Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?

If you live in a smoke control zone, you'll need an approved stove from Defra. These stoves are available in a variety of styles to suit your home.

The top air vent has been modified so that you cannot close it all the way. This causes the fire to smoulder, and produce more smoke.

Smoke Exempt

If you live in a smoke-control area it is possible to buy a Defra-approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln dried logs, as well as various other fuels, without releasing excessive smoke. They do this by providing the least amount of combustion air required to keep your fire burning efficiently and avoiding unnecessary smoke emissions.

You'll see the Defra logo on many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is also sometimes written with the letter 'SE', which stands for Smoke Exempt stove and is used to signify that the stove can be legally used in a smoke-control area when using approved fuels.

Defra approved appliances are made to comply with the new Ecodesign emission standards which came into the market in 2021. These standards are higher than old smoke control laws, DEFRA List stoves but lower than the standards established under the Clean Air Act 2030.

It is important to check the specifications of your stove prior to buying it. Some stoves will carry an Defra exemption label that is a marketing label and not a real Defra approval. Recent CAL investigation revealed some serious issues with the new Ecodesign limits, such as inadequate testing and confusion with existing smoke control regulation. The manufacturers also failed to communicate this information to the customers.

You can buy a non Defra approved stove for those who reside in a smoke-free area. However, you'll require a fuel kit if you want to comply with the laws. You'll also have to follow the rules about the types of fuel you can use.

This is a complicated issue that needs to be dealt with in order to maintain clean air and keep the UK's environment healthy. It is recommended to use kiln dried logs or other approved fuels for your defra stove until the issue is resolved. They are more secure than conventional household coke and sulfurised coal. This will help keep your Defra stove in line with the law, while allowing you to benefit from less smoke and a cleaner fire and saving money on your heating costs.

Clean Combustion

The primary reason you should own the DEFRA is that you can burn logs legally in smoke control zones without having to pay a fine. But this is not the only reason you should consider buying one. These stoves also feature eco-friendly technology, which is more beneficial for the environment and your health.

When Defra approved stoves are operated correctly (burning only dry, seasoned and 'Ready to Burn' wood) they can cut pollution by up to 25% compared to open fires and older appliances. This, in conjunction with regular chimney sweeps to ensure the flue is functioning properly, can help reduce the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.

Ultra-fine particulates are the primary pollutant that is released when burning solid fuels such as logs. These particles can get deep into the lungs, leading to a range of health issues. This includes asthma-related symptoms and an overall feeling of being sick.

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 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 ensure that they emit less harmful PM2.5 than older stoves or open fires.

Additionally, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that comply with the new Ecodesign requirements are designed to allow as much fresh air into the fire as is possible to ensure they don't smoke or overheat. This helps reduce the amount of pollutants released and increases the efficiency of heat so that you get more warmth with less energy.

All of the Defra approved wood burners that we have on offer have been tested to meet these standards. They are available either as standalone stoves or as kits for existing fireplaces. You can then choose the best Defra-compliant stove for your home, and ensure your investment should legislation changes in the future. If you would like to find out more about the Defra approved stoves that we stock, contact our team of experts or visit our showrooms today.

Reduced Emissions

Wood burning stoves are popular as they offer a cosy, affordable and natural way to heat your home. However, many are unaware that smokeless stoves produce large amounts of harmful pollutants. The main pollutant released by wood-burning stoves is ultra-fine particles (PM2.5) which can easily enter the respiratory system of humans. In short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked with a variety of health problems, including asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular issues.

The Defra approved stoves are designed for DEFRA list stoves minimal emissions. However the fuel type is likely to have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants created. It is therefore important to select dry, seasoned wood that has been curing for at least two-years. Aduro is one example. It produces smokeless fuels approved by Defra.

Modern DEFRA approved clean burning stoves approved stoves have been designed to conform to the new Ecodesign regulations, which have set stricter manufacturing limits than before. The new rules stipulate that any stove that is installed in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is a far smaller amount than the 7.5g/hour that was previously used for older stoves.

Despite these decreases, domestic coal and wood burning still contributes to around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution according to the government. The latest figures indicate that it is responsible for less than one quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution which includes road traffic and industrial processes.

It is crucial to keep in mind that Defra approved stoves will continue to be the main source of fine particle pollution in the UK. The best way to reduce the harmful effects of these appliances is to reduce the amount of wood you burn and using Ready to Burn certified fuels with a moisture content below 20 percent. The fire will burn at a lower temperature which results in more pollution. Additionally, it causes the glass of the stove to darken more quickly and results in an increase in the amount of soot within the chimney.

Eco-Friendly

Defra wood burners offer a wide range of environmental benefits such as clean and efficient combustion, reduced emissions, and the potential for cost savings. They are also available in a variety of designs to fit the needs of every home, and have the added benefit that they are a green method of heating as opposed to fossil fuels like oil or gas.

The term "Defra Approved Stoves' refers the fact that they are in compliance with the laws of the government regarding their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an improved top air control that blocks the user from closing it completely and also reducing the air supply which could hinder the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoke creating more smoke and emitting more harmful gases into the air.

Stove manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to improve the environmental credentials of their stoves and help them to be compliant with new legislation. For example they are using secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce the amount of combustibles part-burned that go up your chimney as black smoke and reduce your emissions and your carbon footprint.

If you live in a smoke-controlled area, a Defra list stoves-approved cooking stove is required for those who want to continue using wood and approved fuels, while not breaking the law. These stoves are independently tested to ensure they conform to legislation. They continue to be tested as new legislation is introduced.

A Defra Approved Stove can be used with a 5" Liner when burning authorised fuels. It is best with wood that has a Moisture Content of Less Than 20 percent. This will ensure that the burn is clean, which results in lower emissions and a longer time span for your flue as well as chimney system.

If you don't live in a smoke control zone, then there is no need to buy a Defra stove, but there are a myriad of reasons you may still need one, even if you don't reside in a smoke-free area. They look amazing, are a fantastic source of heat, and you will be helping the environment by reducing the impact you have on the atmosphere.