"The Ultimate Cheat Sheet" For Defra Woodburner

Choosing a Defra Woodburner

Anyone who lives in a smoking control area must use a DEFRA approved stove to ensure they are in compliance with the laws. These are stoves which have been independently tested to ensure that they burn wood and smokeless fuels in accordance with the law.

From the outside, there is little difference between an DEFRA approved stove and one that is not. Many modern stoves can even be upgraded to become DEFRA approved by a kit supplied by the stove manufacturer.

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, filtered air to be introduced into the combustion chamber. The air is mixed with the gaseous emissions from the flame and is used to burn unburned hydrocarbons. This reduces the amount of smoke that escapes from a stove, and can be beneficial to asthma sufferers who suffer from respiratory problems.

Many modern wood stoves and burners utilize this technology, which is one reason why they are more eco sustainable than older stoves and fires. If you reside in a smoke-free zone in order to legally burn logs on a wood burning stove you'll need a DEFRA exempt appliance that has passed the stringent emissions tests for smoke to be considered a 'clean burn'.

If you have a DEFRA accredited Stoves approved stove then to fully benefit from the emission reduction technology, it is best to use low moisture content wood. Ideally, it should have been dried for two years to ensure the wood has been reduced to less than 20 percent moisture. You can determine the moisture content of your wood with a simple moisture gauge.

Using a DEFRA approved stove with Clean Burn technology will reduce your energy consumption and also help keep the environment clean. Clean burn technology reduces the amount of smoke particles released and it has a positive impact on those who suffer from respiratory issues. It is important to maintain your stove and flue to ensure that it functions at its peak and to avoid obstructions.

Clean Burn offers a range of waste oil heaters that will help you reduce your energy costs. They have a number of reliable waste oil furnace and boiler models that let you generate free heat from your industrial or commercial waste oil. Each model is equipped with Clean Burn's patent-pending Heat Recovery Technology which will recycle the waste oil and transform it into a sustainable renewable energy source. Clean Burn has a vast network of dealers who provide excellent 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 the stove must undergo a rigorous test created by the UK Government's Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure it is able to be used in smoke-free areas. A stove that is DEFRA approved energy-efficient stoves Exempt is typically called a DEFRA or SE stove that has been cleared by the tests that permit you to burn wood and authorised non-smoking, non-smoking, fuels manufactured in UK Smoke Control Areas.

If you live in a UK city or a large town that is classified as Smoke Control Area then it is important to have a Defra Exempt Woodburner in order to avoid breaking the law and potentially facing a significant fine. This is because you can only legally burn wood with an approved Smoke Control appliance and only certain approved fuels (see our Defra List of Authorised Fuels for a complete list).

Having a Defra Exempt Stove will also ensure that your chimney and flue system stays cleaner for a longer time as the stove won't be emitting nuisance levels of smoke into the air as well. Even if you don't reside in a smoke control area or smoke control zone, a Defra approved stove is a great choice. It will be much more sustainable and friendly to your neighbors because it will emit less noxious smoke than a non-Defra approved Stove.

The best way to keep your stove operating at its best and getting the most out of its energy efficiency is to perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning the flue and chimney on a routine basis. Regularly cleaned and maintained stoves will perform better, which will allow you to save more money over the course of time.

When it comes to choosing the right stove, there are plenty of aspects to take into consideration from the physical dimensions of the heater to the kW output that it can provide to your space. You must also think about the type of fuel you want to use and whether you'll need to operate your stove in a smoke-control area.

Eco-Friendly

The latest Ecodesign wood burners are designed to minimise their impact on the environment. This is done through the use of secondary and third-generation combustion systems, which reduce harmful particle emissions while preserving fuel. They also burn wood at more temperature than other stoves. This results in logs burning more efficiently and generating less pollution. These eco-friendly stoves may also be a lot more efficient than older models, thereby saving you money on heating bills.

The Ecodesign logo that you can see on a large number of our woodburners signifies that the stove is in compliance with the latest EU regulations and UK laws pertaining to environmental protection. The Ecodesign log burners are engineered for maximum efficiency and can achieve an efficiency of 70 percent over the course of an entire season. They also have a second clean burn system that is controlled by a chrome lever at the stove's base. This system allows and closes a vent that pulls air over the fire, and then re-burns any initial smoke that is produced by the fire. This helps reduce emissions and keeps your chimney and flue cleaner for longer.

We would advise all of our customers to check for Ecodesign stoves when shopping around for an updated woodburner. Not only do they offer clean, efficient combustion and lower emissions, but they can also be more affordable than other models and come in a range of styles to suit your home's style.

Stoves that are Defra approved

In the past, people could choose to cook whatever they wanted on their fires. This led to massive amounts of smoke being blown across the country. This led to a variety of health problems, and the government realized they had to take action. Smoke Control Areas were created, which prohibits all smoke emissions from residential properties except when they are using an approved stove with authorised fuel.

If you reside in a zone of smoke control, you must have a Defra Smoke Exempt woodburner to legally burn wood. You could be penalized if you violate the law.

Neighbour Friendly

Wood-burners are becoming increasingly popular in the UK especially due to the recent influx of newcomers to the country from cities. However, it is crucial to know and follow regulations concerning log burners to avoid penalties or legal actions. This can be accomplished by using a DEFRA-approved cooktop that meets strict emission standards. There are several ways to determine if the stove is DEFRA-approved and this includes checking the label and the specifications of the manufacturer's website.

The DEFRA stamp on a stove signifies that the appliance has been thoroughly tested and meets strict emission standards, allowing for it to be used within smoke-control zones. The stove will also burn less fuel and DEFRA accredited stoves emit less harmful pollutant. It is essential to look for this feature when shopping for a new stove, since it will ensure you get the most of your purchase, and also that you will be able to use it legally in smoke-control areas.

It is important to use only kiln dried or seasoned wood in your stove. Kiln drying lowers the amount of moisture present in the wood which reduces how much pollution is produced when the wood is burned. It could take up to two years for wood to dry naturally, therefore if you plan to burn wood in a smoke control area it is recommended to use an online log store or an chimney sweep to dry the wood for you. When buying wood you should look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo. This indicates that the wood is low in moisture.

The UK has laws that regulate harmful particles that are created by wood and coal fires. These small particles can cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease and dementia. Research has shown that wood-burning stoves are responsible for 23-31% of London's PM2.5 pollution. It is therefore crucial to follow the rules when purchasing new stoves, and be careful when using it in smoke-free zones.