Choosing a Defra Woodburner
To ensure compliance with the law, any person living in a smoke-control zone must use a DEFRA approved stove. They are stoves that have been independently tested to make sure that they burn smokeless and wood in compliance with the law.
There is not much difference between a DEFRA-approved kitchen and one that has not been approved. Many modern stoves are even capable of being modified by the stove manufacturer to become DEFRA-approved.
Clean Burn Technology
A Defra approved stove will employ clean burning technology to reduce the amount of waste generated when burning fuel. In a stove equipped with this technology, pre-heated air is supplied to the combustion chamber. it mixes with gases being released from the fire, causing the burning of unburnt hydrocarbons that would otherwise be emitted straight to the chimney. This helps reduce the amount of smoke escapes from fireplaces and can have a positive effect on asthmatics who suffer from respiratory issues.
This technology is used in a wide range of modern wood burners and stoves and this is one of the main reasons that they are more eco-friendly than older stoves and open fires. If you reside in a smoke-free zone in order 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 considered a clean burn.
If you have an DEFRA approved stove, then to fully benefit from the emissions reduction technology it is best to use low moisture content wood. Ideally, it should have been dried for two years to make sure that the wood has been reduced to less than 20 percent moisture. You can determine the amount of moisture in your wood with an instrument for measuring moisture.
Clean Burn technology in a DEFRA-approved stove will aid in saving money on your energy bills and help keep the environment in good condition. Clean burn technology reduces the levels of smoke particles released and this can have a positive impact on those suffering from respiratory issues. It is important to maintain your flue and stove to ensure that it functions optimally and to avoid blockages.
Clean Burn provides a variety of waste oil heaters that will help you save money on your energy costs. There are a variety of boilers and furnaces that can be used to create heat using your own waste oil. Each unit uses Clean Burn's exclusive Heat Recovery Technology which will recycle the waste oil and turn it into a renewable energy source. Clean Burn has a vast network of dealers who provide outstanding customer service prior to, during and after the purchase. They also offer an extensive warranty that covers the heat exchangers and combustion chambers of their equipment for a period of 10 years or 15000 hours.
Smoke Exempt Appliances
To be Defra Exempt, a stove has to undergo a rigorous test created by the UK Government's Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure it can be used in smoke controlled areas. A stove that is Defra exempt is commonly called a DEFRA or SE stove, and has passed the tests that allow you to burn wood and other authorised non-smoking, non-smoking, fuels manufactured in UK Smoke Control Areas.
If you reside in the UK city or large town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area it is crucial to possess a Defra Exempt Woodburner in order to avoid violating the law and possibly being fined a substantial amount. This is because you can only legally use wood with Smoke Control Approved Appliances and only with approved fuels (see our Defra List of Authorised Fuels for a full list).
A Defra-exempt stove will also keep your chimney and flue cleaner longer, as it will not emit nuisance levels of smoke. Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area, a Defra stove is still a great choice because it's more environmentally and neighbour friendly because it produces less smoke than a non-Defra certified stove.
Regular maintenance is the best method to ensure that your stove operates at its highest level and maximizes its energy efficiency. This involves cleaning the flue and chimney on a regular basis. Clean and well-maintained stoves will perform better, which will allow you to save money over time.
There are a variety of factors to think about when selecting the right stove. From the size of the heater, to the amount of kW it can provide there are a variety of things to take into consideration. It is also essential to think about what fuel you will be using, and if you'll need to operate it in a Smoke Control Area.
Eco-Friendly
The latest Ecodesign wood burners are engineered to minimize their impact on the environment. This is done by utilizing third-generation and secondary combustion systems, which reduce harmful particle emissions while preserving fuel. They also burn wood at a higher temperature than other stoves. This results in the logs being burned more completely and generating less pollution. These eco-friendly stoves may also be a lot more efficient than older models, and can save you money on heating bills.
The Ecodesign logo you see on a lot of our woodburners indicates that the stove is in compliance with new regulations imposed by the European Union, as well as UK laws on protection of the environment. These Ecodesign log burners have been engineered to maximize efficiency, and have a performance over the course of the season that is more than 70 percent. The stoves feature a secondary clean-burning system that is controlled by a knob made of chrome on the base. This system opens and closes a vent that draws air over the fire, re-burning any initial smoke produced by the fire. This reduces emissions and keeps your chimney and flue clean for longer.
We recommend to all of our customers to look for Ecodesign stoves when searching for an updated woodburner. They are not just more efficient and clean, but also emit less carbon dioxide. They are more economical than other models, and come in different styles to suit the style of your home.
Defra Approved Stoves
Back in the day there was a time when people could choose whatever they wanted to burn on their fires, which resulted in massive amounts of smoke being pumped into cities and towns across the country. This led to a variety of health problems, and the government knew they had to address the issue. This led to the development of Smoke Control Areas, which prohibits the emission of smoke from homes for residential use except for those who have an approved stove and authorised fuel.
A Defra Smoke Exempt Woodburner is the only way you can legally burn wood in a smoke-control zone, so if you reside in an area similar to this you will need to purchase a Defra Smoke Exempt Stove if you wish to have an authentic wood-burning stove. You could be fined if you break the law.
Neighbourly Friendly
Wood burning stoves have become more popular in the UK. This is due to the recent influx from urban areas. It is nevertheless important to know and follow rules regarding log burners in order to avoid fines or other legal actions. This can be achieved by using a DEFRA-approved cooktop that meets strict emission standards. There are several ways to determine whether a stove has been DEFRA-approved, including by checking the label and the specifications on the manufacturer's website.
The DEFRA stamp on a stove means that the appliance has been tested thoroughly and meets strict emission standards, allowing it to be used in smoke control areas. It also signifies that the stove will burn less fuel and generate less harmful pollutants. It is important to look for this feature when looking for a new stove because it will ensure that you get the most of your purchase and that you will be able to use it legally in smoke-control areas.
To DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves from your stove, it's essential to make use of seasoned or kiln-dried wood. Kiln drying decreases the amount of moisture in the wood, which helps reduce the amount of pollution that is generated when it is burned. It can take up to two years for wood to dry naturally, so if you are burning wood in a smoke control area it is recommended to use a log store or hire a chimney sweep to dry the wood for you. Be sure to look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo when purchasing wood, as it indicates that the wood has a low moisture content.
The UK has laws to regulate harmful particulates produced by coal and wood burning. These small particles are extremely hazardous to health and may cause respiratory issues as well as heart disease and dementia. Studies have shown that wood-burning stoves are responsible for 23 to 31% of London's PM2.5 pollution. It is therefore important to adhere to the regulations when purchasing an appliance, and be careful when using it in smoke-controlled zones.