Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?

If you reside in 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 when you do this, it can cause the fire to smolder and creates more smoke.

Smoke Exempt

If you live in a smoke-control area it is possible to purchase 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. These stoves do this by providing the minimum amount of combustion air to keep fires burning efficiently and to avoid the emission of unnecessary smoke.

You'll find the Defra logo on many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It can also be written as 'SE' which means Smoke Exempt stove and signifies that the stove can be legally used in a smoke control area when using approved fuels.

Defra approved stoves are built to meet new Ecodesign emission limits which will come into force as of 2021. They are more than the standards set by the previous smoke control laws but lower than the standards to be set under a plan for a Clean Air Act in 2030.

It's crucial to verify the specifications of the stove before you buy it as some will have a Defra exempt label that is just an advertising label instead of being a genuine DEFRA guidelines stoves approval. A recent CAL investigation revealed some serious issues with the new Ecodesign limits, including inadequate testing and confusion with the existing regulations for smoke control. Manufacturers also failed to communicate this information to the consumers.

While you can purchase an unapproved stove that is not in a smoke controlled area but it's important to keep in mind that you'll need 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 needs to be addressed to ensure that we have clean air and ensure that the UK's environment is healthy. In the meantime, it's a good idea to stick with kiln-dried logs and other fuels that are authorised in your defra approved stove, as they're safer than conventional household coal and sulphurised bituminous coal. This will help keep your Defra stove in line with the law while helping you benefit from an enviro-friendly, less smoky fireplace and reducing your heating costs.

Clean Combustion

The primary reason to own a DEFRA wood burner is that it allows you to legally burn wood in smoke control areas without the risk of getting fined. These stoves are not just eco-friendly they also have clean combustion technology, which is better for your health and the environment.

When stoves that are Defra-approved are used properly, (burning only dry wood that has been seasoned and is 'Ready to burn'), they can reduce pollution by as much as 44% compared to older appliances and open fires. This, combined with regular chimney sweepings that will ensure the flue is functioning correctly, can lower the harmful particles in your home.

Ultra-fine particulates constitute the principal pollutant that is released from burning solid fuels such as logs. These particles can get deep into the lungs, leading to a variety of health problems. This includes asthma symptoms, as well as the general feeling that you're not in good health.

Ecodesign wood burners are the best 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 that they emit less toxic PM2.5 than older stoves and open flames.

Defra stoves, as well as wood burning stoves that meet the Ecodesign standards have been designed to let as much fresh air as possible into the fire so it doesn't become smoky. This reduces the amount pollution that is released and improves the efficiency of heat, meaning you get more warmth with less energy.

The Defra-approved wood burners that we have in stock have been tested to meet the standards and are available as stoves on their own or as a kit to existing fireplaces. This means that you can select the best DEFRA list stoves approved stove for your home and future guarantee your purchase should laws change in the future. Contact our team of experts to learn more about the Defra-approved stoves we carry in stock or visit your local showroom.

Reduced Emissions

Wood-burning stoves provide an eco-friendly, cozy and affordable DEFRA stoves method of heating your home. However, many are unaware that 'smokeless' stoves emit significant levels of harmful pollution. The most significant pollutant emitted by wood burning stoves are ultra-fine particles (PM2.5) that are able to easily penetrate human respiratory systems. Short-term exposure of PM2.5 is linked to asthma as well as lung infections and cardiovascular problems.

The Defra approved stoves are built for minimal emissions. However, the fuel type is likely to significantly impact the amount of pollutants produced. It is therefore important to select dry, seasoned wood that has been cured for at least two years. Aduro, for example, manufactures smokeless fuels that are approved by Defra.

Modern stoves that are Defra-approved will be constructed to meet the new Ecodesign regulations that impose higher standards for manufacturing than prior. The new rules say that any stove installed in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is a much lower limit than the 7.5g/hour that was previously in place for older stoves.

Despite these reductions, domestic wood and coal burning still accounts for around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution, according to the Government. The most recent figures however, show that wood and coal burning contributes 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 crucial to keep in mind that Defra approved stoves will remain a major source of fine particle pollution in the UK. The best way to reduce the harmful effects of these appliances is by reducing the amount of wood you burn and only using Ready to Burn certified fuels with a moisture content that is less than 20%. The fire will burn at a lower temperature, resulting in more pollutants. Additionally it causes the stove glass to turn black more quickly, which results in the faster accumulation of soot in the chimney.

Eco-Friendly

Defra wood burning stoves offer an array of environmental benefits like efficient and clean 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 additional benefit of being a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels like gas or oil.

The term 'Defra Approved Stove' refers to the fact that they are in compliance with the regulations of the government regarding 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 completely to reduce air supply and preventing proper combustion. This would cause the stoves to smoulder and produce more smoke.

Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to improve their eco-credentials and comply with new legislation. For example, they are incorporating secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles that go up your chimney as black smoke and reduce your emissions and your carbon footprint.

If you reside in a smoke-free area then you need a Defra approved stove is essential in order to continue to burn wood and other authorised fuels without breaking the law. These stoves are independently tested to ensure that they are in compliance with laws. They continue to comply with this as new legislation is introduced.

A Defra Approved stove can be equipped with a 5" liner when burning authorized fuels. It is best with wood with a moisture content less than 20 percent. This will ensure that the combustion is clean, leading to lower emissions and a longer life span for your flue and chimney system.

If you don't live in a smoke control area, there's no need to buy a Defra stove, but there are a myriad of reasons you might still want one even if you do not reside in a smoke-free area. They look fantastic and are a great source of heat, and you will be helping the environment by reducing the impact you have on the atmosphere.