Why Buying a DEFRA Stove is Important If You Live in a Smoke Control Area
There are a variety of factors you must consider when purchasing a wood-burning stove. If you live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then it is crucial to use an DEFRA approved stove.
DEFRA approved stoves, or smoke exempt stoves, are multifuel wood-burning appliances that have been independently evaluated and have been proven to produce extremely low levels of emissions. This allows them to burn approved fuels like lekto night, or to heat logs in Smoke Control Areas.
Cleaner Burning
The use of wood burners to heat homes is now more popular than ever before, as people realise that it can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on electricity bills. This is great news for the environment, however it is crucial to only burn dry, clean wood in your stove to ensure that the emissions levels are at a minimum. You can relax in the fire and not be concerned about its impact on the environment when you purchase a DEFRA-approved stove.
A Defra approved appliance (also known as a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance) has been tested to make sure that it meets the strict government standards regarding the amount of smoke that is produced. These stoves can be used in smoke controlled areas where burning fuel that is not approved is not permitted, and they can also be used with a wider range of fuels than other non-Defra certified models.
You can recognize the DEFRA stove by the Defra logo, which is usually displayed on the product pages. The UK government department that is responsible for DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) have strict guidelines regarding what can be burned in smoke control zones and using a stove that is not approved in these areas could lead to fines. You can be certain that your stove is safe to use in smoke control areas with authorised fuels due to the Defra approval. It is a good idea to check if your property is in a Smoke Control Area before buying an appliance.
One of the most remarkable things about the DEFRA woodburner is how much it reduces particle emission levels in comparison to older stoves. These stoves have been shown to reduce the amount of particles released by up to 80% due to the cleaner combustion technology built into their design. This improves indoor air quality and reduces the health risks that are associated with air pollution from contaminated aer.
Better Heat Output
DEFRA stoves are subject to rigorous testing to ensure that they are in compliance with the UK government's strict regulations. They have low emissions levels and a high efficiency of combustion which aids in cutting the waste. This is not only eco green but also means you will get more heat from your stove and need less wood.
These stoves are suitable for use in smoke control areas and are able to be used with authorized fuels like peat and wood. This is because they've been independently tested and have been proven to burn wood in a way that they do not emit smoke. Air wash systems are attached to them, which aid to clean the glass and eliminate any tar deposits.
In fact they are so effective in decreasing smoke that the UK government has enacted laws to prevent people from burning fuel that is not authorized in their homes. It is illegal to emit black smoke from any chimney in the event that it is not exempted or burning a regulated fuel such as wood. This is why you need a DEFRA approved stove or Ecodesign ready wood burner for those who reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area.
Stovax Edge is one of our most popular DEFRA approved stoves. It is an impressive multi-fuel stove that has a high energy output of 5kW. It is made to be as energy efficient as it can be and is awarded the highest quality of environmental standards - ClearSkies 5.
It's important to remember that DEFRA approval doesn't mean your stove is efficient however, you should look for a model with high efficiency ratings when choosing one. The more efficient the rating, the more fuel it can convert to heat and lower your heating costs.
Choose a wood burning stove that have a Defra-approved design. These models allow you to use 5" liner. This is an excellent option when you're installing a stove on an existing chimney stack that cannot accommodate an 6" liner, and can help you save money on the expense of installing. Stove Yard Stove Yard has installed a number of Defra approved wood stoves with 5" outlets for this reason and found that the customers are pleased since they do not have the expense of converting to a larger chimney liner.
Reduced Emissions
If you reside in a smoke control area it is essential to make use of a DEFRA approved stove. These stoves are capable of burning wood, coal and certain types of smokeless fuels without releasing any smoke. They have been tested for compliance with the strict regulations that are set by the government. As a result, DEFRA multi-fuel stoves are very popular. They are available from numerous online retailers as well as in shops all over the UK.
The term DEFRA approved stove is often mistaken for the more formal term of a DEFRA exempt stove, however they are two distinct things. The term DEFRA exempt refers to the fact that the stove has been pre-approved by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) so it is legal to use certain fuels in your home. If DEFRA compliant stoves list live in a smoke controlled zone and do not have an DEFRA exempt stove, you'll be penalized by PS1000.
Stoves approved by DEFRA have been able to meet the strict requirements of the Ecodesign Directive. This directive limits the amount of airborne particles released from the flue of a stove's gases during normal operation to 40 micrograms per cubic metre. Modern, clean-burning stoves, like those made by Arada, produce less particulates. In fact, switching an old stove for a new one can cut your particulate emissions by as much as 90%!!
A Defra approved stove can burn a range of fuels including logs, smokeless coal and brquettes. It will provide a large degree of flames, heat and light from any of the fuels you choose to use in it. It will also offer you a good degree of combustion, so that you make the most heat of your fuel.
The main pollutant released by solid fuels like wood is ultra-fine particle matter (PM2.5), which is also known as. This can penetrate the respiratory system of humans and trigger a range of symptoms, ranging from irritation to eyes to worsening asthma symptoms. Switching an older stove to a DEFRA approved stove could cut particulate emissions by up to 80 percent, while replacing an open flame could see you slash them by up to 90 percent!
Easy Maintenance
There are a lot of things to think about when selecting a stove for your home. Consider the style, materials, the output of heat and more. If you reside in an area that is the Smoke Control Area (SCA), it's important to get an approved DEFRA-approved stove.
Defra approved stoves can burn a variety of fuels, including smokeless and wood, without producing noxious smoke. They have been thoroughly examined to ensure they meet the government's strict standards for emissions and smoke levels.
A Defra approved stove is also much more eco-friendly than previous generations of stoves. The latest models are designed with clean-burning technology, making them less harmful emissions. Many stove manufacturers like Arada, Stovax, and Hi-Flame, have developed secondary and tertiary combustion systems to further reduce the emissions of their stoves. This has reduced the amount of smoke they release.
A Defra stove is also easier to maintain. Since they burn more efficiently it means that you don't have to clean the stove or flue system quite as often. This will extend the lifespan of your appliance and ensure it runs efficiently for a longer period of time.
You may have heard of a DEFRA wood stove, but you aren't sure what it is. A Defra stove is a wood burner that has been endorsed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) to allow it to be used in Smoke Control Areas. You might have a wood burning stove in your home, but it's not Defra approved, and you could be breaking the law by using it.
Defra stoves aren't just the best way to stay clear of breaking the law, but also to save money on fuel and make your neighbors happy. There are many reasons to consider why the Defra stove is the best choice for your home and don't hesitate to contact us at Choice Stoves if you have any questions.
