Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people who are looking for a new stove will think about a DEFRA-approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed in areas that control smoke provided that only Defra approved authorised fuels are burned.
They are also usually modified by the manufacturer to limit the extent to which they can be starved of air. This would result in smoke.
Clean Burn Technology
There are many different terms that get discussed when it concerns wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. Some of the most important ones are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. These may seem like marketing buzzwords to the average person, but they are important to think about when selecting your new stove.
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that can be used in smoke control zones if it is powered by specific fuels (mostly logs, briquettes and steam coal that is low volatile). Modern stove manufacturers employ special combustion systems that have secondary and tertiary airflows in order to lower the amount of smoke they emit. They produce less smoke than traditional open fires, or other stoves that are not Defra-approved.
This is part of the government's efforts to ensure clean air within urban areas and it works well. A Defra approved stove will provide the minimum amount of combustion air which results in minimal smoke, but you still enjoy a large amount of flames and heat from your log burner.
You can tell if you are using a Defra approved stove by examining the Defra-exempt terms or Defra badge on the product's listing. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer or an expert retailer.
Stoves that are defra-exempt can be more expensive than regular models, however it's important to remember that they have been through extensive testing to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. You will save money over time because your stove that is certified by Defra will require less wood to generate the same heat.
Ecodesign regulations were introduced a year ago and all stoves built following that date are required to meet the requirements. If you reside in a smoke control area you'll need a stove that is Ecodesign compatible and Defra-exempt (or a approved model Defra-approved that has passed the rigorous Defra emission tests). Charnwood offers a range Defra-exempt stoves that are also marked clearSkies Level 3 which means they've reached a certain standard of pure burning.
Low Emissions
Stove makers like Arada & Stovax are continuously upgrading their stoves to include secondary and tertiary combustion methods which help reduce the amount of particulates released. The result is a stove that not only looks beautiful, but also emits very low emissions, which means you can use it in smoke controlled areas without risking a hefty fine.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove is one that has passed the stringent tests conducted by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum levels of emissions that stoves can emit and also limit the amount of smoke it produces in normal operation.
These tests also examine how a stove deals with burning fires that are smouldering, this is when the combustible material in the log burner continues to burn even after the flames have cooled. The fires can release smoke in large quantities if they are not completely eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves are designed to deal with this by using a sophisticated secondary combustion system that efficiently re-burns the particulates released during a fire.
Many people reside in smoke control zones, where it is unlawful to burn stoves that are not DEFRA approved and log burners. To avoid paying a substantial fine you must have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are many different types of Defra-approved stoves you can purchase. If you require an incredibly small Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace, or a larger freestanding stove to fill the space, there is certain to be a stove that will fit your home.
There are many stoves that are Defra-approved that feature a contemporary style and contemporary design. They can be used in smoke-controlled zones. Typically, they come with large glass doors that permit you to enjoy the heat and fire from the comfort of your living room.
Some Defra approved stoves can be modified using an accessory supplied by the manufacturer to make them more DEFRA conforming. This kit changes the air vents on the top of a stove to ensure that they are not closed all the way down This is referred to as'slumbering'. It can cause the stove to let out combustible material that has not been burned into the air.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempt stove is designed to provide you with an excellent quantity of heat while producing very little smoke. They are therefore perfect for areas with smoke control and can be used with smokeless or wood. They are also more efficient and burn logs more efficiently than stoves that are not Defra. Additionally, they come with an airwash system that keeps the glass windows clean, which makes them a fashionable and efficient option for your home.
Stoves that are Defra approved will often be called 'SE' or smoke exempt stoves and can be purchased from numerous specialist wood burning stove retailers. They can be used in smoke control zones because they feature advanced combustion systems that employ secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce harmful emissions. They can also be equipped with a 5 inch flue liner as opposed to the standard 6 inches required by building regulations.
A DEFRA exempted stove features an adjustable top air vent which prevents it being closed completely. This is a frequent mistake made by people and it will cut off the oxygen supply to the fire and cause it to smoulder and produce lots of smoke. These stoves have a built in limit that ensures that a minimum amount of air is supplied to the fuel so that it doesn't starve and create excessive smoke.
Manufacturers of stoves have taken this concept and developed Defra Plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to ensure that they not only comply with the standards set by the government, but surpass them. The most notable example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only conforms to Defra standards but has been awarded an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is a remarkable achievement that proves a DEFRA-exempt stove can be highly efficient and green. The future is bright for eco-friendly appliances.
Ideal for Smoke Control Areas
In the UK, some towns and cities are classified as smoke control zones. If you are in a smoke control area where you are allowed to install an appliance if it has been approved by DEFRA. This means that the stove is able to be used with wood as well as other authorised fuels without producing excessive levels of smoke. A Defra exempt stove will generally have an air vent that is unable to be shut off completely which allows it to maintain a constant supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, and reduce emissions and soot.
Look for stoves that are DEFRA-certified as ready to burn a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels, like anthracite and lignite Granules. These fuels have been specifically designed to aid the stove in burning efficiently. They should be marked with a "Ready to burn" logo, which indicates that the fuel is compliant with the required sulphur levels as well as smoke emissions.
If you decide to purchase a DEFRA approved stove that is DEFRA approved, you will be able enjoy years of low cost heat whilst helping to protect the local environment and keeping your neighbours satisfied by not disturbing them with a noxious smoke. It is still necessary to maintain your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it inspected by an engineer on a regular basis, and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stoves are the central feature of any home, and can bring value and comfort to your property. It's important to choose the best stove for your home. There are a myriad of choices to pick from in terms of designs and finishes, materials, and heat outputs. DEFRA legislation stoves is essential to select a DEFRA approved stove if you reside in an area where smoking is restricted. Otherwise, you could face fines and violate the law. Fortunately, we have a wide selection of high-quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves for you to explore.