Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area then you will require a Defra approved stove. These stoves are available in a range of styles to suit 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 reside in a smoke-control zone, you may want to buy a Defra-approved wood burner. These stoves were made to allow you to burn kiln dried logs as well as other authorized fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. The stoves accomplish this by supplying the smallest amount of combustion air to ensure that fires burn efficiently and avoiding unnecessary emissions.

You will see the Defra logo on a variety of brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is also sometimes written with the letter 'SE', which means Smoke Exempt stove and is used to indicate that the appliance can be legally used in a smoke control area when using approved fuels.

Defra approved stoves are made to meet new Ecodesign emission limits that will been in effect since 2021. These standards are higher than the old smoke control laws, but less stringent than the standards set under the Clean Air Act 2030.

Therefore, it's crucial to verify the specifications of the stove before you buy it because some stoves will carry a Defra exempt label that is just a marketing label rather than being a genuine Defra approval. A recent investigation by CAL highlighted some serious problems with the new Ecodesign limits including insufficient testing, confusion and confusion with existing smoke control regulations and the inability of manufacturers to effectively communicate this information to consumers.

You can purchase an non Defra approved stove when you live in a smoke-controlled area. However, you'll need to purchase a special fuel kit to comply with the laws. In addition, you'll have adhere to the rules regarding the fuel types that you can burn.

This is a complex matter that must be addressed in order to maintain clean air and keep the UK's environment healthy. In the meantime, it's a good idea to stick with kiln-dried logs as well as other approved fuels in your stove that are defra-approved, as they're safer than conventional house coal and sulphurised bituminous coal. This should help to keep your Defra stove in line with the law while also helping you enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, less smoky fireplace and reducing your heating expenses.

Clean Combustion

The primary reason to have the DEFRA wood burner is that it allows you to legally burn wood in smoke control areas, without the risk of getting fined. However, this isn't the only reason to consider purchasing one. These stoves also feature eco-friendly technology, which is more beneficial for the environment and your health.

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

The most significant pollutant released when burning solid fuels such as logs is ultra-fine particulate matter, which can penetrate 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 well.

This kind of pollution to the air can be lowered by using Defra exempt stoves and only burning dry wood in them, but the most effective method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 in your home is to install an Ecodesign ready wood burner. These wood burners have been independently tested to ensure they produce less harmful PM2.5 when compared to older stoves and open fires.

Defra stoves, and wood-burning stoves that comply with the Ecodesign standards have been designed to let as much air as possible into the fire, so that it doesn't get smoky. This reduces not only the amount of pollutants that are released but also improves the efficiency of heat produced by the appliance, allowing you to enjoy more warmth for your money and save energy.

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

Reduced Emissions

Wood burning stoves are a very popular choice as they offer a cosy cheap and eco-friendly way to heat your home. However, many do not realise that even 'smokeless' stoves emit high levels of harmful pollution. The main pollutant emitted by wood burning stoves is ultra-fine particles (PM2.5), that can easily enter the respiratory system of humans. A short-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with asthma lung infections, asthma, and cardiovascular problems.

While Defra-approved stoves are designed to emit minimal emissions, the type of fuel used could make a significant difference to the amount of pollutants released. This is why it is important to make use of dry and seasoned wood that has been dried for at two years at a minimum. Aduro for instance, produces smokeless fuels that have been approved by Defra.

Modern Defra approved stoves will be designed to comply with the new Ecodesign regulations, which set more stringent manufacturing standards than prior. The new rules stipulate that any stove 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 effect for older stoves.

Despite these decreases however, domestic coal and wood burning still contributes to around 17% of UK fine particle pollution, according to the Government. But the latest figures show that it accounts for less than a quarter of the overall impacts from all sources of particle pollution which includes road traffic and industrial processes.

It is important to remember that Defra approved stoves will continue to be a major source of fine particle pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood that you burn, and make use of fuels that have less than 20 percent. The fire will burn at a lower temperature which results in more pollution. It also causes the glass of the stove to become black faster and causes a quicker buildup of soot inside the chimney.

Eco-Friendly

Defra wood burners offer many environmental benefits like clean and Efficient 5KW Eco Stove MultiFuel Cast Iron (research by the staff of www.fireplacesandstove.com) combustion, reduced emissions and potential cost savings. They come in a range of styles that are suitable for any home. They also offer the added benefit of being a green alternative to fossil fuels like gas or oil.

The term 'Defra Approved Stove' is a reference to the fact that they are in compliance with the laws of the government concerning their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an altered top air control that stops the user from closing it completely and reducing the air flow that could hamper the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoke creating more smoke and emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere.

Stove manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products that will improve the eco-credentials of their stoves and help to comply with the new laws. For instance, they are incorporating secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles that go up your chimney as black smoke and reduce your emissions and carbon footprint.

If you live in a smoke-controlled area, a Defra-approved stove is a necessity for those who want to continue using wood and other approved fuels and not in violation of the law. The stoves have been tested independently and complied with the legislation and will continue to do so until future legislation comes in place.

A Defra Approved Stove can be used with 5" Liner when burning authorised Fuels. It's best with Wood that has a moisture content of less than 20 percent. This will ensure a clean burn, resulting in lower emissions and longer life for your chimney and flue system.

If you don't reside in a smoke-free area then there is no need to purchase a Defra stove, but there are a myriad of reasons you should consider one even if you don't reside in a smoke-free area. They look fantastic, are a fantastic source of heat and you will be doing your bit for the environment by reducing the impact you have on the air.