Choosing a Defra Woodburner
Anyone living in a smoke control zone must use a DEFRA approved stove to ensure that they are in compliance with the laws. These are stoves which have been independently tested to make sure that they burn wood and smokeless fuels in accordance with the law.
There isn't much of a difference between a DEFRA-approved stove and one that hasn't been approved. Many modern stoves are even capable of being modified by the stove maker to become DEFRA-approved.
Clean Burn Technology
A Defra approved stove will employ clean burning technology to minimise the amount of waste that is produced when burning fuel. This technology allows pre-heated air that has been filtered to be in the combustion chamber. The air is mixed with gases released by the fire and is burned to burn unburned hydrocarbons. This helps reduce the amount of smoke escapes from a fireplace and also has a positive impact on asthmatics with respiratory problems.
A lot of modern wood stoves and fireplaces use this technology, which is a major reason they are more environmentally green than older stoves or fires. If you reside in a zone of smoke control then to legally burn wood on a wood-burning stove you'll need an DEFRA exempt appliance that has passed the stringent smoke particle emissions tests to be classed as 'clean burn'.
If you have an DEFRA approved stove then to maximize the benefits of the technology to reduce emissions, it is recommended to use low moisture content wood. It is recommended that the wood has been dried 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 simple moisture gauge.
Clean Burn technology in a DEFRA-approved stove can aid in saving money on your energy bills while keeping the environment in good condition. Clean burn technology reduces the amount of smoke particles released, and it has a positive impact on those suffering from respiratory problems. Regular maintenance of your stove and flue system is vital to ensure that it is operating at its peak efficiency and avoid blockages.
If you are an owner of a business and would like to save money on energy bills, then consider installing an oil heater made from waste from Clean Burn. There are a variety of boiler and furnace models that can be used to create heat using your own waste oil. Each unit is powered by Clean Burn's patent-pending Heat Recovery Technology, which recycles waste oil and transforms it into an energy source that is renewable. The company has a comprehensive network of dealers that offer outstanding customer service prior to, during and after the sale. They also offer an extensive warranty that covers the combustion chambers and heat exchangers of their equipment for 10 years or 15000 hours.
Smoke Exempt Appliances
To be Defra Exempt, a stove has to pass a rigorous test designed by the UK Government's Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure that it can be used in smoke-free areas. A Defra Exempt stove may be referred to as a DEFRA stove or an SE stove and will have passed the tests to allow you to burn both wood and approved manufactured smokeless fuels within the UK Smoke Control Areas.
You'll be able to avoid a penalty and break the law if you have an approved woodburner from the Defra. This is because a stove that burns wood is only legal to use with a Smoke Control-approved appliance and certain fuels approved by the Smoke Control.
A Defra-exempt stove will also keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer as it does not emit nuisance levels of smoke. Even if you don't live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, a Defra stove is still a good choice as it will be more environmentally and neighbour friendly because it produces less smoke than a non-Defra-approved stove.
Regular maintenance is the best method to ensure that your stove operates at its peak and improves its efficiency in terms of energy. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney on a regular basis. Stoves that are regularly cleaned and maintained are more efficient than those that don't which means that you will be saving more money in the long run by owning a Defra stove.
When it comes to selecting a new stove, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration from the physical dimensions of the appliance to the amount of kW it will bring to your room. It is also important to consider the fuel you intend to use and whether you 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 third-generation and second-generation combustion systems, which reduce harmful particle emissions while preserving fuel. They also burn wood at a higher temperature than other stoves. This results in logs being burned more completely and producing less pollutants. These eco-friendly models can also be more efficient than older ones and can save you money.
The Ecodesign logo that you see on a lot of our woodburners is a sign that the stove is compliant with new regulations set by the European Union, as well as UK laws regarding environmental protection. The Ecodesign log burners have been engineered for maximum efficiency and offer a performance of 70 percent over the course of the season. They also have a second clean burn system that is controlled by a chrome lever located at the base of the stove. This system opens and shuts a vent which pulls air over the fire, reburning any smoke initially generated by the fire. This results in less emissions being released and helps to keep your chimney and flue system in good condition for longer.
We would advise all of our customers to check out for these Ecodesign stoves when shopping around for a new woodburner. They not only offer an efficient, clean combustion and less emissions, but they can also be more affordable than other models and come with a variety of styles to match your home's aesthetic.
Our Web Site Approved Stoves
In the past, people were able to burn whatever they wanted on their fires. This resulted in massive amounts of smoke being pumped across the country. The government recognized that this was a serious issue and acted. This led to the establishment of Smoke Control Areas, which restricts any emission from homes that are not residential unless they are using an approved stove and authorized fuel.
If you live in a smoke-control area you must possess a Defra Smoke Exempt woodburner to legally burn wood. If you don't, you could be in violation of the law and being penalized.
Neighbourly Friendly
Wood burning stoves are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. This is due to the recent influx from urban areas. It is crucial to abide with the laws governing log-burners to avoid any fines or legal action. This can be accomplished by using a DEFRA-approved cooktop that meets strict emission standards. Fortunately, there are several methods to determine whether the stove is DEFRA approved, such as looking at the label or looking at the specifications on the website of the manufacturer.
The DEFRA approval stamp on a stove shows that the stove has been subjected to rigorous testing and has met strict emission standards, allowing it to be used in smoke control areas. The stove will also burn less fuel and release less harmful pollutant. This is an important aspect to look out for when purchasing an appliance. It will ensure that you get the most from the purchase and ensure you can legally use it in smoke-control areas.
It is crucial to use only kiln dried or seasoned wood for your stove. Kiln drying reduces moisture in the wood, which decreases the amount of pollution that is generated when it is burnt. Wood can dry for up to two years in the natural process. If you're burning wood in an area where smoke is not a problem and controlled, you should employ a chimney sweep, or make use of a log storage system to dry your wood. When purchasing wood you should look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn Logo. This indicates that the wood is not high in moisture.
The UK has laws to control harmful particulates produced by wood and coal fires. These tiny particles are highly dangerous to health and can cause respiratory issues as well as cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Research has proven that wood burning stoves are responsible for to 23-31 percent of PM2.5 pollutants in London, so it is vital to follow the regulations when purchasing a new stove and taking care when using it in smoke controlled zones.