is therefore essential to use dry, seasoned wood that has been curing for at least two-years. Aduro for instance, produces smokeless fuels approved by Defra.
Modern
DEFRA stoves advantages-approved stoves will be designed to meet the new Ecodesign regulations that set higher standards for manufacturing than prior. As per the new regulations the stoves that are installed in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g particles per hour. This is significantly less than the 7.5g/hour limit that was in place for earlier stoves.
Despite these improvements, domestic coal and wood burning still accounts for
Defra Accredited Stoves around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution according to the government. The latest figures show that this is less than a quarter of the overall impacts from all sources of particle pollution which includes road traffic and industrial processes.
It is important to remember that Defra approved stoves will continue to be the main source of fine particle 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 an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. The fire will burn at a lower temperature which results in more pollution. The glass of the stove to blacken more quickly and leads to a faster buildup of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves provide many environmental benefits, including clean and efficient combustion and reduced emissions. They also offer potential cost savings. They are also available in a variety of styles to meet the needs of any home, and have the added benefit that they are a sustainable method of heating, as opposed to fossil fuels like gas or oil.
The term "Defra Approved Stove' refers to the fact that they comply with the laws of the government concerning their use in Smoke Control Areas. The stoves come with an air control that has been modified at the top that stops users from closing the top completely which reduces air flow and hindering proper combustion. This could cause the stoves to smoulder and release more smoke.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology in their products to increase their eco-credentials and comply with new laws. For instance, they are using secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce the amount of combustibles that are part-burned that go up your chimney as black smoke and reduce the amount of emissions and carbon footprint.
If you live in a smoke controlled zone, then a Defra approved stove is required if you want to continue to burn wood or other approved fuels without violating the law.