So You've Bought Defra Wood Burner ... Now What?
Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you reside in a smoke control area, you will need an approved stove from Defra. They are available in different designs that will fit your home.
They have been modified to stop you from closing the top air vent all the way If you do this, it can cause the fire to smolder and creates more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a smoke-control zone, you may want to purchase a Defra-approved wood burner. These stoves were designed to let you burn kiln dried logs as well as a list of other authorised fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. They accomplish this by supplying the least amount of combustion air to keep your fire burning efficiently and eliminating unnecessary smoke emissions.
You'll see the Defra logo in many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It can also be written with the letter 'SE', which stands for Smoke Exempt stove and is used to indicate that the appliance is legal to use in a smoke control zone when using approved fuels.
Defra approved stoves are made to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits that have come into effect as of 2021. These are higher than those set by the previous smoke control laws but lower than the standards that will be set under a plan for a Clean Air Act in 2030.
It is essential to verify the specifications of the stove you are considering purchasing it. Some models will have an Defra exemption label that is a marketing mark and not a real Defra approval. A recent study by CAL revealed a number of serious issues with the new Ecodesign limitations, including insufficient testing, confusion and duplication with existing regulations on smoke control and an inability for manufacturers to effectively inform consumers about this information.
While you can purchase an unapproved stove that is not in a smoke controlled area It's important to remember that you'll need an exclusive fuel kit to ensure compliance with the law. Also, you'll need to adhere to the guidelines regarding the types of fuel you can use.
This is a complex issue that must be tackled to ensure that clean air is maintained in the UK and to keep its environment healthy. It is best to use kiln-dried logs or other approved fuels for your stove until the issue is solved. They are safer than traditional house coke and sulphurised coal.
web link will keep your Defra approved stove in line with the law, while giving you the option of a cleaner and less smoky fireplace. You'll also save money on your heating bills.
Clean Combustion
The main reason for owning a DEFRA is that you can legally burn logs in smoke control zones without having to pay a fine. These stoves aren't only good for the environment They also feature the technology of clean combustion that is healthier for you and the environment.
If Defra approved stoves are used properly (burning only dry, seasoned and ready to Burn' wood) they can cut pollution by up to one quarter when compared to open fires and older appliances. Combined with regular chimney sweeps which can also make sure that the flue is operating properly, this can significantly reduce the amount of harmful particulate matter in your home.
Ultra-fine particulates are the main pollutant that is released when burning solid fuels such as logs. These particles can travel deep into the lungs, causing a variety of health problems. This includes asthma-related symptoms as well as an overall feeling that you are not well.
Ecodesign wood burners are the ideal way to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that enters your home. These wood burners have been independently tested to ensure they produce less toxic PM2.5 when compared to older stoves and open flames.
Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that meet the new Ecodesign standards are designed to let as much air as possible into the flame so that it doesn't get smoky. This doesn't just reduce the amount of pollutants that are emitted but increases the efficiency of heat produced by the appliance, allowing you to gain more warmth for the dollars and save on energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners we have on offer have been tested to meet these standards. They can be purchased as stoves that stand alone, or as kits for fireplaces already in use. You can then choose the best Defra-compliant stove for your home, and ensure your investment should laws change in the near future. Contact our team of experts to find more about the stoves that are Defra approved that we have in stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves are a natural, cosy and cost-effective method of heating your home. Many people are unaware that even'smokeless ' stoves' emit high levels harmful pollution. The primary pollutant emitted by wood burning stoves are ultra-fine particles (PM2.5) that are able to easily enter the respiratory system of humans. A short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked with a variety of health issues, including asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular issues.
The Defra approved stoves are built to emit a minimum amount of emissions. However, the fuel type is likely to significantly impact the amount of pollution produced. It is therefore important to use seasoned, dry wood that has been dried for at least two-years. Aduro for instance, produces smokeless fuels that have been approved by Defra.
Modern Defra-approved stoves will be designed to meet the new Ecodesign regulations that have more stringent manufacturing standards than before. The new rules say that any stove that is 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 effect for older stoves.
Despite these improvements however, domestic coal and wood burning still account for about 17% of UK fine particle pollution according to the Government. The latest figures however, show that coal and wood burning accounts for less than one-quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollutants. This includes road traffic as well as industrial processes.
It is important to note that stoves with Defra approval and open fires and solid fuel cookers will remain the main source of fine particulate pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood that you burn, and utilize fuels with less than 20%. Burning wet wood causes the fire to burn at less temperature, which results in more pollutant. It also causes the glass of the stove to darken more quickly and leads to a faster buildup of soot inside the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer an array of environmental benefits such as clean and efficient combustion, reduced emissions and potential cost savings. They are available in a variety of styles that can be a perfect fit for any type of home. They also have the added benefit of being a green alternative to fossil fuels such as oil or gas.
The term "Defra Approved Stove' is a reference to the fact that they conform with government legislation regarding use in Smoke Control Areas. The stoves come with a modified air control on the top which prevents users from closing the top all the way, reducing air supply and hindering proper combustion. This would cause the stoves to smoke and produce more smoke.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technologies into their products to enhance their environmental credentials and to comply with new laws. They utilize secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce the amount part-burned combustibles that go up your chimney in black smoke. This will reduce the carbon footprint and emissions.
If you live in a smoke-controlled zone, a stove that is Defra-approved is required for those who want to continue using wood and authorised fuels and not in violation of the law. These stoves have been tested independently and have been deemed to be compliant with the law and will continue to do so until the legislation changes.
A Defra Approved Stove can be used with 5" Liner for burning authorised Fuels. It will work best with wood that has a Moisture Content of Less Than 20 percent. This will ensure that the burning is clean, leading to low emissions and a longer life span for your flue and chimney system.
If you don't reside in a smoke controlled area, there is no reason to purchase a Defra stove, but there are many reasons why you might still want one even if you don't live in a smoke controlled area. They look beautiful, are a great source of heat, and help reduce your environmental impact.