Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?
If you live in a Smoke Control Area then you will need to use an
DEFRA accredited stoves approved stove. The stoves are available in different styles that will suit your home.
They have been modified to stop you from closing the top air vent completely If you do this, it causes the fire to smoulder and creates more smoke.
Smoke Exempt
If you reside in a zone that has smoke control you might want to purchase a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves were designed to let you burn kiln dried logs and other authorized fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. They do this by supplying the least amount of combustion air to keep your fire burning efficiently and avoiding unnecessary smoke emissions.
The DEFRA approved High-quality stoves (
www.dermandar.com) approved logo is a well-known one in the stove industry and you'll see it used in brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It's sometimes referred to as 'SE', which stands for 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 made to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits that will come into force as of 2021. They are more than the standards set by the previous smoke control laws but lower than the standards that will be set under a plan for a Clean Air Act in 2030.
It is essential to verify the specifications of the stove you are considering buying it. Some models will have the Defra exemption label that is a marketing label and not a genuine Defra approval. A recent CAL investigation found some serious problems with new Ecodesign limitations, including insufficient testing and confusion with existing smoke control regulations. Manufacturers also failed provide this information to consumers.
You can purchase an non Defra approved stove when you reside in a smoke-free area. However, you will have to purchase a specific fuel kit if you want to comply with the laws. In addition, you'll need adhere to the rules regarding the kinds of fuel that you can burn.
This is a complex problem that needs to be addressed in order to maintain clean air in the UK and to keep the environment healthy. It's best to use kiln-dried logs or other approved fuels for your defra stove until the issue is addressed. They are safer than traditional house coke and sulphurised coal. This will allow you to keep your Defra approved stove in line with the law, while giving you the option of an easier to clean and less smokey fireplace. You'll also reduce your heating costs.
Clean Combustion
The primary reason to have a DEFRA wood burner is that you can legally burn logs in smoke-free areas without the risk of getting fined. They aren't just good for the environment - they also have clean combustion technology which is healthier for your health and the environment.
When Defra-approved stoves are used correctly (burning only dry wood that has been seasoned and is 'Ready to burn'), they can reduce pollution by up to a fourth when compared to older appliances and open fires. In conjunction with regular chimney sweeps which can also make sure that the flue works properly, this can significantly reduce the amount of harmful particulate matter in your home.
The most significant pollutant released when burning solid fuels like logs is ultra-fine particulate matter which penetrates deep into the lungs and may cause a variety of health issues. This includes asthma-related symptoms as well as the general feeling that you're not feeling well.
This type of pollution to the air can be minimized by making use of Defra exempt stoves and burning dry wood however the most efficient method of reducing the amount of PM2.5 in your home is with an Ecodesign ready wood burner. These have been independently checked and verified to make sure that they release less harmful PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.
In addition, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that meet the Ecodesign standards are designed to allow as much fresh air into the fire as is possible to ensure they don't smoke or overheat. This not only cuts the amount of harmful gases released, but also increases the efficiency of the appliance so that you enjoy more warmth for the money and also save energy.
The Defra-approved wood burners we stock have been tested to meet these standards and are available in a standalone stove or as a set for existing fireplaces. This means you can choose the best Defra compliant stove for your home, and you can also ensure your purchase should the law change in the future. If you would like to find out more about the Defra approved stoves we have in the store, contact our team of experts or visit your local showroom today.
Reduced Emissions
Wood-burning stoves are a popular choice because they provide a warm cheap and eco-friendly way to heat your home. However, many do not realise that even "smokeless" stoves release significant levels of harmful pollution. The most significant pollutant released by wood-burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that is able to easily enter the human respiratory system. The short-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with asthma lung infections, asthma, and cardiovascular issues.
Although Defra-approved stoves are made to produce minimal emissions, the type of fuel used can make a significant difference to the amount of pollutants released. It is therefore essential to use seasoned, dry wood that has been cured for at least two years. It is also advisable to only burn Defra-approved, smokeless fuels, which are made by the likes of Aduro.
Modern Defra approved stoves have been designed to conform to the new Ecodesign regulations, which have set higher standards for manufacturing than prior. According to the new rules, any stove installed within a Smoke Control Area is required to emit less than 5g particles per hour. This is significantly less than the 7.5g/hour limit that was in effect for older stoves.
According to the UK Government, despite these cuts coal and wood combustion in domestic homes still accounts for 17% of fine particle pollution in the UK. The latest figures however,
DEFRA Approved high-Quality stoves reveal that coal and wood burning is less than one-quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution. This includes road traffic, as well as industrial processes.
It is vital to remember that Defra approved stoves will always be an important source of fine particle pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood that you burn, and only make use of fuels that have an average moisture content of less than 20%. The fire will burn at a lower heat which results in more pollution. The glass of the stove to blacken more quickly and leads to a faster buildup of soot inside the chimney.
Eco-Friendly
Defra wood burning stoves offer many environmental benefits, such as efficient and clean combustion as well as reduced emissions. They can also offer the possibility of cost savings. They are also available in a variety of styles to meet the needs of any homeowner's needs and have the added benefit of being are a sustainable method of heating, as opposed to fossil fuels such as oil or gas.
The term 'Defra Approved Stoves' refers to the fact they comply with regulations of the government pertaining to their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an altered top air control that prevents the user from closing the door completely and reducing the air flow which would hinder proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoulder, producing more smoke and releasing more harmful gases into the air.
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technologies into their products to enhance their environmental credentials and to comply with new laws. They utilize secondary and tertiary systems to reduce the amount of combustibles part-burned that go up your chimney in black smoke.