Choosing a Defra Woodburner
Anyone living in a smoke control zone must use a DEFRA approved stove to ensure they are compliant with the laws. These are stoves that have been independently tested to ensure that they use smokeless fuels and wood in compliance with the law.
From the outside, there is hardly any difference between a DEFRA approved stove and one that isn't. A lot of modern stoves are capable of being modified by the manufacturer of the stove to be DEFRA-approved.
Clean Burn Technology
A stove that is approved by Defra will use clean burning technologies to minimise the amount of waste that is produced when burning fuels. This technology allows pre-heated, filtered air to be introduced into the combustion chamber. The air is mixed with gaseous emissions from the fire and burns hydrocarbons that are not burned. This reduces the amount of smoke that escapes from a stove and also has a positive effect on asthma sufferers who suffer from respiratory issues.
Many modern wood stoves and fireplaces use this technology, which is the main reason they are more environmentally green than older stoves or fires. If you reside in a smoke control area and you want to legally burn logs on a stove that burns wood, you'll require a DEFRA exempt appliance that has passed the rigorous emissions tests for smoke to be classed as 'clean burn'.
If you have a DEFRA approved stove, then to take full advantage of the emissions reduction technology it is best to use low moisture content wood. Ideally, it should have been treated for two years to ensure the wood has been reduced to less than 20 percent moisture. You can check the moisture content of your wood with a moisture meter.
Clean Burn technology in a DEFRA-approved cooktop will help you save money on your energy bills while keeping the environment clean. Clean burn technology reduces the levels of smoke particles released and this has a positive effect on those suffering from respiratory issues. Regular maintenance of your stove and flue system is important to ensure it operates at its peak efficiency and keep it from becoming blocked.
If you're a business owner and want to cut down on energy bills, then think about installing an oil heater made from waste from Clean Burn. There are many boiler and furnace models that can be used to create heat using your own waste oil. Each unit is powered by Clean Burn's unique Heat Recovery Technology, which recycles waste oil and converts it into a renewable energy source. Clean Burn has a broad network of dealers that offer outstanding customer service prior to and after the purchase. They also offer a lengthy warranty that covers the combustion chambers and heat exchangers of their equipment for 10 years or 15000 hours.
Smoke Exempt Appliances
To be Defra-Exempted, a stove has to pass a stringent test developed by DEFRA, the UK Government Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This ensures that it can be used within smoke-controlled areas. A Defra Exempt stove can be referred to as a DEFRA stove or an SE stove. It will have passed the tests to allow you to burn both wood and authorised manufactured smokeless fuels in UK Smoke Control Areas.
If you reside in a UK city or a large town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area then it is important to have a Defra Exempt Woodburner in order to avoid violating the law and possibly receiving a hefty fine. This is because you are only able to legally burn wood with Smoke Control Approved Appliances and only with approved fuels (see our Defra List of Authorised Fuels for a complete list).
A stove that is exempt from Defra will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer as it does not release harmful levels of smoke. Even if you don't live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, a Defra stove is still a great choice because it's more sustainable and environmentally friendly because it produces less nuisance smoke than an un-Defra approved stove.
The best method to keep your stove performing at a high level and making the most of its energy efficiency is to perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning the flue and chimney regularly. Regularly cleaned and maintained stoves will perform better, allowing you to save more money over the course of time.
There are many things to take into consideration when selecting the right stove. From the size of the heater to the kW output it will produce, there are a lot of factors to consider. You should also consider the type of fuel you want to use and whether you will need to operate your stove in a smoke control area.
Eco-Friendly
Ecodesign wood-burning stoves are designed with the environment in mind. This is done by using secondary and third-generation combustion systems, which reduce harmful particle emissions while preserving fuel. As well as this they also burn wood at higher temperatures than other stoves, which results in the wood burning more thoroughly and producing fewer pollutants. These eco-friendly stoves can be a lot more efficient than older models, thereby saving you money on heating bills.
The Ecodesign logo you see on many of our woodburners indicates that the stove is compliant with the latest EU regulations and UK laws on environmental protection. These Ecodesign log burners are engineered for maximum efficiency and can achieve an efficiency of 70 percent over the course of an entire season. The stoves come with a second clean-burning system that is controlled by a knob made of chrome on the base. This mechanism opens and closes an air vent that draws air above the fire, reburning any smoke that was originally generated by the fire. This helps reduce emissions and keeps your chimney and flue cleaner for longer.
We suggest that all of our customers consider Ecodesign stoves while shopping for a woodburner. They are not just more efficient and clean, but also emit less carbon dioxide. They can be more economical than other models, and come in different styles to suit the aesthetics of your home.
Stoves that are Defra approved
Back in the day, people could choose whatever they wanted to use for their fires, which resulted in massive amounts of smoke escaping into cities and towns across the country. The government recognized that this was a serious problem and took action. DEFRA legislation stoves were created that prohibit all smoke emissions from residential properties except when they are using an approved stove with authorised fuel.
If you reside in a smoke-control area you must possess a Defra Smoke Exempt woodburner to legally burn wood. If you don't, then you could be in violation of the law and getting fined.
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 important to comply with the rules regarding log-burners so that you can avoid fines or legal action. This can be achieved by using a DEFRA-approved stove that is in compliance with strict emission standards. There are many methods to determine whether a stove is DEFRA approved, including checking the label or looking at the specifications on the manufacturer's website.
The DEFRA stamp on a stove indicates that the stove has been thoroughly tested and has met strict emission standards, allowing for it to be used in smoke-control zones. The stove also burns less fuel and emit fewer harmful pollutants. It is essential to look for this feature when shopping for a new stove, as it will ensure that you get the most out of your purchase, and also that you'll be able to use it legally in smoke-control areas.
It is important to only use kiln-dried or seasoned wood in your stove. Kiln drying reduces the moisture content in the wood which, in turn, reduces the amount of pollutants produced when the wood is burnt. Wood can dry for as long as two years without any intervention. If you're burning wood in a location where smoke is not a problem, it's best to employ a chimney sweep, or use a log storage to dry your wood. When purchasing wood, look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn Logo. This indicates that the wood is not high in moisture.
The UK has laws that regulate harmful particles that are created by wood and coal fires. These tiny particles are highly harmful to health and could cause respiratory problems as well as heart disease, and dementia. Research has shown that wood-burning stoves account for 23 to 31% of London's PM2.5 pollutants. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the regulations when purchasing new stoves, and be careful when using it in smoke-free zones.