Choosing a Defra Woodburner
Anyone who lives in a smoke control area must make use of a DEFRA approved stove to ensure they are compliant with the law. They are stoves that have been independently tested to ensure that they burn wood and smokeless fuels in accordance with the law.
From the outside, there is no difference between an DEFRA approved stove and one that is not. A lot of modern stoves can be altered to be DEFRA certified using a kit supplied by the manufacturer of the stove.
Clean Burn Technology
A Defra-approved stove will use clean burning technologies to reduce the amount of waste that is produced when fuels are burned. In a stove equipped with this technology, pre-heated air is introduced to the combustion chamber. this air is mixed with the gases released from the flame, burning unburnt hydrocarbons which would otherwise be emitted straight to the chimney. This helps reduce the amount of smoke escapes from a fireplace and has a positive impact on asthmatics suffering from respiratory issues.
This technology is utilized in a wide range of modern wood stoves and wood burners and this is one of the main reasons that they are eco-friendly than older stoves or open fires. If you reside in a smoke control area and you want to legally burn logs on a wood-burning stove you will need an DEFRA exempt appliance that has passed the rigorous smoke particle emissions tests to be classed as "clean burn".
It is recommended to only burn wood with a low moisture level in the event that you own an approved DEFRA stove. This will enable you to take advantage of the technology that helps reduce emissions. Ideally, it should have been seasoned for two years to ensure that the wood has been reduced to less than 20% moisture. You can determine the moisture level of your wood using an easy moisture meter.
Using a DEFRA approved stove with Clean Burn technology will reduce your energy costs as well as helping to ensure that the environment is kept clean. The patented clean burn system reduces the amount of smoke particles released, and this can have a positive impact on those who suffer from respiratory problems. It is essential to maintain your flue and stove to ensure that it functions at its peak and to prevent blockages.
If you are an owner of a business and you would like to cut down on energy bills, then think about installing a waste oil heater from Clean Burn. There are a variety of boiler and furnace models that can be used to create heat using your own waste oil. Each unit is equipped with Clean Burn's exclusive Heat Recovery Technology which will recycle the waste oil and transform it into a renewable energy source. Clean Burn has a vast network of dealers who provide excellent customer service prior to and after purchase. They also provide a comprehensive warranty that covers the heat exchanger and combustion chamber of their equipment for 10 years or 15,000 hours.
Smoke Exempt Appliances
To qualify as Defra Exempt, a stove has to pass a strict test designed by DEFRA, the UK Government Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This guarantees that it can be used within smoke-controlled areas. A Defra-Exempt stove is often referred to as a DEFRA or SE stove and has been cleared by the tests that permit you to burn wood and authorised non-smoking fuels that are manufactured in UK Smoke Control Areas.
You'll be able to avoid a fine and breaking the law if you own a woodburner that is Defra-approved. This is because you can only legally burn a wood burning stove with Smoke Control Approved Appliances and only with approved fuels (see our Defra List of Authorised Fuels for a full list).
A Defra Exempt Stove will also mean that your chimney and flue system stay cleaner for a longer time as the stove will not be emitting nuisance levels of smoke into the air as well. Even if your home doesn't live in a smoke control area or smoke control zone, an Defra approved stove is an excellent option. It is more sustainable and friendly to your neighbors because it produces less noxious smoke than a non-Defra approved Stove.
The best way to ensure that your stove operating at its best and making the most of its energy efficiency is to perform regular maintenance, including cleaning the chimney and flue on a routine basis. A stove that is regularly cleaned and maintained will perform better, allowing you to save money over the course of time.
There are a lot of things to think about when selecting the right stove. From the size of the heater, to the amount of kW it will provide there are a variety of variables to take into account. It is also important to consider the fuel you intend to use and whether you'll need to operate your stove in a smoke control area.
Eco-Friendly
The most recent Ecodesign wood burners are engineered to minimise their impact on the environment. They do this by utilizing secondary and tertiary combustion methods which help reduce harmful particle emissions while saving fuel. In addition, they also burn wood at higher temperatures than other stoves, which results in the wood burning more completely and producing less pollutants. These eco-friendly models may also be more efficient than older models and can save you money.
The Ecodesign logo that is displayed on many of our woodburners indicates that the stove is in compliance with new regulations imposed by the European Union, as well as UK laws pertaining to protection of the environment. DEFRA stoves near me have been designed to maximize efficiency, and have a performance over the course of the season of over 70%. The stoves have a secondary clean-burn system, which is controlled by a knob made of chrome on the base. This system opens and closes a vent which draws air over the fire, re-burning any initial smoke produced by the fire. This reduces the amount of emissions being released and helps keep your chimney and flue system in good condition for longer.
We would advise all of our customers to check for Ecodesign stoves when searching for the best woodburner. They are not only more efficient and cleaner, but also emit less pollution. They are more affordable than other models and come with a variety of styles that will complement the aesthetics of your home.
Defra Approved Stoves
In the past, people were able to burn whatever they wanted on their fires. This led to massive amounts of smoke being pumped across the nation. The government recognized that this was a major problem and took steps. Smoke Control Areas were created that prohibit all emissions from residential homes except when they use an approved stove and authorized fuel.
A Defra Smoke Exempt Woodburner is the only way to legally burn wood in a smoke control zone, so if you live in an area like this, you'll need to buy a Defra Smoke Exempt Stove if you want to use the benefits of a genuine wood burning stove. If you don't, then you risk breaking the law and getting punished.
Neighbour Friendly
Wood-burners are becoming increasingly popular in the UK particularly with the recent influx of newcomers to the country from cities. It is nevertheless important to understand and comply with the regulations regarding log burners to avoid penalties or legal action. The best method to do this is to use a DEFRA approved stove that meets strict emission standards. There are many methods to determine if a stove has been DEFRA-approved and this includes checking the label and the specifications of the manufacturer's website.
The DEFRA approval stamp on a stove indicates that the appliance has passed rigorous tests and is in compliance with strict emissions standards, allowing it to be used in smoke control areas. The stove will also burn less fuel and release less harmful pollutant. This is a crucial feature to look out for when purchasing an appliance. It will ensure that you get the best out of your purchase, and that you can legally use it in smoke-control zones.
It is essential to only use kiln-dried or seasoned wood for your stove. Kiln drying lowers the amount of moisture present in the wood, which in turn reduces how much pollution is emitted when wood is burned. Wood can dry up to two years in the natural process. If you're burning wood in an area where smoke is controlled it is recommended to employ a chimney sweep or utilize a log storage unit to dry your wood. When buying wood you should look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo. This means that the wood is not high in moisture.
The UK has laws to control harmful particles that are created by wood and coal fires. These small particles are extremely dangerous to health and can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Research has shown that wood-burning stoves are responsible for 23-31% of London's PM2.5 pollutants. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the regulations when purchasing a new stove, and be careful when using it in smoke-controlled zones.