Defra Wood Burning Stoves Stoves are more environmentally friendly than open fires, and they heat rooms more efficiently. They produce less pollution since most of the smoke is blown to the chimney instead of in the room. You might not be permitted to use a stove that burns wood if you reside in a smoke-control area. To avoid this, you should select an approved DEFRA-certified stove. Clean Combustion A Defra wood-burning stove is a high quality appliance that offers a clean and sustainable method to heat your home. These types of stoves are designed to burn authorised fuels and wood such as smokeless coal, without generating excessive emissions. They are equipped with modern combustion technology which reduce the amount of combustible gases produced during the burn process. This technology allows these stoves to be employed in Smoke Control Areas in the UK. These are typically heavily urban areas and towns where the release of particulate matters is restricted. These stoves are also highly efficient, meaning that you can use less wood to produce the same level of heating. In turn, they can reduce the costs of your energy bills. In addition to the environmental benefits These stoves are also safe to use. These stoves are made with sturdy, robust components that are able to withstand high temperatures and large quantities of wood. This ensures that your wood-burning appliance is always safe and reliable to use, which is important for your peace of mind. Defra approved stoves are typically described as ecodesign ready or 'Smoke Exempt'. They can be installed in Smoke Control Areas in the UK. These stoves have passed a rigorous test that guarantees they meet the strict standards for emissions. They are able to legally burn wood or other fuels in these areas. They do this by providing the minimum requirement in terms of combustion air, which results in a completely smoke-free fire. Many people are misinformed regarding the emissions generated by open fires and stoves. They might think that wood-burning stoves are the primary contributors to fine particulate matter in the UK. However, the truth is that domestic combustion contributes only 13% of the amount. A much larger source is bonfires and incinerators. Sadiq Khan is rumored to be preparing an end to London on the use traditional open fires and older stoves. If this plan is implemented it would effectively make the city a smoke-free zone. Although this plan is unlikely to succeed, it highlights the necessity for the government to implement measures to minimise particulate emissions in urban areas. Reduced Emissions Wood burning stoves are a popular choice for heating homes in the UK. However, they can also produce significant levels of harmful air pollutants including particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These emissions can lead to health issues, such as heart disease and lung cancer. Fortunately, the latest defra certified log burners have advanced combustion technology to reduce 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. Defra exempt stoves are also more eco-friendly than traditional open fires, and they are often utilized in areas that have restrictions on wood burning or smoke control zones. These are typically densely populated areas in towns and cities where smoke pollution could be a source of irritation for residents. Those who choose to use an open fire in these zones are at risk of being fined from the local authority, but homeowners who decide to install a defra approved stove or wood burner can avoid the fines. The Defra-exempt range of stoves including brands like Arada, Parkray and Burley offers the most up-to-date clean-burning tech, reducing harmful emissions to almost zero under stable combustion conditions. These Defra Stoves are also SIA Ecodesign Ready, which means they are in compliance with strict emission limits for particulates and VOCs as well as increased energy efficiency targets. It is important to know that Defra stoves are only permitted in areas with smoke control if they are specifically made to be used in such areas and you can prove that you reside in one. If you live in a zone of smoke control and would like to use a stove that does not conform, you may need to purchase an adaptor or retrofit it with a chimney cowl. Defra stoves can wear out as do other wood-burning appliances. Therefore it is essential to maintain them regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. Regularly cleaning the flue and chimney, as well as examining for obstructions, are part of this maintenance. Maintaining your stove will ensure that it is efficient and will last for many years. Energy Efficiency The Defra approved stoves we offer make use of the most advanced combustion technology to give the highest heat output while emitting minimal emissions. The stoves are also fitted with pre-heated secondary air and secondary air to reduce the emissions of particulate matter (PM). When wood and other solid fuels are burned and cooled, particulate matter (PM) is created. This can lead to respiratory issues and a host of other health problems. The good news is that SIA Ecodesign Ready stoves (often called DEFRA exempt stoves) reduce the amount of PM by approximately 55% compared to open fires and standard stoves. Stoves are more than just attractive. They can also save you money and keep your home warm. They can warm rooms much more quickly than standard radiators, and cut heating expenses by up to 40%. Defra approved stoves are particularly beneficial for those who live in a Smoke Control Zone which covers the majority of UK's cities and towns. In these areas, it's illegal to use a non-approved multi-fuel stove or log burner unless you have the DEFRA approval or have a stainless-steel twin wall chimney liner that is in compliance with smoke control regulations. DEFRA approved stoves are usually described as "DEFRA Exempt" or "SE". They have passed a government-approved test to confirm that they are able to be legally used to burn authorised fossil fuels in homes without producing smoke. The tests confirm that these stoves emit minimal levels of pollutants and that they have enough combustion air to prevent smoke from exiting the flue. The burning of wood or other solid fuels can be affected by a number factors. This includes using wet, unseasoned wood that can create more smoke than kiln-dried wood, closing your top air vent in a way which hinders the combustion, or depriving the stove of oxygen for a long period of time, which could result in more smoke. Make sure to use dry, seasoned and appropriately sized wood and ensure that your flue system is clean and functioning properly. Aesthetics Wood stoves are a popular feature in a lot of homes. They offer a number advantages, such as cost savings, clean combustion and less emissions. They also have the potential to generate renewable energy. They can also add a sense of style to rooms. Wood stoves are not all made equal. A new study has revealed that certain wood stoves, even those advertised as eco-friendly, produce 775 times as much tiny particles of pollution as a modern HGV. This is a massive amount of pollution, and is enough to make your home unsafe for you and your family especially if you have children or elderly relatives with you. The good news is that a lot of these older stoves can be modified to be much more eco-friendly by ensuring the wood used is properly and seasoned or kiln-dried. This will reduce the amount of moisture and increase the efficiency of the stove. This is particularly important if your home is located in a zone of smoke control that is permitted to make use of Defra approved stoves. Examine the specifications or logo on the front to see whether the wood stove is approved by Defra. It should usually read "Defra approved" or, to be more accurate the clearSkies ratings of 3 3, 4, or 5 If you reside in a smoke-free zone it is crucial 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 strict standards required for their sale. You can therefore be assured that the stoves you buy are safe. Before installing the stove that burns wood, you should speak to a professional installer who can give you guidance on the most suitable solution for your home. If you're looking to become greener, you might be interested in a multifuel stove rather than a wood burning one. They can burn wood as well as other fuels like coal and gas. They can also help you save money by reducing the cost of heating. They come in a variety of different styles, so you will find one that suits your home.