Why Buy a Shop Defra Stoves: Quality and Eco-friendly Fireplaces Wood Burner?

If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then you will have to use an Defra approved stove. They come in a variety of styles to suit your home.

They've been modified to stop you from closing the top air vent all the way when you do this, it causes the fire to smoulder and produces more smoke.

Smoke Exempt

If you live in a smoke-control area you might want to purchase a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to allow you to burn kiln dried logs and other authorized fuels without producing large amounts of smoke. These stoves do this by supplying the minimum amount of combustion air needed to ensure that fires are burning efficiently and avoiding unnecessary emissions.

You'll find the Defra logo in many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is also sometimes written as 'SE' which means Smoke Exempt stove and is used to signify that the stove is able to be legally used in a smoke-control area when using approved fuels.

Defra approved appliances are made to meet the new Ecodesign emission standards which came into effect in 2021. They are higher than the limits set by the old smoke control laws, but less than the standards to be established under a proposed Clean Air Act in 2030.

It is essential to verify the specifications of the stove you are considering buying it. Some stoves will carry an Defra exemption label that is a marketing label and is not a true Defra approval. Recent CAL investigation found some serious issues with the new Ecodesign limitations, including insufficient testing and confusion with existing smoke control regulations. Manufacturers also failed to communicate this information to the consumers.

While you can purchase a non-Defra approved stove in a smoke controlled area, it's worth remembering that you'll need a special fuel kit to ensure compliance with the law. In addition, you'll need to abide by the rules regarding the types of fuel that you can burn.

This is a complex matter that needs to be dealt with in order to maintain clean air and keep the UK's 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 less harmful than conventional household coke and sulfurised coal. This will help keep your Defra stove in compliance with the law while allowing you enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, less smoky fire, and saving money on heating bills.

Clean Combustion

The primary reason you should own DEFRA is that DEFRA is that you can burn logs legally in smoke control zones without risking a fine. But this is not the only reason to consider buying one. These stoves also come with eco-friendly technology, which is better for the environment as well as your health.

If Defra-approved stoves are operated properly, (burning only dry wood that has been seasoned and is 'Ready to burn'), they can reduce pollution by up to four percent compared to older appliances and open fires. Combined with regular chimney sweeps which will also ensure that the flue is working correctly, this can dramatically reduce the levels of harmful particulate matter in your home.

The primary pollutant that is released when burning solid fuels such as logs is ultra-fine particulate matter, which penetrates deep into the lungs and may cause a range of health issues. This includes asthma-related symptoms, as well as a general feeling that you are not well.

This kind of pollution to the air can be minimized by making use of Premium DEFRA stoves exempt stoves and only burning dry wood, but the most effective method of reducing the amount of PM2.5 in your home is to use an Ecodesign ready wood burner. These wood burners have been tested independently to ensure they produce less toxic PM2.5 compared to older stoves and open fires.

Defra stoves, and wood burning stoves that meet the new Ecodesign standards are designed to let as much fresh air as is possible into the flame so that it doesn't become smoky. This reduces the amount pollutants released and increases the heat efficiency, so you get more warmth with less energy.

The Defra-approved wood burners we stock are all tested to meet these standards and can be purchased as stoves on their own or as a kit to existing fireplaces. This means you can pick the most suitable Defra compatible stove for your home and also proof your purchase should legislation change in the future. Contact our team of experts to find more about the Defra-approved stoves we carry in stock or visit your local showroom.

Reduced Emissions

Wood-burning stoves provide the most natural, comfortable and affordable way to heat your house. However, many are unaware that "smokeless" stoves release significant levels of harmful pollution. The most significant pollutant released by wood-burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is able to easily enter the respiratory system of a person. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a variety of health issues including asthma, lung infections and cardiovascular problems.

The Defra approved stoves are designed for minimal emissions. However the fuel type used can have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants created. This is why it is important to make use of dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for at two years at a minimum. Aduro for instance, manufactures smokeless fuels that are approved by Defra.

Modern stoves that are Defra-approved will be designed to conform to new Ecodesign regulations that impose more stringent manufacturing standards than before. According to the new rules, any stove installed within 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.

According to the UK Government despite these reductions, wood and coal combustion in domestic homes still accounts for 17% of fine particle pollution in the UK. The most recent data however, reveal that coal and wood burning is less than a quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollutants. This includes road traffic, as well as industrial processes.

It is vital to remember that Defra approved stoves will always be the main source of fine particle pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood you burn, and only make use of fuels that have less than 20%. The fire will burn at a lower heat which results in more pollution. Additionally, it causes the glass of the stove to darken more quickly and results in the faster accumulation of soot inside the chimney.

Eco-Friendly

Defra wood burners offer a wide range of environmental benefits such as energy-efficient and clean combustion, reduced emissions, and a potential savings in cost. They are also available in a variety of styles to suit every home and come with the added advantage that they are a green method of heating, as opposed to fossil fuels such as gas or oil.

The term 'Defra Approved Stove' refers the fact that they conform with government legislation regarding use in Smoke Control Areas. They have an altered top air control that stops the user from closing it completely and reducing the air supply that could hamper the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smolder, producing more smoke and emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere.

Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technologies into their products to improve their environmental credentials and conform to new legislation. For instance, they are using secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce the amount of combustibles part-burned that enter your chimney as black smoke. They also reduce your emissions and your carbon footprint.

If you live in a smoke-free zone, a stove that is Defra-approved is essential if you wish to continue burning wood and approved fuels, without breaking the law. The stoves are tested independently to ensure they comply with legislation. They continue to comply with this as new legislation is introduced.

A Defra Approved stove can be used with 5" liner for burning approved fuels and will work best using wood that has a moisture content of less than 20%. This will ensure the burning process is clean, resulting in lower emissions and longer life span for your chimney and flue system.

If you don't live in a smoke control zone, then there is no reason to purchase a Defra stove, but there are many reasons why you may still need one even if you don't reside in a smoke-free area. They look amazing and are a great source of heat and you'll be doing your bit for the environment by reducing the impact you have on the air.