The Main Issue With DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved, And How You Can Fix It
What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?
If you're looking to buy a wood-burning stove and live in a smoke control area then it is important to select a DEFRA exempt or approved stove. This is because stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt can starve the burner of air, which can result in the fuel burning and producing excessive emissions.
Clean Burn Technology
If you select a DEFRA-approved stove you will be able to reduce air pollution. The wood-burning stoves listed here have been developed to meet the strict smoke emission standards established by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The DEFRA stoves we sell have clean burn technology that ensures that any wood or other solid fuel you use will be burned fully before it can escape up the chimney. The way in which they achieve this is through secondary and sometimes tertiary air intakes that ensure that every last particle of smoke is burned before it can leave the stove. This means that your chimney will remain cleaner for longer and you will have a more efficient stove that consumes less fuel to heat your home.
DEFRA stoves are available in both modern and traditional styles. This is because not everyone wants their new stove to be the focal area of their living space and you may want a more discreet option that will blend in with your decor. There is also a selection of freestanding and inglenook stoves that can be used with DEFRA approval, so you can find the perfect stove for your fireplace chamber or inglenook.
You can also select from a range of DEFRA multi-fuel stoves, allowing you to have the freedom to burn a variety of authorised fuels. You can find the ideal DEFRA multi-fuel or wood burner for your home if you combine these features with a range of finishes and colours.
We are pleased to offer an extensive variety of DefrA Wood Burners that have been tested independently by HETAS and meet the stringent DEFRA emission standards. They are permitted to use legally in Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area then it is crucial to purchase a DEFRA stove as the use of an unapproved appliance could result in you being penalized. You can find out if you live in a Smoke Control Area by visiting the DEFRA website or talking to your local authority.
Smoke Exempt
Stoves that are DEFRA wood burning stoves that have been approved have been tested to ensure they are able to be used in smoke-free areas. Bowland Stoves offers a range of DEFRA wood burning stoves that offer cleaner combustion, less emissions and the possibility of saving money. You can even choose from a variety of designs that will complement your home's style.
Smoke Control Areas are set by local authorities. The principal reason for their existence is to stop the accumulation of large amounts of smog in towns and cities across the UK. In the past, people would use any type of fuel they wanted in their homes and this caused a lot of smog in various areas that caused health problems for the local population. In the past there was no law to regulate this, but now we must adhere to the rules.
Defra regulations have been created to ensure the safety of the public. They specify the stoves that can be used in specific areas, and the types of fuels we can use. This means that should you reside in a smoke-free area then you must only make use of the DEFRA stove and only burn approved fuels such as logs, pellets or coal. If you purchase a non-DEFRA stove and use fuels that aren't permitted, you could be fined up to PS1000.
A stove that is approved by Defra will provide the minimum amount of air to burn that will result in the least amount of smoke emissions. This is the only way to ensure that you are legally able to burn wood and other authorised fuels within a Smoke Control Area.
In order to be DEFRA approved, wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves have to have an average moisture content of 20% or less to prevent excessive smoke. To attain this the wood must be properly seasoned and procured from the Forestry Commission's "Woodsure Ready to Burn' scheme.
When buying a stove to use in a Smoke Control Area then make sure it's got the Defra logo or a 'SE' after its name. This signifies that it is smoke exempt. The Defra logo is very easily recognisable and it is widely used by the industry.
Conforms to Building Regulations
If a wood-burning stove is DEFRA approved, this means that it has been thoroughly tested and meets building regulations. This means that the stove is safe to use and that it has a properly installed flue system. DEFRA guidelines stoves prevents fire hazards and limits the indoor air pollution. This is especially important for people living in smoke control areas where it is illegal to burn fuels that are not authorized.
Our selection of DEFRA stoves are available in different sizes and styles so you can choose the ideal stove for your home. We offer freestanding models, inglenook and inset with modern and traditional styles that will fit in with any decor. You can also select between a wood burner or multi-fuel model depending on your needs. All DEFRA stoves feature clean-burn technology, which means you can rest assured that they will burn your fuel efficiently and safely.
DEFRA stoves are also designed to abide with strict regulations regarding smoke emissions in smoke controlled areas. These regulations are primarily designed to reduce the amount of particulate matter that is released into the air when the stove is burning.
The latest DEFRA wood-burning stoves have been designed for this purpose, using advanced combustion systems that do not restrict airflow inside the firebox. This lets the wood be burnt faster and more thoroughly, reducing the release of particles into the air. Additionally, DEFRA stoves are equipped with a secondary burn system which reduces emissions further by re-burning combustibles not yet burned from the earlier combustion process.
Although it is possible to install a non-DEFRA compliant stove, this will often require significant changes to the chimney and flue system. This may require structural changes that could require planning permission. In order to avoid this, we suggest using a DEFRA certified stove when buying a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.
A DEFRA-approved stove will usually also have a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This means that you can use a 5" vitreous enamel flue liner that will save you money on installation costs. This is a great idea for those who are budget conscious or if the chimney has some awkward bends to navigate.
Reduced Emissions
When you are looking for a wood-burning stove you will come across many terms that may confuse you. The term DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt stoves means that it can be used in smoke-free areas of the UK.
These stoves have been inspected to ensure that they comply with UK smoking laws. They achieve this by incorporating the most recent clean-burn technology that makes use of secondary and tertiary combustion to help create healthier air for your home. This reduces the use of fuel, since it is burned more efficiently.
The latest technology in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves is more environmentally friendly in comparison to traditional open fires or stoves. If used properly the wood burning stove is carbon neutral. This is due to the fact that trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow and then release it back into the air when they are burned. They are therefore a greener alternative to fossil fuels.
The main issue with a wood-burning stove is the emission generated. The smoke that is generated by a wood-burning fireplace is a mixture of ultrafine particles known to cause serious health problems. These particles can cause breathing problems, worsen asthma symptoms, and cause you to feel sick. They also increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and premature death.
Domestic wood burning is currently the largest source of PM2.5 in the UK, producing three times the amount of pollution than road traffic. This is due to the fact that conventional wood stoves don't make use of clean burning technology. This is why it is essential to buy a DEFRA exempt stove if you reside in a zone that is smoke-free or even if you do not, as they are safer for the environment as well as your chimney.
At Bowland Stoves, we stock an extensive range of DEFRA approved stoves from leading manufacturers such as Arada, Stovax and Burley. If you're not sure what kind of stove is best for your home, we suggest consulting with a member of our team. However, if you decide to purchase a DEFRA approved stove, you can rest assured that it has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it is safe to use in smoke-free areas.