Choosing a Defra Woodburner
Anyone who lives in a smoke control zone must make use of a DEFRA approved stove to ensure that they comply with the laws. These are stoves that have been independently tested and have been proven to burn wood and authorised smokeless fuels in a manner that is in compliance with the law.
There isn't much difference between a stove that is DEFRA approved and one that hasn't been approved. A lot of modern stoves can be altered to be DEFRA approved with an accessory provided by the manufacturer of the stove.
Clean Burn Technology
A Defra-approved stove will use clean burning technologies to minimise waste produced when fuels are burned. In a stove fitted with this technology, pre-heated gas is pumped into the combustion chamber and this air is mixed with the gasses released by the fire, burning unburnt hydrocarbons which would otherwise go straight up the chimney. This reduces the amount of smoke escaping from a stove, and can be beneficial to people with asthma who suffer from respiratory issues.
A lot of modern wood stoves and burners use this technology, which is the main reason why they are more eco sustainable than older stoves and fires. If you reside in an area where smoke is controlled, then you need to use a DEFRA-exempt appliance that has passed rigorous smoke particle emission tests to be categorized as "clean burn" for you to burn logs legally on a fireplace that is wood-burning.
If you have a DEFRA approved stove then to take full advantage of the technology to reduce emissions, it is recommended to use low moisture content wood. Ideally it should have been seasoned for two years to ensure the wood has been reduced to less than 20 percent moisture. You can check the amount of moisture in your wood using the moisture meter.
Using a DEFRA approved stove with Clean Burn technology will reduce your energy costs and also help keep the environment clean. Clean-burn technology that is patent-pending reduces the amount of smoke particles released, which is beneficial for those who suffer from respiratory issues. It is crucial to keep your flue and stove to ensure that it is operating optimally and to avoid obstructions.
Clean Burn provides a variety of waste oil heaters that can help you reduce your energy costs. There are many boilers and furnaces that can be used to create heat from your own waste oil. Each unit is equipped with Clean Burn's patent-pending Heat Recovery Technology which will recycle the waste oil and transform it into a valuable renewable energy source. Clean Burn has a broad dealer network that provides outstanding customer service prior to, during and after the purchase. They also provide a comprehensive warranty that covers the combustion chamber and heat exchanger of their equipment for 10 years or 15,000 hours.
Smoke Exempt Appliances
To be Defra-Exempt the stove must be able to pass a rigorous test created by DEFRA, the UK Government Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This assures that it is able to be used within smoke-controlled areas. A stove that is Defra exempt is commonly known as a DEFRA or SE stove that has passed the tests that allow you to burn wood as well as authorised manufactured non-smoking fuels in UK Smoke Control Areas.
You can avoid a penalty and break the law by using an approved woodburner from the Defra. This is because you are only able to legally burn wood-burning stoves using Smoke Control Approved Appliances and only with approved fuels (see our Defra List of Authorised Fuels for a full list).
A Defra-exempted stove can also keep your chimney and flue cleaner longer because it will not emit a lot of nuisance smoke. Even if your home doesn't reside in a smoke-control area and you are not in a smoke control zone, an Defra approved Stove is still an excellent choice. It is more sustainable and friendly to your neighbors because it will emit less smoke that is noxious than a non-Defra certified Stove.
Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure that your stove is operating at its best and improves its energy efficiency. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney regularly. Clean and well-maintained stoves will perform better, which will allow you to save more money over the course of time.
When it comes to selecting a new stove, there are a lot of things to think about from the physical dimensions of the appliance to the power output it can provide to your room. It is also important to consider the fuel you plan to use and whether you will need to operate your stove in a smoke-control area.
Eco-Friendly
The latest Ecodesign wood burners are engineered to minimise their impact on the environment. They achieve this by using secondary and tertiary combustion methods that help to reduce harmful particle emissions while saving fuel. In addition, they also burn wood at higher temperatures than other stoves, which results in the logs burning more completely and producing fewer pollutants. These eco-friendly stoves may also be a lot more efficient than older models, and can save you money on heating costs.
The Ecodesign logo that you can see on a large number of our woodburners signifies that the stove complies with the new EU regulations and UK laws on environmental protection. The Ecodesign log burners have been engineered for maximum efficiency and offer a performance of 70 percent over the course of an entire season. The stoves come with a second clean-burning system that is controlled by a chrome knob at the base. The system allows and closes a vent that pulls air over the fire, and then re-burns any initial smoke that is produced by the fire. This reduces the amount of emissions being released and helps keep your chimney and flue system clean for longer.
We would recommend all of our customers to search out for these Ecodesign stoves when shopping around for a new woodburner. Not only do they offer clean, efficient combustion and reduced emissions however, they can be more cost-effective than other models and are available in a range of styles to match your home's aesthetic.
Stoves that are Defra approved
Back in the day there was a time when people could use whatever they wanted to use for their fires, which resulted in huge amounts of smoke escaping into towns and cities across the country. Fireplaces And Stove caused a lot of health problems and the government knew they needed to take action. This led to the development of Smoke Control Areas, which restricts any emission from residential homes except for those who have an approved stove and authorized fuel.
A Defra Smoke Exempt Woodburner is the only way you can legally burn wood in a smoke-control zone If you live in an area like this you will need to buy a Defra Smoke Exempt Stove if you wish to have an authentic wood-burning stove. You could be penalized if you violate the law.
Neighbourly Friendly
Wood burners have become increasingly popular in the UK. This is due to the recent increase in demand from urban areas. It is essential to comply with the regulations regarding log-burners in order to avoid any fines or legal actions. This can be achieved by using a DEFRA-approved stove that meets strict emission standards. There are many ways to determine if the stove is DEFRA-approved, including by checking the label and the specifications on the manufacturer’s website.
The DEFRA stamp on a stove indicates that the appliance has been tested thoroughly and has met strict emission standards, allowing it to be used in smoke control zones. It also means that the stove will use less fuel and produce less harmful pollutants. This is a crucial feature to look for when buying an appliance. It will help you get the most value from the purchase and ensure you can legally use it in smoke-control areas.
It is crucial to only use kiln-dried or seasoned wood for your stove. Kiln drying decreases the amount of moisture in the wood, which decreases the amount of pollution that is generated when it is burned. It can take as long as two years for wood to dry naturally, so if you're burning wood in a smoke control area it is advisable to use a log store or an chimney sweep to dry the wood for you. Check for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo when buying wood since it signifies that the wood is low in moisture content.
Smoke control laws in the UK are designed to reduce harmful particulate matter, which is result of coal and wood fires. These tiny particles are highly hazardous to health and may cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Research has proven that wood-burning stoves contribute 23 - 31% of PM2.5 pollutants in London and the surrounding areas, therefore it is crucial to adhere to the rules when purchasing a new stove and to take care when using it in smoke-free zones.