Defra Wood Burning Stoves
Stoves are more efficient and eco-friendly than open fireplaces. They are less polluting because the majority of the smoke goes to the chimney instead of directly into the room.
You might not be allowed to use a stove that burns wood in a smoke-control area. To avoid this, select an approved DEFRA stove.
Clean Combustion
A Defra wood-burning stove is a top quality appliance that offers a clean and eco-friendly method to heat your house. These stoves are designed to burn authorised fuels and wood like smokeless coal, without generating unnecessary emissions. They incorporate modern combustion techniques that minimize the amount of combustible gas generated during the process of burning.
This technology is what permits these stoves to be employed in Smoke Control Areas in the UK. These areas are typically well-populated towns and cities in which the emission of particulate matter is controlled.
These stoves are highly efficient. This means that you make use of less fuel to reach the same heating level. In turn, they can help cut down on the cost of your energy bills.
These stoves are not just eco-friendly, but are they are also extremely safe to use. They are built with robust solid components that ensure they are able to withstand extreme heat and large loads of logs. This will ensure that your fireplace with wood is always safe and reliable to use.
Defra approved stoves are often called Ecodesign ready or 'Smoke Exempt' and are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas in the UK. These stoves have passed a rigorous test to ensure that they comply with strict emission standards. They are legally able to burn wood or other fuels in these areas. This is done by supplying the minimum amount of combustion air required, resulting in virtually no smoke.
Many people are misinformed about the emissions generated by open fires and stoves. Many believe that wood burning appliances are the main source of fine particulate in the UK. But the truth is that domestic combustion only accounts for 13 percent of the total. A much larger source is bonfires and incinerators.
Sadiq Khan is believed to be preparing the introduction of a ban in London on the use traditional open fires and older stoves. If this plan were implemented it would make the city an entirely smoke-free zone. Although it is unlikely to succeed, highlights the need for the government to take measures to reduce particulate emission in urban areas.
Reduced Emissions
Wood-burning stoves are the most popular choice for heating homes in the UK. They can, however, generate high levels of harmful air pollution, including particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful pollutants. These emissions can lead to health problems, such as heart disease and lung cancer. Fortunately, modern defra-approved log burners incorporate advanced combustion technology that reduces the emissions. They also come with a third-burn and a second-burn system that reduces primary PM and secondary PM precursors, as well as toxicity and NOx.
They are more eco friendly than open fires and are a popular choice in areas with smoke control zones or restrictions on wood burning. These zones are usually densely populous areas in cities and towns where smoke from the fire can cause a nuisance to residents. People who decide to use an open fire in these zones are at risk of fines from the local authority, but homeowners who decide to install a defra approved stove or wood burner are able to avoid the penalties.
The Defra stoves that are exempt from brands such as Arada, Parkray, Burley and Stovax are equipped with the latest technology for clean burning, reducing harmful emissions to near zero in stable combustion conditions. These Defra stoves are also SIA Ecodesign ready, meaning they are in compliance with the new efficiency goals for energy as well as strict emission limits for particulates as well as VOCs.
It is important to know that Defra stoves can only be used in areas with smoke control if they are specifically designed for this purpose and if you can prove that you reside in one. If you are in a smoke control zone and you want to use the stove that doesn't comply, you might have to purchase an adaptor or retrofit it with chimney cowls.
The Defra stoves are susceptible to wear and tear as do other wood-burning appliances. Therefore it is essential to maintain them regularly to ensure they're in good working condition. This includes cleaning regularly the flue and chimney, and checking for blockages. Keeping your stove in good working order will help it to work effectively for a long time, and will also prolong its life span.
Energy Efficiency
The Defra approved stoves we sell utilize the most modern combustion technology to deliver the most heat output and emissions to a minimum. The stoves are also fitted with pre-heated secondary air as well as secondary air to limit the emission of particulate matter (PM). When wood and other solid fuels are burned in a stove, particulate matter (PM) is produced. This can lead to respiratory problems as well as a range of other health problems. The good news is that SIA Ecodesign-ready stoves (often called DEFRA-exempted stoves) can cut down on the amount of PM by 55% in comparison to open fireplaces and basic stoves.
Stoves are not just desirable because of their appearance, they can also be a great energy saver, and they can 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 especially advantageous to those living in a smoke-free zone which covers the majority of UK cities and towns. In these areas, it is illegal to make use of a non-approved multi-fuel or log burner unless you have DEFRA approval or have a stainless-steel twin wall chimney liner that is in compliance with the regulations for smoke control.
DEFRA approved stoves can be labeled as 'DEFRA Exempt' or 'SE' and have been tested by the government to ensure they can legally be used to burn approved fuels without generating smoke in the home. The tests confirm that these stoves emit minimal levels of pollutants and contain enough combustion air to stop smoke from escaping the flue.
There are a variety of factors that can lead to 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 restricts the flow of air and hinders the combustion process or depriving your stove of oxygen by leaving the door open for a long period of time which can also generate more smoke and emissions. Use only defra stoves , seasoned and appropriately size wood, and make sure your flue system is clean and well-functioning.
Aesthetics
Wood stoves are a common addition in many homes. They offer a number advantages, including cost savings, clean combustion, and lower emissions. They also can generate renewable energy. They can also add aesthetic value to rooms.
However, not all wood stoves are created equal and new research has found that some even those that are advertised as eco-friendly, emit 775 times more tiny particles pollution than an HGV truck of modern day. This is a significant amount of pollution and enough to make your home unsafe for your family and you, particularly if you have children or elderly relatives living with you.
The good news is, many of these older stoves are able to be made more eco-friendly if the wood is properly dried or seasoned in the kiln. This will lower the moisture content and improve the effectiveness of the stove, reducing the emissions levels. This is especially important if you reside in a smoke-control zone where only stoves with a valid permit are allowed.
You can verify whether your wood-burning stove is Defra approved by looking for the logo on the front of the stove or the specifications. It should usually read "Defra approved" or more precise, have a clearSkies ratings of 3, 4, or 5 If you live in a smoke control zone it is vital that your wood burner is Defra approved to allow you to legally burn wood.
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have been thoroughly tested to ensure they meet the high standards for their sale. You can therefore be sure that the stoves you buy are safe. It is still advisable to speak with an expert installer prior to installing one, since they will be able to advise you on the best option for your home.
If you want to be environmentally friendly, you might want to consider purchasing a multifuel stove rather than the traditional wood burning stove. These are able to burn different types of fuels, including 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 find one that suits your home.