15 Shocking Facts About Defra Wood Burner
Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then you will require a Defra approved stove. The stoves are available in various styles that will suit your home.
The top DEFRA stoves air vent has been altered so that you can't close it completely. This causes the fire to smoulder and generate more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a smoke-free area you may be interested in purchasing a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln-dried logs and various other fuels, without releasing excessive smoke. They accomplish this by supplying the minimum amount of combustion air to keep your fire burning effectively and avoiding unnecessary smoke emissions.
The Defra approved logo is a well-known one within the stove industry and you will often see it used in brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is sometimes also written as 'SE' which is a reference to a Smoke Exempt stove and is used to signify that the stove is legal to use in a smoke-control area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved appliances are made to meet the new Ecodesign emission standards that went into the market in 2021. These are higher than those set by the old smoke control laws, but lower than the standards to be set under a plan for a Clean Air Act in 2030.
It is essential to verify the specifications of your stove prior to purchasing it. Some will have the Defra exemption label, which is a marketing mark and not a real Defra approval. Recent CAL investigation has revealed serious problems with new Ecodesign limits, such as inadequate testing and confusion over the current regulations for smoke control. Manufacturers also failed inform consumers.
You can purchase an non Defra approved stove if you live in a smoke-controlled area. However, you will require a fuel kit to comply with the laws. In addition, you'll have adhere to the regulations regarding the fuel types that you can burn.
This is a complex problem that must be tackled to ensure that clean air is maintained in the UK and to keep the environment healthy. In the meantime it's best to use kiln dried logs and other authorised fuels in your defra approved stove, as they're safer than conventional house coal and sulphurised bituminous coal. This will help keep your Defra stove in compliance with the law, while helping you to enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, less smoky fire and saving money on heating bills.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason to own a DEFRA wood burner is that it allows you to legally burn logs in smoke-free areas without the risk of being fined. But this is not the only reason to consider purchasing one. These stoves also come with clean combustion technology that is better for the environment as well as your health.
When Defra approved stoves are operated correctly (burning only dry, seasoned, and 'Ready to Burn' wood) they can cut pollution by up to one quarter when compared to open fires and older appliances. This, in conjunction with regular chimney sweepings to ensure that the flue is operating correctly, can lower the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.
The most significant pollutant released when burning solid fuels like logs is ultra-fine particulate matter, that can get into the lungs and may cause a variety of health issues. This includes asthma symptoms as well as a general feeling that you're not feeling well.
Ecodesign wood burners are the best method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that enters your home. These wood burners have been independently tested to ensure that they emit less toxic PM2.5 when compared to older open fires and stoves.
In addition, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that comply with 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 emitted but increases the heat efficiency of the appliance, allowing you to enjoy more warmth for the dollars and save on energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners we carry have been tested to ensure they meet these standards. They can be purchased as stoves that stand alone, or as kits for fireplaces already in use. This means that you can select the best Defra compatible stove for your home and also ensure your purchase should the law change in the near future. If you would like to know more about the Defra approved stoves we stock, contact our team of experts or visit our showrooms today.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves are the most natural, comfortable and cost-effective method of heating your home. However, many do not realise that even 'smokeless' stoves emit large amounts of harmful pollutants. The primary pollutant produced by wood burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which is easily absorbed by the respiratory system of a person. Short-term exposure of PM2.5 can cause asthma as well as lung infections and cardiovascular issues.
The DEFRA regulations stoves (this page) approved stoves are designed for minimal emissions. However the type of fuel is likely to have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants produced. It is therefore crucial to select dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for at least two-years. Aduro, for example, produces smokeless fuels approved by Defra.
Modern stoves that are Defra-approved will be designed to conform to new Ecodesign regulations that impose more stringent manufacturing standards than before. In accordance with the new regulations the stoves that are installed in a Smoke Control Area is required to emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is a far smaller amount than the 7.5g/hour that was previously set for older stoves.
According to the UK Government despite these reductions, wood and coal combustion in domestic homes still accounts for 17 percent of fine particle pollution in the UK. However, the latest data indicate that it is responsible for less than quarter of the total impacts from all sources of particle pollution which includes road traffic and industrial processes.
It is crucial to remember that stoves with DEFRA permitted stoves approval, as well as open fires and solid fuel cookers, will continue to be the primary source of fine particulate pollution in the UK. The best way to minimize the negative effects of these stoves is to limit the amount of wood you burn and only using Ready to Burn certified fuels with a moisture content that is less than 20 percent. Burning wood that is wet causes the fire to burn at less temperature, which results in more pollutants. The glass of the stove to darken faster and causes a quicker accumulation of soot in the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer an array of environmental benefits, including energy-efficient and clean combustion, reduced emissions, and the potential for cost savings. They are also available in a variety of designs to fit the needs of every home and come with the added benefit of being are a sustainable form of heating, as opposed to fossil fuels, such as oil or gas.
The term 'Defra Approved Stoves' refers the fact they comply with government legislation pertaining to use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an altered top DEFRA stoves air control that blocks the user from closing the door completely and reducing the air flow which could hinder the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoulder, producing more smoke and emitting more harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology in their products to increase their environmental credentials and to comply with new legislation. For instance, they are using secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles that go up your chimney as black smoke and reduce your emissions and carbon footprint.
If you live in a smoke controlled area, then a DEFRA approved eco design stoves approved stove is essential for those who want to continue to burn wood or other approved fuels without breaking the law. The stoves have been independently tested and have been deemed to be compliant with the law and will continue to do so as the legislation changes.
A Defra Approved stove can be equipped with 5" liner when burning authorized fuels. It works best with wood that has an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. This will ensure that the burn is clean, leading to less emissions and a greater lifespan for your flue and chimney system.
If you do not reside in a smoke controlled zone, then there is no need to buy a Defra stove, but there are plenty of reasons you may still need one even if you do not reside in a smoke-free area. They look beautiful, are an excellent source of heat, and reduce your environmental impact.