Choosing a Defra Woodburner
Anyone living in a smoke control area must use a DEFRA approved stove to ensure they are in compliance with the law. They are stoves that have been independently tested to make sure that they use smokeless fuels and wood in accordance with the law.
From the outside, there is little difference between the appearance of a DEFRA approved stove and an unapproved one. A lot of modern stoves can be upgraded to be DEFRA certified using an accessory provided by the manufacturer of the stove.
Clean Burn Technology
A Defra approved stove uses clean burning technology to reduce the waste produced when burning fuel. In a stove equipped with this technology pre-heated air is introduced to the combustion chamber. it mixes with gases released from the flame, burning unburnt hydrocarbons that would otherwise go straight up the chimney. This reduces the amount of smoke that escapes from a stove and also can be beneficial to asthma sufferers who suffer from respiratory problems.
This technology is utilized in many modern wood stoves and wood burners and this is one of the reasons that they are greener than older stoves and open fires. If you reside in an area where smoke is controlled, then you require a DEFRA-exempt appliance that has passed the rigorous tests for emission of smoke to be classified as "clean burn" for you to burn logs legally on a wood burning fireplace.
It is recommended to only burn wood with a low moisture content if you have an approved DEFRA stove. This will allow you to benefit from the technology that reduces emissions. It is recommended to have the wood seasoned for at least two years to reduce the moisture content to less than 20 percent. You can test the moisture content of your wood with a moisture meter.
Clean Burn technology in a DEFRA-approved cooktop will aid in saving money on your energy bills while keeping the environment cleaner. The patented clean burn system reduces the levels of smoke particles released and this has a positive effect on those suffering from respiratory issues. It is essential to maintain your flue and stove to ensure that it is operating optimally and to prevent blockages.
If you are an owner of a business and you want to save money on energy costs, then look into installing a waste oil heater from Clean Burn. There are a variety of boilers and furnaces that can be used to create heat using your own waste oil. Each unit is powered by Clean Burn's patented Heat Recovery Technology, which recycles waste oil and converts it into a renewable energy source. Clean Burn has a vast dealer network that provides excellent customer service before and after the sale. They also offer an extensive warranty that covers the combustion chambers and heat exchangers of their equipment for a period of 10 years or 15000 hours.
Smoke Exempt Appliances
To be Defra-Exempted 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 in smoke-free areas. A stove that is Defra exempt is commonly called a DEFRA or SE stove and has been cleared by the tests that permit you to burn wood as well as authorised manufactured non-smoking fuels in UK Smoke Control Areas.
You can avoid paying a fine and break the law if you have a Defra-approved woodburner. This is because you are only able to legally use wood-burning stoves using a Smoke Control Approved Appliance and only with approved fuels (see our Defra List of Authorised Fuels for a full list).
Having a Defra Exempt Stove will also ensure that your chimney and flue system stays more clean for longer because the stove will not emitting a lot of nuisance smoke into the air also. 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 an excellent choice. It will be much more eco-friendly and friendly to neighbors because it will emit less nuisance smoke than a non-Defra approved Stove.
Info to keep your stove performing at its peak and maximizing its energy efficiency is to conduct regular maintenance, which includes cleaning the flue and chimney on a routine basis. Stoves that are regularly maintained and cleaned will perform better than those that are not which means that you will be saving more money in the long run by having a Defra stove.
When it comes to selecting the right stove, there are plenty of aspects to take into consideration, from the physical size of the stove to the power output it can provide to your space. You must also think about the fuel you plan to use and whether you'll need to operate your stove in a smoke control area.
Eco-Friendly
Ecodesign wood burning stoves are built with the environment in mind. This is accomplished by using secondary and third-generation combustion systems that reduce harmful particle emissions while preserving fuel. In addition, they also burn wood at higher temperatures than other stoves, which results in the wood burning more completely and producing less pollution. These eco-friendly stoves can also be more efficient than older models, and can save you money on heating bills.
The Ecodesign logo that you see on many of our woodburners is a sign that the stove meets new regulations set by the European Union, as well as UK laws regarding protection of the environment. These Ecodesign log burners have been engineered to maximize efficiency, and have a seasonal performance that is more than 70 percent. The stoves feature a secondary clean-burn system that is controlled by a knob made of chrome on the base. This mechanism opens and closes the vent that pulls air from above the fire to re-burn any smoke that was initially generated 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 recommend to all of our customers to look for Ecodesign stoves when searching for a new woodburner. They are not just more efficient and cleaner, but also emit less carbon dioxide. They are more affordable than other models and come in a variety of styles to match the style of your home.
Stoves that are Defra approved
In the past there was a time when people could choose whatever they wanted to use for their fires, which resulted in huge amounts of smoke escaping into cities and towns across the country. This led to many health problems, and the government knew they needed to address the issue. This led to the creation of Smoke Control Areas, which bans any emissions from homes for residential use in the event that they are not using an approved stove and authorized fuel.
If you reside in a smoke-control zone it is required to have a Defra Smoke Exempt woodburner to legally burn wood. If you don't do this, you risk breaking the law and being penalized.
Neighbour Friendly
Wood burning stoves have become more popular in the UK. This is because of the recent influx from urban areas. It is important to comply with the laws governing log-burners in order to avoid fines or legal actions. This can be achieved by using a DEFRA-approved stove that is in compliance with strict emission standards. There are many ways to identify whether a stove is DEFRA approved, including checking the label or the specifications on the website of the manufacturer.
The DEFRA stamp on a stove means that the stove has been thoroughly tested and has met strict emission standards, which allows it to be used in smoke control areas. The stove also burns less fuel and release fewer harmful pollutants. It is essential to look for this feature when searching for a new stove, since it will ensure you get the most out of your purchase, and also that you'll be able to use it legally in smoke-control areas.
To minimize emissions from your stove, it is also important to only use kiln dried or seasoned wood. Kiln drying lowers moisture levels in the wood, which decreases emissions when it is burnt. Wood can dry for as long as two years in the natural process. If you're burning wood in an area where smoke is controlled and controlled, you should hire a chimney sweep or utilize a log storage unit to dry your wood. Look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo when purchasing wood, as it signifies that the wood has a low moisture content.
The UK has laws to control harmful particulates that are produced by wood and coal fires. These tiny particles can cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease and dementia. Studies have shown that wood-burning stoves account for 23-31% of London's PM2.5 pollutants. Therefore, it is essential to follow regulations when buying a new stove, and be careful when using it in smoke-free zones.