Defra Wood Burning Stoves
Stoves are more environmentally friendly than open fires, and can heat rooms more efficiently. They emit less pollution because the majority of the smoke goes upwards up the chimney, not directly into the room.
However, you may be unable to use wood-burning stoves when you reside in a smoke-free area. To avoid this, select a DEFRA-approved stove.
Clean Combustion
A Defra wood-burning stove is a top quality appliance that provides a safe and eco-friendly method to heat your home. They are designed for burning authorised woods and fuels such as smokeless coke and do not release unneeded emissions. Modern combustion technology reduces the amount of combustible gases generated during the process of burning.
These stoves can be utilized in Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) in the UK thanks to this technology. These are typically heavily urban areas and towns where the emission of particulate matter is controlled.
They are also extremely efficient, which means that you can use less wood to achieve the same level of heating. In turn, they can help cut down on the cost of your energy bills.
In addition to the environmental benefits they are also extremely safe for use. They are constructed with strong, sturdy components that ensure they are able to withstand extreme heat and massive loads of logs. This guarantees that your wood-burning stove is always safe and reliable to use, which is essential to ensure your safety.
Defra approved stoves are typically called 'Ecodesign ready' or 'Smoke Exempt'. They are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas of the UK. These stoves have passed a rigorous test that ensures they meet the strict standards for emissions. As a result, they can legally burn wood and other approved fuels in these areas. They accomplish this by supplying the minimum requirement in terms of combustion air. This results in a virtually smoke free fire.
Many people are unaware of the emission produced by open flames and stoves. They might believe that wood burning stoves are the primary contributors to fine particulate matter in the UK. However, domestic combustion accounts for only 13 percent of the total. The largest source is incinerators and bonfires.
Sadiq Khan is rumored to be planning a ban in London on the use of traditional open fires as well as older stoves. If this plan is put into place it will effectively make the city a smoke-free zone. Although this proposal is unlikely to succeed however, it does highlight 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 heating homes in the UK. However, they can produce significant levels of harmful air pollutants including particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These emissions may lead to health issues such as heart disease and lung cancer. Fortunately, the latest defra certified log burners incorporate advanced combustion technology that reduces these emissions. They also include a third and secondary-burn system that reduces primary PM and secondary PM precursors as well as NOx and toxicity.
Defra exempt stoves are also more environmentally conscious than traditional open-fires, and they are often used in areas that have restrictions on smoking wood or in smoke control zones. DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves are typically urbanized areas in cities and towns where smoke pollution could be a source of irritation for residents. If you choose to burn an open fire and you are punished by the local authority. However homeowners who install a defra-approved stove or wood burner won't be subject to the same penalties.
The Defra-exempt stove range that are made by brands such as Arada, Parkray and Burley, boasts the latest in clean-burning technology that reduces harmful emissions to almost zero in stable combustion conditions. These Defra Stoves are also SIA Ecodesign Ready, meaning they are in compliance with strict emission limits for VOCs and particulates in addition to a rise in efficiency targets for energy use.
It is important to know that Defra stoves can only be used in smoke control areas when they are specifically designed for this purpose and you can prove that you live in one. If you live in a location which is smoke-free and you want to use a stove which does not conform to the regulations, you will require an adaptor or retrofit your stove with an chimney cover.
The Defra stoves are susceptible to wear and tear similar to other wood-burning appliances. Therefore it is crucial that they are regularly maintained to ensure they're in good condition. Cleaning the flue and chimney and also checking for obstructions are a part of this maintenance. Maintaining your stove will ensure it will function efficiently and last for a long time.
Energy Efficiency
Our Defra-approved stoves employ modern combustion techniques to deliver maximum heat output while reducing emissions. A lot of these stoves feature pre-heated secondary and tertiary air to further reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions. PM is created when wood and other solid fuels are burned and can trigger a range of health problems including respiratory issues. The good news is that Ecodesign Ready stoves from SIA (often referred to as DEFRA exempt stoves) reduce the amount of PM by about 55% compared to open fires and basic stoves.
Stoves are not just desirable because of their appearance, they can be a real energy saver and help keep your home warm. They can heat rooms much more quickly than standard radiators, and can cut heating costs by up to 40%.
Defra approved appliances are particularly useful for those who live in a zone of smoke control, which includes most UK cities and towns. In these areas, it is illegal to use a non-approved multi-fuel stove or log burner unless you have the DEFRA approval or install a stainless-steel twin wall chimney liner that complies with the regulations for smoke control.
DEFRA approved stoves can be labelled as "DEFRA Exempt" or "SE which means they have passed a government test to confirm that they can legally be used to burn authorised fuels, without generating smoke within the home. The tests confirm that these stoves release only a small amount of pollutants and have enough combustion air to prevent smoke from exiting the flue.
There are many things that can cause smoke when burning wood or other solid fuels for instance, using unseasoned or wet firewood that can produce more smoke and emissions than dry kiln-dried wood or closing the top air vent too tightly, which restricts the flow of air and slows down the process of combustion, or starving your stove of oxygen by leaving the door open overnight which could also create more smoke and emissions. Make sure to use dry, seasoned and properly size wood, and make sure your flue system is clean and functioning properly.
Aesthetics
Wood stoves are a common option for many homes. They provide many advantages, such as cost savings, clean combustion, and lower emissions. They also are able to generate renewable energy. They are also an attractive addition to any room and can improve the aesthetic of a home.
Wood stoves aren't all created equal. A new study has revealed that some wood stoves even those that claim to be eco-friendly, produce more than 750 times the amount of tiny particles of pollutant as a modern HGV. This is quite a bit of pollution and could make your home dangerous for your family and you.
The good news is that many older stoves can be made eco-friendly if the wood is properly dried or seasoned in a kiln. This will lower the moisture and improve the efficiency of the stove. This is particularly crucial if you live in a zone of smoke control where only stoves with a valid permit are allowed.
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 is usually "Defra Approved" or, more accurately it will have a clearSkies score of 3, 4, or five. If you live in a smoke-control zone you must make sure that your wood burner is Defra approval to continue to burn wood legally.
DEFRA approved stoves have been tested to ensure they meet the strict standards needed for their sale, so you can be sure that the wood burning stoves you purchase are safe. You should still speak to an experienced installer prior to installing a stove, as they can advise you on the best solution for your home.
If you're trying to be greener, you might want to consider a multifuel stove rather than one that burns wood. These are able to burn other types of fuels, like gas and coal, as well as wood, and can help you save money on heating expenses. These are available in many different styles, so you can choose one that is suitable for your home.