Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?

If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then you will need to use an Defra approved stove. These stoves come in various styles that can be suited to your home.

The top air vent has been altered so that you cannot close it completely. This makes the fire smolder and create more smoke.

Smoke Exempt

If you live in a smoke control zone, you might want to consider buying a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves were designed to allow you to burn kiln dried logs as well as other authorized fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. They accomplish this by supplying the minimum amount of combustion air needed to keep your fire burning efficiently and avoid unnecessary smoke emissions.

You'll find the Defra logo in many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It's sometimes referred to as 'SE,' which means Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to indicate that the stove is legal to use in a smoking area when using approved fuels.

Defra approved appliances are built to meet the new Ecodesign emission standards which came into the market in 2021. They are more than the standards established by the old smoke control laws, but lower than the standards that will be set under a planned Clean Air Act in 2030.

It is important to check the specifications of your stove prior to buying it. Some stoves will carry an Defra exemption label, which is a marketing label, and not a real Defra approval. A recent CAL investigation has revealed serious issues with the new Ecodesign limitations, including insufficient testing and confusion with existing smoke control regulation. Manufacturers also failed communicate this information to the customers.

You can buy an non Defra approved stove when you reside in a smoking-free zone. However, you'll need to purchase a special fuel kit to comply with the laws. In addition, you'll have adhere to the regulations regarding the kinds of fuel that you can burn.

This is a complex issue that must be addressed to ensure that we have clean air and ensure that the UK's environment is healthy. In the meantime it's best to use kiln dried logs as well as other approved fuels in your defra approved stove, as they're safer than traditional house coal and sulfurised bituminous coal. This should help to keep your Defra stove in compliance with the law while allowing you benefit from an enviro-friendly, less smoky fireplace and reducing heating bills.

Clean Combustion

The primary reason to own the DEFRA wood burner is that it allows you to legally burn wood in smoke control areas, without the threat of being fined. These stoves aren't only eco-friendly They also feature green combustion technology which is healthier for you and the environment.

If Defra-approved stoves are operated 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. This, combined with regular chimney sweepings that will ensure that the flue's functioning properly, can reduce the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.

The main pollutant emitted during the burning of solid fuels like logs is ultra-fine particulate matter that can get into the lungs and can cause a range of health problems. This includes asthma symptoms and a general feeling of being unwell.

This kind of pollution to the air can be lowered by making use of Defra exempt stoves, and only burning dry wood in them However, the most efficient way to cut the amount of PM2.5 in your home is to use an Ecodesign ready wood burner. They have been independently tested and verified to ensure that they produce far less toxic PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.

In addition, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that comply with the new Ecodesign requirements are designed to allow as much fresh air into the fire as much as possible, so that they don't become smoky or overheat. This not only cuts the amount of pollution released, but also increases the efficiency of the appliance so you can get more warmth for the dollars and save on energy.

All of the Defra approved wood burners we have on offer have been tested to ensure they meet these standards. They are available either as standalone durable Stoves or as kits to fit existing fireplaces. You can then select the most Defra-compliant stove that is suitable for your home, and protect your investment in case legislation changes in the future. Contact our team of experts to learn more about the Defra-approved stoves we have in stock or visit your local showroom.

Reduced Emissions

Wood burning stoves are popular because they provide a warm inexpensive and sustainable method to heat your home. However, many do not realise that even smokeless stoves produce 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. In short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a range of health problems, including asthma, lung infections and cardiovascular issues.

While Defra-approved stoves are designed to produce minimal emissions, the kind of fuel used can have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants released. It is therefore important to use dry, seasoned wood that has been cured for a minimum of two years. It is also advisable to only burn Defra-approved smokeless fuels, which are made by companies like Aduro.

Modern Defra approved stoves be built to conform to the new Ecodesign regulations, which have set stricter manufacturing limits than before. As per the new regulations that any stove that is installed within a Smoke Control Area is required to release less than 5g particles per hour. This is a lesser amount than the 7.5g/hour that was previously set for older stoves.

Despite these decreases, domestic wood and coal burning still accounts for around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution, according to the Government. The latest figures, however, show that wood and coal burning is 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 vital to remember that Defra approved stoves will continue to be the main source of fine particle pollution in the UK. The best method to lessen these harmful effects is to limit the amount of wood you burn and only using 'Ready to Burn' certified fuels that have a moisture content that is less than 20 percent. Burning wet wood causes the fire to burn at lower temperatures, resulting in more pollutants. Additionally, it causes the stove glass to turn black more quickly and results in a faster build-up of soot inside the chimney.

Eco-Friendly

Defra wood burners provide many environmental benefits such as clean and efficient combustion, reduced emissions and potential cost savings. They are available in a variety of styles that will suit any style of home. They also offer the additional benefit of being a green alternative to fossil fuels such as oil or gas.

The term "DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves Approved Stoves' refers the fact that they conform to the laws of the government regarding their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have a modified top air control that prevents the user from closing it completely and reducing the air flow which would hinder proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smolder, producing more smoke and emitting more harmful gases into the atmosphere.

Stove manufacturers are increasing their use of technology in their products to improve the environmental credentials of their stoves and assist to comply with new legislation. For example, they are incorporating secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that reduce the amount of combustibles part-burned that enter your chimney as black smoke and reduce your emissions and carbon footprint.

If you live in a smoke-controlled area, a Defra-approved stove is a necessity in order to continue using wood and authorised fuels without breaking the law. These stoves are independently tested to ensure they conform to laws. They will continue to do this when new legislation is introduced.

A Defra Approved Stove can be used with 5" Liner when burning approved 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, which results in lower emissions and a longer lifespan for your flue and chimney system.

There is no need for a Defra if you live in a non-smoking area. However there are many reasons to get one. They are beautiful, provide a great source of heat, and can reduce your environmental impact.