What's Holding Back What's Holding Back The Defra Wood Burner Industry
Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in a smoke control area, you'll require an approved stove from Defra. They come in a variety of styles that will fit your home.
They've been modified to prevent you from closing the top air vent completely when you do this, it causes the fire to smoulder and produce more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a zone that has smoke control you might want to buy a Defra-approved wood burner. These stoves have been made to allow you to burn kiln dried logs as well as a list of other authorised fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. These stoves do this by providing the minimum amount of combustion air to ensure that fires burn efficiently and avoiding unnecessary emissions.
You'll find the Defra logo on many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It can be written as 'SE' which is a reference to Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to indicate that the appliance can legally be used in a smoking area when using approved fuels.
Defra approved appliances are designed to comply with the new Ecodesign emission standards that came into the market in 2021. DEFRA stoves installation are more than the standards established by the old smoke control laws but lower than the standards to be set under a planned Clean Air Act in 2030.
As a result, it's crucial to verify the specifications of the stove prior to purchasing it, as some models will come with an Defra exempt label that is merely marketing labels instead of being a true Defra approval. Recent CAL investigation revealed some serious problems with new Ecodesign limits, such as inadequate testing and confusion with the existing regulations for smoke control. Manufacturers also failed inform consumers.
While you can purchase a non-Defra approved stove in a smoke-free zone but it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to buy a special fuel kit to ensure compliance with the law. Additionally, you'll need adhere to the rules regarding the fuel types that you can burn.
This is a complex issue that needs to be addressed in order to ensure clean air in the UK and to keep its environment healthy. In the meantime, it's a good idea to use kiln dried logs and other fuels that are authorised in your stove that are defra-approved because they're more safe than conventional household coal and sulfurized bituminous coal. This should help to keep your Defra stove in compliance with the law while also allowing you enjoy the benefits of less smoke and a cleaner fire, and saving money on heating bills.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason to own the DEFRA wood burner is that you can legally burn logs in smoke control areas, without the risk of getting fined. But this is not the only reason to consider buying one. These stoves also have green combustion technology that is better for the environment as well as your health.
When Defra approved stoves are used properly (burning only dry, seasoned and 'Ready to Burn wood) they can cut pollution by as much as a quarter compared with open fires and older appliances. Combined with regular chimney sweeps, which can also make sure that the flue is operating correctly, this can dramatically reduce the amount of harmful particulate matter that can be found in your home.
The most significant pollutant released during the burning of solid fuels like logs is ultra-fine particulate matter, which penetrates deep into the lungs and may cause a range of health problems. This includes asthma symptoms as well as an overall feeling of being sick.
This kind of pollution to the air can be minimized by using Defra exempt stoves and only burning dry wood in them However, the most efficient method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 in your home is with an Ecodesign ready wood burner. These wood burners have been tested independently to ensure that they emit less toxic PM2.5 than older stoves and open fires.
In addition, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves which meet the Ecodesign standards are designed to allow as much fresh air into the fire as much as possible, so that they don't become smoky or overheat. This reduces not only the amount of harmful gases released, but also increases the efficiency of the appliance so that you enjoy more warmth for the money and save energy.
All of the Defra approved wood burners that we stock have been tested to ensure they meet these standards. They can be purchased either as standalone stoves, or as kits for fireplaces already in use. This means that you can select the most suitable Defra compliant stove for your home, and you can also proof your purchase should legislation change in the future. If you would like to learn more about the Defra approved stoves that we the store, contact our team of experts or visit our showrooms today.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves are the most natural, comfortable and economical way to heat your house. Many people are unaware that even'smokeless ' stoves' emit high levels harmful pollution. The most significant pollutant emitted by wood burning stoves is ultra-fine particles (PM2.5) which can easily enter the respiratory system of humans. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked with a variety of health issues including asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular issues.
The Defra approved stoves are built to emit a minimum amount of emissions. However, the fuel type used can have a significant impact on the amount of pollution produced. It is therefore essential to use seasoned, dry wood that has been dried for at least two years. Aduro for instance, produces smokeless fuels approved by Defra.
Modern Defra approved stoves have been designed to meet the new Ecodesign regulations, which have set stricter manufacturing limits than prior. The new rules say that any stove that is installed in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is significantly lower than the 7.5g/hour limit that was in place for older stoves.
Despite these reductions, domestic coal and wood burning still accounts for around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution according to the Government. The latest figures however, reveal that wood and coal 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 know that Defra-approved stoves as well as open fires and solid fuel cookers, will remain the primary source of fine particulate matter pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood you burn, and only use fuels with an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. The fire will burn at a lower heat and will produce more pollutants. Additionally, it causes the stove glass to turn black faster and leads to a faster build-up of soot within the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer an array of environmental benefits, including energy-efficient and clean combustion, less emissions, and a potential savings in cost. They come in a range of styles that can be a perfect fit for any style of home. They also have the added benefit of being a green alternative to fossil fuels like oil or gas.
The term 'Defra Approved Stove' refers the fact that they comply with government legislation regarding use in Smoke Control Areas. The stoves have an altered air control on the top that prevents users from closing the top all the way to reduce air supply and hindering proper combustion. This could cause the stoves to smoulder and produce more smoke.
Stove manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to improve the environmental credentials of their stoves and assist them to be compliant with the new laws. They employ secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles which go into your chimneys in black smoke. This reduces your emissions and carbon footprint.
If you live in a smoke-controlled zone, a stove that is Defra-approved is required for those who want to continue burning wood and approved fuels, while not breaking the law. The stoves have been tested independently and complied with the legislation and will continue to do so as new legislation is put in place.
A Defra Approved Stove can be used with 5" Liner when burning authorised Fuels. It will work best with Wood that has a moisture content of Less Than 20 percent. This will ensure that the burn is clean, resulting in less emissions and a greater time span for your flue as well as chimney system.
If you do not live in a smoke control zone, then there is no reason to purchase a Defra stove, however there are plenty of reasons you might still want one even if you do not reside in a smoke-free area. They are beautiful, provide an excellent source of heat, and can reduce your environmental impact.