Defra Wood Burning Stoves
Stoves are more environmentally friendly than open fires and they heat rooms more efficiently. They emit less pollution because most of the smoke goes to the chimney instead of in the room.
However, you could be restricted in using the wood burning stove when you live in a smoke control area. To avoid this, select a DEFRA-approved stove.
Clean Combustion
A Defra wood-burning stove is a top quality appliance that provides a clean and eco-friendly method to heat your house. These stoves are designed for burning authorised fuels and woods, such as smokeless coke, without releasing excessive emissions. Modern combustion technology reduces the amount of combustible gas that is generated during the process of burning.
These stoves can be used in Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) in the UK because of this technology. These are typically urban areas and towns where the emission of particulate matters is restricted.
These stoves are also highly efficient, which means you can use less wood to achieve the same amount of heat. This means that they can help cut down on the cost of your energy bills.
In addition to the environmental advantages they are also extremely safe to use. They are built with robust solid components that ensure they are able to withstand extreme heat and heavy loads of logs. This guarantees that your wood-burning stove is always safe and reliable to use, which is crucial for your peace of mind.
Defra approved appliances are sometimes called 'Ecodesign Ready' or 'Smoke Exempt'. They are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas in the UK. These stoves have passed a rigorous test that ensures they meet strict emissions standards. They can legally burn wood and other permitted fuels in these areas. They accomplish this by supplying the minimum requirement in terms of combustion air, which results in a virtually smoke free fire.
Many people have misconceptions about the emissions produced by open and stoves. They may believe that woodburning stoves are a major contributor to fine particulate matter in the UK. But the reality is that domestic combustion is responsible for only 13% of the amount. Incinerators and bonfires are a much larger source.
Sadiq Khan is believed to be in the process of implementing a ban in London on the use of traditional open fires, and older stoves. If this plan was implemented it would make the city a smoke-free area. While this plan is unlikely to succeed, it highlights the need for the government to adopt measures to reduce the amount of particulate pollution in urban areas.
Reduced Emissions
Wood burning stoves are an increasingly popular choice for home heating in the UK. However, they can produce significant amounts of harmful air pollutants, including particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can cause health problems, such as lung cancer and heart disease. Fortunately, modern defra approved log burners have advanced combustion technology that reduces the emissions. They also have a secondary and tertiary burn system that drastically reduces primary PM secondary PM precursors, NOx and toxicity, and they have been engineered to ensure complete combustion in order to achieve this.
These stoves are more environmentally friendly than open fires and are suitable for areas with smoke control zones or restrictions on wood burning. These zones are usually densely populous areas in towns and cities where smoke from the fire can cause a nuisance to residents. People who decide to use an open flame in these zones are at risk of fines from the local authority, however homeowners who choose to install a defra-approved stove or wood burner can avoid the fines.
The Defra exempt range of stoves from brands like Arada, Parkray, Burley and Stovax feature the most recent green technology, which reduces harmful emissions to near zero in stable combustion conditions. These Defra Stoves are also SIA Ecodesign Ready, meaning that they meet strict emission limits for VOCs and particulates as well as increased energy efficiency targets.
You should be aware that Defra Stoves can only be used for areas of smoke control if the stoves are specifically designed for the purpose and you can prove you live in a zone of smoke control. If you reside in a location that is smoke-free and you want to use a stove that is not in compliance with the regulations, you will need to buy an adaptor or retrofit your stove with a chimney cover.
It is crucial to keep in mind that defra stoves are not immune to the same wear and tear that occurs to other wood burning appliances, which is why it is important to carry out regular maintenance to ensure they are in good working order. This includes regularly cleaning the chimney and flue and checking for obstructions. Maintaining your stove in good condition will help it to work efficiently for many years, and will also prolong its life span.
Energy Efficiency
Our Defra-approved stoves use the most advanced combustion technology to maximize heat output while reducing emissions. These stoves are also equipped with pre-heated secondary and tertiary to reduce the emissions of particulate matter (PM). PM is produced when wood and other solid fuels are burned and can trigger a range of health issues including respiratory issues. The good news is that SIA Ecodesign ready stoves (often called DEFRA-exempt stoves) can reduce the amount of PM by 55% when compared to open fireplaces and standard stoves.
Stoves aren't just attractive. They can also save you money and keep your home warm. They can boost the temperature of a room faster than conventional radiators. They can also reduce heating costs by as much as 40%.
Defra approved appliances are particularly advantageous to those living in a smoke-free zone which includes the majority of UK cities and towns. In these areas, it's illegal to use an unapproved log burner or multi-fuel stove unless you have a DEFRA approval certificate or install an stainless steel twin wall chimney liner that is compliant with the regulations for smoke control.
DEFRA approved stoves will often be labelled as "DEFRA Exempt" or "SE' and have been tested by the government to ensure they can legally be used to burn authorized fuels without producing smoke within the home. The tests confirm that these stoves cause minimal amounts of pollution and that the stove has sufficient combustion air to prevent smoke escaping from the flue.
There are a number of things that can create smoke when burning wood or other solid fuels for instance, using unseasoned or wet firewood which can generate more smoke and emissions than dry kiln dried wood or closing the top air vent too tightly which blocks airflow and hampers the combustion process, or starving your stove of oxygen by leaving the door open for a long period of time which can also generate more smoke and emissions. Make sure to use dry, seasoned and appropriately sized wood and ensure that your flue system is clean and functioning properly.
Aesthetics
Wood stoves are a popular feature in a lot of homes. They provide a variety of advantages, including cost savings, clean combustion and reduced emissions. DEFRA approved efficient stoves can generate renewable energy. They can also add aesthetic value to rooms.
Wood stoves are not all created equal. A recent study has shown that certain wood stoves, even those marketed to be green, release 750 times as much tiny particle pollution as modern HGV. This is a lot of pollution, and it could make your home unsafe for your family as well as you.
The positive side is that many older stoves can be made to be more sustainable by ensuring the wood is properly prepared or kiln dried. This will decrease the moisture content and improve the efficiency of the stove, reducing the emissions levels. This is especially important if your home is located in a smoke control zone, where you are only allowed to make use of Defra approved stoves.
You can check whether your wood-burning stove is Defra approved by looking for the logo on the front of the stove or the specifications. It will often say "Defra Approved" or, more correctly it will have a clearSkies score of 3, 4, or 5. If you are in a smoke control zone it is crucial that your wood burner is Defra approved to allow you to legally burn wood.
DEFRA approved stoves have been tested to make sure that they meet the strict standards needed for their sale So you can be confident that the wood burning stoves you purchase are safe. Before installing a wood burning stove, you should talk to an experienced installer who can offer suggestions on the best option for your house.
If you're looking to be more environmentally friendly, you may think about a multifuel stove over one that burns wood. They can use other kinds of fuels, like coal and gas, as well as wood, and can save you money on heating costs. They are available in a variety of different styles, so you will choose one that is suitable for your home.