20 Fun Facts About Defra Wood Burner
Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in a smoke control area, you'll require an approved stove from Defra. They are available in a variety of styles to fit your home.
The top air vent has been modified to make it impossible to close it completely. This makes the fire smolder and create more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you live in a smoke-control area, you may want to buy a Defra-approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln dried logs and a variety of other fuels, without releasing excessive smoke. They do this by providing the minimum amount of combustion air to keep fires burning efficiently and avoiding unnecessary emissions.
You'll find the Defra logo on many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is sometimes written as 'SE,' which means Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to indicate that the appliance can legally be used in a smoke-free area using approved fuels.
Defra approved stoves are designed to meet new Ecodesign emission limits that have been in effect since 2021. They are higher than the limits 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 essential to verify the specifications of your stove prior to buying it. Some will have an Defra exemption label, which is a marketing mark and not a real Defra approval. A recent investigation conducted by CAL identified a number of serious problems with the new Ecodesign limits, such as insufficient testing, confusion, and duplication with existing smoke control regulations, and an inability for manufacturers to properly communicate this information to consumers.
You can purchase an non Defra approved stove when you live in a smoke-controlled area. However, you'll have to purchase a specific fuel kit if you want to comply with the laws. Additionally, you'll need adhere to the regulations regarding the kinds of fuel that you can burn.
This is a complex issue that must be tackled to ensure that clean air is maintained in the UK and to keep its environment healthy. It's best to use kiln-dried logs or other approved fuels for your stove until the issue is addressed. They are safer than conventional house coke and sulfurised coal. This will help keep your Defra stove in line with the law, while helping you benefit from less smoke and a cleaner fire, and saving money on your heating costs.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason to have the DEFRA wood burner is that you can legally burn logs in smoke control areas, without the risk of getting fined. They aren't just green they also have green combustion technology that is better for your health as well as the environment.
When Defra approved stoves are used properly (burning only dry, seasoned and 'Ready to Burn wood) they can cut pollution by up to a quarter compared with open fires and older appliances. This, combined with regular chimney sweepings that will ensure the flue is functioning correctly, can lower the harmful particles in your home.
Ultra-fine particulates are the primary pollutant released when burning solid fuels such as logs. These particles can get deep into the lungs, causing variety of health issues. This includes asthma symptoms and a general feeling of being sick.
This kind of pollution to the air can be lowered by using Defra exempt stoves and burning dry wood in them However, the most efficient way to cut the amount of PM2.5 in your home is with an Ecodesign ready wood burner. These have been independently tested and verified to confirm that they release less harmful PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.
Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that meet the new Ecodesign standards are designed to let as much fresh air as possible into the flame so that it doesn't get smoky. This reduces the amount pollution that is released and improves the efficiency of heat, meaning you get more warmth with less energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners we carry have been tested to ensure they meet these standards. They can be purchased either as standalone stoves or as kits to fit existing fireplaces. You can then choose the best Defra-compliant stove for your home and safeguard your investment should legislation changes in the future. Contact our team of experts to find out more about the stoves that are Defra approved that we stock or visit your local showroom.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves offer an eco-friendly, cozy and economical way to heat your house. Many people are unaware that even smokeless stoves emit a lot of harmful pollutants. The primary pollutant produced by wood-burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that is easily absorbed by the respiratory system of humans. In short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a variety of health issues, including asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular problems.
While Defra-approved stoves are designed to minimize emissions however, the type of fuel used could significantly impact the amount of pollution produced. For this reason, it is important to make use of dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for at least two years. fireplacesandstove.com is also advisable to only burn Defra-approved, smokeless fuels which are manufactured by the likes of Aduro.
Modern stoves that are Defra-approved will be designed to comply with new Ecodesign regulations that set stricter manufacturing limitations than before. In accordance with the new regulations, any stove installed within a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g particles per hour. This is significantly lower than the 7.5g/hour limit that was in place for older stoves.
Despite these reductions however, domestic coal and wood burning still accounts for around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution according to the government. The most recent figures, however, show that coal and wood burning accounts for less than one quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollutants. This includes road traffic as well as industrial processes.
It is vital to remember that Defra approved stoves will remain the main source of fine particle pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood that you burn, and use fuels with less than 20%. The fire will burn at a lower heat which results in more pollution. Additionally it causes the glass of the stove to darken faster and leads to a faster build-up of soot inside the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood-burning stoves offer many environmental benefits, including clean and efficient combustion and reduced emissions. They also offer potential savings in cost. They are also available in a variety of designs to fit the needs of every home, and have the added benefit of being are a sustainable method of heating, as opposed to fossil fuels like gas or oil.
The term 'Defra Approved Stove' refers to the fact that they comply with the regulations of the government regarding their use in Smoke Control Areas. The stoves come with an altered air control at the top that stops users from closing the top completely, reducing air supply and preventing proper combustion. This can cause the stoves to smoulder and create more smoke.
Stove manufacturers are increasing their use of technology in their products that will improve the eco-credentials of their stoves and help them to be compliant with the latest legislation. They use secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce the amount part-burned combustibles that go into your chimneys in black smoke. This reduces your carbon footprint and emissions.
If you live in a smoke-free area, a Defra-approved stove is essential for those who want to continue using wood and other approved fuels and not in violation of the law. These stoves are independently tested to ensure that they are in compliance with laws. They continue to comply with this until new legislation is enacted.
A Defra Approved stove can be used with 5" liner when burning authorized fuels. It is best using wood that has a moisture content of less than 20 percent. This ensures the burning process is clean, resulting in less emissions and a longer lifespan for your chimney and flue system.
If you do not live in a smoke control area then there is no need to buy a Defra stove, but there are plenty of reasons you might still want one, even if you don't reside in a smoke-free area. They look beautiful, are a great source of heat, and help reduce your environmental impact.