10 Things Everybody Hates About Defra Wood Burner
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 different styles that will suit your home.
The top air vent has been altered so that you cannot close it completely. This causes the fire to smoulder, and produce more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you live in a smoke-control area it is possible to purchase a DEFRA compliant stoves approved wood burner. These stoves were made to allow you to burn kiln dried logs as well as other authorized fuels without producing excessive amounts of smoke. These stoves do this by supplying the smallest amount combustion air to ensure that fires are burning efficiently and avoiding unnecessary emissions.
You will see the Defra logo on a variety of brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It's sometimes referred to as 'SE', which is a reference to Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to indicate that the stove can be legally used in a smoking area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved stoves are designed to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits that have come into effect as of 2021. They are more than the standards set by the old smoke control laws, but lower than the standards to be set under a planned Clean Air Act in 2030.
It is crucial to confirm your chosen stove's specifications before purchasing it. Some stoves will carry the Defra exemption label, which is a marketing label and not a genuine Defra approval. A recent CAL investigation found some serious problems with new Ecodesign limitations, including insufficient testing and confusion with the existing smoke control regulations. The manufacturers also failed to provide this information to consumers.
You can buy a non Defra approved stove for those who live in a smoke-controlled area. However, you will have to purchase a specific fuel kit if you want to comply with the regulations. Also, you'll need to adhere to the rules about the types of fuel you can use.
This is a complex issue that needs to be dealt with to ensure clean air and ensure that the UK's environment is healthy. In the meantime it's a good idea to use kiln dried logs and other authorised fuels in your stove that are DEFRA compliant stoves list-approved as they're less harmful than conventional house coal and sulphurised bituminous coal. This will help keep your Defra stove in compliance with the law, while helping you benefit from a cleaner, less smoky fire, and saving money on your heating expenses.
Clean Combustion
The main reason for owning DEFRA is that DEFRA is that you can burn logs legally in smoke control zones without risking the possibility of a fine. However, this isn't the only reason you should consider purchasing one. These stoves also come with eco-friendly technology, which is better for the environment and your health.
When Defra approved stoves are used properly (burning only dry, seasoned, and 'Ready to Burn wood) they can cut pollution by as much as a quarter compared with open fires and older appliances. Combined with regular chimney sweeps, which also ensure that the flue is operating properly, this can significantly reduce the amount of harmful particulate matter within your home.
The primary pollutant that is released when burning solid fuels such as logs is ultra-fine particulate matter which penetrates deep into the lungs and can cause a variety of health issues. This includes asthma-related symptoms as well as a general feeling that you're not feeling well.
This kind 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. These have been independently checked and verified to make sure that they emit less toxic PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.
Additionally, DEFRA approved stylish stoves stoves and wood burning stoves that comply with the Ecodesign standards are designed to allow the most fresh air to enter the fire as possible so they don't become smoky or overheat. This doesn't just reduce the amount of pollution released, but also increases the efficiency of heat produced by the appliance, allowing you to gain more warmth for the money and save energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners we stock have been tested to ensure they meet these standards. They are available as stoves that stand alone, or as kits to fit existing fireplaces. You can then pick the most Defra-compliant stove that is suitable for your home, and ensure your investment should legislation changes in the future. If you would like to learn more about the Defra approved stoves we stock, contact our team of experts or visit our showrooms today.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves offer an eco-friendly, cozy and affordable way to heat your house. However, many are unaware that smokeless stoves produce high levels of harmful pollution. The primary pollutant released by wood-burning stoves are ultra-fine particles (PM2.5) which can easily penetrate the human respiratory system. In short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a range of health issues, including asthma, lung infections and heart problems.
The Defra approved stoves are made to emit a minimum amount of emissions. However the type of fuel used can have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants created. It is therefore important to select dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for at least two years. Aduro is one example. It produces smokeless fuels that have been approved by Defra.
Modern Defra approved stoves have been designed to meet the new Ecodesign regulations, which establish more stringent manufacturing standards than before. In accordance with the new regulations the stoves that are installed in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g particles per hour. This is a much lower limit than the 7.5g/hour that was previously used for older stoves.
According to the UK Government, despite these cuts, wood and coal combustion in homes accounts for 17% of fine particle pollution in the UK. The latest figures however, show that wood and coal burning contributes less than one-quarter of the total impact of particles from all sources. This includes road traffic, as well as industrial processes.
It is vital to remember that Defra approved stoves will continue to be a major source of fine particle pollution in the UK. The best method to lessen 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%. Burning wet wood causes the fire to burn at less temperature, which results in more pollutants. The glass of the stove to become black faster and causes a quicker buildup of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves provide a range of environmental benefits, such as efficient and clean combustion as well as reduced emissions. They also provide potential cost savings. They are also available in various designs to fit the needs of every home, and have the added advantage that they are a sustainable form of heating, as opposed to fossil fuels, such as oil or gas.
The term 'Defra Approved Stoves' refers the fact that they conform to government legislation pertaining to use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an improved top air control that stops the user from closing it all the way and reducing the air flow which would hinder proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smolder, producing more smoke and releasing more harmful gases into the air.
Stove manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to increase the eco-credentials of their stoves and help them comply with the latest legislation. They utilize secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce the amount part-burned combustibles which go through your chimney as black smoke. This reduces your carbon footprint and emissions.
If you live in a smoke-free zone, a stove that is Defra-approved is required in order to continue burning wood and approved fuels, and not in violation of the law. The stoves have been independently tested and are compliant with the law and will continue to comply with the law as the legislation changes.
A Defra Approved stove can be used with 5" liner when burning authorized fuels. It is best using wood that has a moisture content of less than 20%. This ensures the burning process is clean, resulting in lower emissions and longer lifespan for your chimney and flue system.
If you don't reside in a smoke-free area, there is no reason to buy a Defra stove, but there are plenty of reasons you might still want one even if you don't reside in a smoke-free area. They look beautiful, are a great source of heat, and help reduce your impact on the environment.