Choosing a Defra Woodburner

Anyone who lives in a smoking control area must make use of a DEFRA approved stove to ensure that they are in compliance with the law. These are stoves that have been tested independently and proven to burn wood as well as authorised smokeless fuels in a manner that is compliant with legislation.

There isn't much of a difference between a DEFRA Accredited Stoves-approved stove and one that has not been approved. A lot of modern stoves are capable of being modified by the stove maker to become DEFRA-approved.

Clean Burn Technology

A Defra approved stove will employ clean burning technology in order to reduce the amount of waste that is produced when fuel is burned. In a stove fitted with this technology, pre-heated air is supplied into the combustion chamber and it mixes with gasses released by the flame, burning unburnt hydrocarbons that would otherwise be emitted straight to the chimney. This reduces the amount of smoke that escapes from a stove and also improves the quality of life for those suffering from asthma and suffer from respiratory problems.

Many modern wood stoves and fireplaces use this technology, which is one reason why they are more eco friendly than older stoves or fires. If you reside in an area where smoke is controlled, you will need to use a DEFRA-exempt appliance that has passed strict tests for smoke particle emission to be classified as "clean burn" in order to legally burn wood on a wood burning fireplace.

It is best to burn wood that has a low moisture content if you have a DEFRA-approved stove. This will enable you to take advantage of the technology that helps reduce emissions. Ideally it should have been seasoned for two years to make sure that the wood has been reduced to less than 20% moisture. You can check the amount of moisture in your wood by using a moisture meter.

Using a DEFRA approved stove with Clean Burn technology will reduce your energy consumption as well as helping to ensure that the environment is kept clean. Clean burn technology reduces the amount of smoke particles released and this has a positive effect on those suffering from respiratory issues. Regular maintenance of your stove and flue system is essential to ensure it operates at its peak efficiency and prevent blockages.

Clean Burn provides a variety of waste oil heaters to help you save money on your energy costs. They offer a range of efficient waste oil furnaces and boiler models that let you generate heat for free from your own industrial or commercial waste oil. Each model is equipped with Clean Burn's patent-pending Heat Recovery Technology which will recycle the waste oil and turn it into a sustainable renewable energy source. The company has a comprehensive dealer network that provides excellent customer service prior to, during and after the sale. They also offer a lengthy warranty that covers the heat exchangers and combustion chambers of their equipment for a period of 10 years or 15000 hours.

Smoke Exempt Appliances

To be Defra Exempted, a stove has to pass a rigorous test designed by the UK Government's Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure it can be used in smoke controlled areas. A stove that is Defra Exempt is typically referred to as a DEFRA or SE stove, and has passed the tests that allow you to burn wood and other authorised non-smoking fuels that are manufactured in UK Smoke Control Areas.

If you live in a UK city or large town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area it is crucial to have a Defra Exempt Woodburner in order to avoid violating the law and receiving a hefty fine. This is because you can only legally use a wood burning stove with an approved Smoke Control appliance and only certain approved fuels (see our Defra List of Authorised Fuels for a complete list).

Having a Defra Exempt Stove will ensure that your chimney and flue system will stay cleaner for much longer as the stove won't emitting a lot of nuisance smoke into the air as well. Even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra stove is still a good option as it is more sustainable and environmentally friendly since it will produce far less nuisance smoke than a non-DEFRA requirements stoves-approved stove.

Regular maintenance is the best method to ensure your stove is operating at its best and increases its energy efficiency. This involves cleaning the flue and chimney regularly. Stoves that are regularly maintained and cleaned are more efficient than those that aren't, meaning that you'll save money over the long haul by owning a Defra stove.

There are a variety of factors to think about when selecting a new stove. From the size of the heater to the kW output it will produce There are a number of factors to take into consideration. It is also important to consider what fuel you will be using, and if you will need to operate it in an area that has a Smoke Control Area.

Eco-Friendly

Ecodesign wood-burning stoves are built with the environment in mind. They accomplish this by using secondary and tertiary combustion techniques that help to reduce harmful particle emissions while saving fuel. They also burn wood at an elevated temperature than other stoves. This results in the logs burning more efficiently and generating less pollution. These eco-friendly stoves can also be more efficient than older ones, saving you money.

The Ecodesign logo you see on a lot of our woodburners signifies that the stove complies with the new EU regulations and UK laws on environmental protection. The Ecodesign Log burners have been designed to maximize efficiency, and have a performance over the course of the season of more than 70 percent. The stoves feature a secondary clean-burn system, which is controlled by a chrome knob at the base. This system opens and closes a vent that pulls air over the fire, and then re-burns any initial smoke that is produced by the fire. This results in less emissions being released and helps keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer.

We would recommend all of our customers to look out for DEFRA accredited stoves these Ecodesign stoves when looking for an updated woodburner. Not only do they offer clean, efficient combustion and lower emissions, but they can also be more affordable than other models and are available with a variety of styles to suit your home's style.

Stoves that are Defra approved

In the past, people had the ability to burn whatever they wanted on their fires. This led to massive quantities of smoke being emitted across the nation. This caused a lot of health issues and the government realized they had to do something about it. Smoke Control Areas were created to prevent all smoke emissions from residential properties except when they use an approved stove with authorised fuel.

If you reside in a smoke-control zone you must possess a Defra Smoke Exempt woodburner to legally burn wood. You could be fined if you break the law.

Neighbourly Friendly

Wood-burners are becoming increasingly popular in the UK particularly with the recent influx of people coming to the country from cities. It is nevertheless important to understand and comply with rules regarding log burners in order to avoid penalties or legal action. The best way to accomplish this is to use a DEFRA approved stove that meets strict emission standards. There are a variety of methods to determine whether the stove is DEFRA approved, including checking the label or looking at the specifications on the manufacturer's website.

The DEFRA stamp on a stove means that the appliance has been thoroughly tested and has passed strict emission standards, which allows it to be used within smoke control areas. The stove will also burn less fuel and release fewer harmful pollutants. It is crucial to look for this feature when searching for a new stove because it will ensure that you get the most out of your purchase and that you can use it legally in smoke control areas.

To reduce emissions from your stove, it's essential to make use of seasoned or kiln dried wood. Kiln drying lowers moisture levels in the wood which reduces emissions when it is burned. It can take as long as two years for wood to dry naturally so if you're burning wood in a smoke control area it is recommended to use a log store or hire a chimney sweep to dry the wood for you. Look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo when purchasing wood, as it indicates that the wood has a low moisture content.

The UK has laws to regulate harmful particles that are created by coal and wood burning. These small particles are extremely dangerous to health and can cause respiratory problems as well as heart disease, and dementia. Research has shown that wood-burning stoves are responsible for 23-31% of London's PM2.5 pollutants. It is therefore important to adhere to the regulations when purchasing an appliance and be aware when using it in smoke-free zones.