Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?

If you live in a smoke control area, you will need an approved stove by Defra. They are available in a variety of styles to suit your home.

They have been altered to stop you from closing the top air vent completely, if this is done it causes the fire to smoulder and produces more smoke.

Smoke Exempt

If you reside in a zone that has smoke control it is possible to purchase a Defra-approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln-dried logs as well as various other fuels, without releasing excessive smoke. These stoves do this by supplying the minimum amount of combustion air needed to keep fires burning efficiently and avoid unnecessary emissions.

You'll see 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 is legal to use in a smoke-control area when using approved fuels.

Defra approved appliances are built to comply with the new Ecodesign emission standards that went into effect in 2021. These standards are higher than the old smoke control laws but less stringent than the standards established under the Clean Air Act 2030.

It is crucial to confirm your chosen stove's specifications before purchasing it. Some will have a DEFRA Stoves Advantages exemption label that is a marketing label, and is not a true Defra approval. A recent investigation conducted by CAL highlighted some serious problems with the new Ecodesign limits, such as inadequate testing, confusion and duplicated smoke control regulations, and an inability for manufacturers to properly inform consumers about this information.

You can buy an non Defra approved stove for those who live in a smoke-controlled area. However, you will need to purchase a special fuel kit if you want to comply with the laws. You'll also have to follow the rules regarding the kinds of fuel you can use.

This is a complicated issue that must be tackled to ensure clean air 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 resolved. They are safer than traditional house coke and sulphurised coal. This will help you keep your Defra approved stove in line with the law while allowing you to enjoy a cleaner and less smoky fireplace. You can also save money on your heating bills.

Clean Combustion

The primary reason to own the DEFRA wood burner is that it allows you to legally burn logs in smoke control areas without the risk of being fined. However, this isn't the only reason to consider purchasing one - these stoves also feature green combustion technology that is better for the environment and your health.

If Defra approved stoves are used correctly (burning only dry, seasoned and 'Ready to Burn wood) they can cut pollution by one quarter when compared to open fires and older appliances. This, combined with regular chimney sweeps to ensure that the flue is operating correctly, can lower the harmful particles in your home.

The most significant pollutant released when burning solid fuels such as logs is ultra-fine particulate matter which can penetrate deep into the lungs, and could cause a range of health problems. This includes asthma-related symptoms, as well as a general feeling that you're not in good health.

Ecodesign wood burners are the ideal method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that gets into your home. They have been independently tested and verified to ensure that they produce far less harmful PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.

In addition, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves which meet the new Ecodesign requirements are designed to allow the most fresh air to enter the fire as possible so they don't smoke or overheat. This reduces not only the amount of harmful gases that are released but also improves the heat efficiency of the appliance so you can enjoy more warmth for your money and save energy.

The Defra-approved wood burners we stock have been tested to meet these standards and can be purchased as stoves on their own or as a kit to existing fireplaces. You can then pick the most Defra-compliant stove that is suitable for your home, and protect your investment in case legislation changes in the future. If you'd like to find out 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 method of heating your home. Many people are unaware that even smokeless stoves emit high levels of harmful pollution. The most significant pollutant released by wood-burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5), [empty] which is easily absorbed by the human respiratory system. A short-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with asthma lung infections, asthma, and cardiovascular issues.

While stoves that are Defra-approved are designed to emit minimal emissions however, the kind of fuel used can make a significant difference to the amount of pollutants released. It is therefore essential to select dry, seasoned wood that has been curing for at least two years. Aduro for instance, produces smokeless fuels approved by Defra.

Modern DEFRA approved British stoves-approved stoves will be designed to meet the new Ecodesign regulations that impose higher standards for manufacturing than prior. The new rules stipulate that any stove that is installed in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is a smaller amount than the 7.5g/hour that was previously set for older stoves.

Despite these reductions, domestic wood and coal burning still contributes to around 17% of UK fine particle pollution, according to the Government. The latest figures, however, show that wood and coal burning contributes less than one quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution. This includes road traffic, as well as industrial processes.

It is important to remember that Defra approved stoves will remain an important source of fine particle pollution in the UK. The best way to minimize the harmful effects of these appliances is by reducing the amount of wood you burn and using 'Ready to Burn' certified fuels that have an average moisture content of less than 20%. Burning wet wood causes the fire to burn at lower temperatures, resulting in more pollutants. The glass of the stove to blacken more quickly and leads to a faster buildup of soot inside the chimney.

Eco-Friendly

Defra wood burners offer a wide range of environmental benefits, including efficient and clean combustion, less emissions, and a potential savings in cost. They are also available in various styles to meet the needs of any home and come with the added benefit of being are a sustainable method 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 a modified top air control that stops the user from closing it completely and also reducing the air supply which could hinder the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoulder creating more smoke and releasing more harmful gases into the atmosphere.

Stove manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to increase the eco-credentials of their stoves and assist to comply with new legislation. For instance they are using secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce the amount of combustibles 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-free zone, a stove that is Defra-approved is a necessity for those who want to continue burning wood and other approved fuels and not in violation of the law. The stoves have been tested independently and complied with the legislation and will continue to do so until future legislation comes in place.

A Defra Approved stove can be used with a 5" liner for burning approved fuels. It is best with wood that has a moisture content of less than 20 percent. This will ensure that the combustion is clean, resulting in low emissions and a longer lifespan for your flue and chimney system.

You don't need a Defra If you live in a non-smoking area. However there are many reasons to purchase one. They look beautiful, are an excellent source of heat, and help reduce your environmental impact.