10 Apps To Help You Control Your Defra Woodburner
Choosing a Defra Woodburner
To ensure compliance with the law, anyone living in a smoke-control area must use a DEFRA-approved stove. They are stoves that have been independently tested to make sure that they burn wood and smokeless fuels in compliance with the law.
There isn't much difference between a stove that is DEFRA approved and one that hasn't been approved. Modern stoves can be altered to become DEFRA approved by a kit supplied by the manufacturer of the stove.
Clean Burn Technology
A Defra-approved stove will use clean burning technologies to minimise the amount of waste generated when fuels are burned. This technology allows pre-heated air that has been filtered to be injected into the combustion chamber. The air is mixed with gaseous emissions from the flame and is used to burn hydrocarbons that are not burned. This reduces the amount of smoke that escapes from a stove and also can be beneficial to asthma sufferers who suffer from respiratory problems.
A lot of modern wood stoves and burners use this technology, which is a major reason why they are more eco green than older stoves or fires. If you reside in an area where smoke is controlled, you'll require a DEFRA-exempt appliance that has passed rigorous tests for smoke particle emission to be categorized as "clean burn" in order to burn logs legally on a fireplace that is wood-burning.
If you own a DEFRA approved stove then to fully benefit from the emissions reduction technology it is best to burn only low moisture content wood. Ideally it should have been seasoned for two years to ensure the wood has been reduced to less than 20 percent moisture. You can check the moisture level of your wood using an easy moisture meter.
Using a DEFRA approved stove with Clean Burn technology will reduce your energy costs as well as help keep the environment cleaner. Clean Burn technology reduces the levels of smoke particles released, and this can have a positive impact 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 keep it from becoming blocked.
If you're an owner of a business and would like to cut down on energy costs, then think about installing a waste oil heater from Clean Burn. There are a range of boilers and furnaces that can be used to generate heat using your own waste oil. Each model is equipped with Clean Burn's patented Heat Recovery Technology, which recycles waste oil and turns it into a renewable energy source. Clean Burn has a vast dealer network that offers excellent customer service both before and after the purchase. They also offer an extensive warranty that covers the combustion chamber and heat exchanger of their equipment for a period of 10 years or 15,000 hours.
Smoke Exempt Appliances
To qualify as Defra Exempt an appliance must be able to pass a rigorous test created by DEFRA, the UK Government Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This ensures that it can be used in smoke-free areas. A Defra-Exempt stove is often known as a DEFRA or SE stove, and has been cleared by the tests that permit you to burn wood as well as authorised non-smoking, non-smoking, fuels manufactured in UK Smoke Control Areas.
If you reside in a UK city or large town that is classified as Smoke Control Area it is crucial to possess a Defra Exempt Woodburner to avoid violating the law and facing a significant fine. This is because you can only legally burn wood with Smoke Control Approved Appliances and only certain approved fuels (see our Defra List of Authorised Fuels for a complete list).
Having a Defra Exempt Stove will also mean that your chimney and flue system will stay cleaner for a longer time as the stove won't emitting a lot of nuisance smoke into the air in addition. Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area, a Defra stove is still a great choice because it's more eco-friendly and friendly to neighbours because it produces less nuisance smoke than an un-Defra approved stove.
Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure that your stove performs at its highest level and maximizes its energy efficiency. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney regularly. A stove that is regularly cleaned and maintained will perform better, which will allow you to save more money over the course of time.
There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when selecting the right stove. From the size of the heater to the kW output it can provide, there are a lot of factors to consider. It is also important to consider the type of fuel you will be using, and if you'll need to operate it in a Smoke Control Area.
Eco-Friendly
Ecodesign wood burning stoves are built with the environment in mind. This is done by using third-generation and second-generation combustion systems, which reduce harmful particle emissions while preserving fuel. They also burn wood at a higher temperature than other stoves. This results in logs burning more efficiently and producing less pollutants. These eco-friendly stoves can also be more efficient than older models, saving you money.
The Ecodesign logo that you see on many of our woodburners indicates that the stove is in compliance with new regulations set by the European Union, as well as UK laws regarding environmental protection. These Ecodesign log burners are engineered for maximum efficiency and offer a performance of 70 percent over the course of an entire season. They also have a secondary clean burn system that is controlled by a chrome lever on the base of the stove. The system is able to open and close a vent which pulls air over the fire, reburning any smoke initially generated by the fire. This results in less emissions being released and helps to keep your chimney and flue system clean for longer.
We would recommend all of our customers to search for Ecodesign stoves when searching for an updated woodburner. They are not just more efficient and clean, but also emit less pollution. They are also more affordable than other models, and come with a variety of styles that will complement the style of your home.
Stoves that are Defra approved
In the past, people could choose to use whatever they wanted to burn on their fires. This resulted in massive amounts of smoke being pumped across the country. The government realized that this was a major problem and took steps. Smoke Control Areas were created, which prohibits all smoke emissions from residential properties except when they are using an approved stove and authorized fuel.
If you live in a smoke-control area it is required to have a Defra Smoke Exempt woodburner to legally burn wood. If you don't do this, you risk breaking the law and being punished.
Neighbour Friendly
Wood-burners are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, especially with the recent influx of people moving to the country from urban areas. It is crucial to abide with the rules regarding log-burners to avoid fines or legal action. The best way to accomplish this is by using a DEFRA approved stove that meets strict emission standards. There are a variety of methods to determine if a stove has been DEFRA-approved for use, such as by looking at the label and the specifications on the manufacturer’s website.
DEFRA lawful stoves on a stove signifies that the stove has been subjected to rigorous testing and has met strict emission standards which allows it to be used in smoke control areas. It also means that the stove will use less fuel and generate less harmful pollutants. This is an important feature to look out for when purchasing a new stove. It will ensure you get the best out of the purchase and ensure you can legally use it in smoke-control zones.
To reduce emissions from your stove, it's essential to make use of seasoned or kiln dried wood. Kiln drying decreases the moisture content in the wood which, in turn, reduces how much pollution is produced when the wood is burnt. Wood can dry for up to two years without any intervention. If you're burning wood in an area where smoke is not a problem, it's best to employ a chimney sweep, or utilize a log storage unit to dry your wood. Look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo when purchasing wood, as it indicates that the wood has a low moisture content.
Smoke control laws in the UK are designed to limit harmful particulate matter that is generated by coal and wood fires. These tiny particles can trigger respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Studies have shown that wood-burning stoves contribute 23 - 31% of PM2.5 pollutants in London, so it is essential to follow the rules when buying a brand new stove and to take care when using it in smoke-free zones.