Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people looking for a new stove should consider a DEFRA-approved wood burner. These are stoves that can be installed in smoke control areas provided that only Defra approved fuels that are authorised to be burned.
The manufacturer will also modify them to limit the amount of air that can be deprived from them and could cause a smoky burning.
Clean Burn Technology
When it comes to wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are a variety of different terms. Some of the most important ones are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. For the average person, they may appear to be marketing buzzwords they don't have to be concerned about, but they are important to keep in mind when you are choosing your next stove.
A stove that is Defra-approved is one that is able to control smoke in areas when the stove is using certain fuels. These include briquettes and logs and steam coal with low volatile. DEFRA stoves price range use special combustion systems that incorporate secondary and third airflow to reduce the stove's emissions. As a result, they produce less smoke than traditional open fires and other stoves that aren't Defra approved.
This is a part of government’s efforts to maintain clean air within urban areas and it is working well. A stove that is Defra-approved will make use of the least amount of fuel and result in minimal smoke. You'll still be able to get a lot of heat and flames though.
You can determine if you have a Defra-approved stove by looking for Defra-exempt terms or Defra badge in the product's listing. If you're not sure, call the manufacturer or a local expert retailer.
Stove defra-exempt stoves can be significantly more expensive than regular models, however it is important to keep in mind that they have been tested extensively to ensure they meet strict emission standards. You'll save money in the long run as your Defra-certified stove will use less logs to generate the same heat.
Ecodesign regulations were enacted one year ago and all stoves manufactured after the date were required to meet the requirements. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you will need an appliance that is Ecodesign compatible and Defra exempt (or at the very least at least a Defra approved model that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood, for example, has a selection of Defra exempt stoves that are also branded as clearSkies Level 3 which signifies they have reached a high quality of combustion that is clean and safe for use.
Low Emissions
Stove makers like Arada & Stovax are continuously upgrading their stoves to include secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the amount of particles released. The result is not only an attractive stove, but one that emits very minimal smoke. This allows you to use it in smoke-free areas without worrying about heavy fines.
A DEFRA approved stove, or Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are often referred to as, is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has passed rigorous tests set by the British Government's Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum amount of emissions and smoke that stoves are allowed to emit.
These tests also look at the way a stove can handle smoldering flames. This is when the combustible materials in a wood burner continue to burn after the flames are out. These fires can produce smoke in large quantities if they are not completely extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are made to combat this issue 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 illegal to burn stoves that are not DEFRA approved and log burners. You must install a DEFRA-approved stove to avoid paying a heavy fine. There are a range of different types of Defra approved stoves available to purchase. You can choose an incredibly small Defra approved wood burner for an inglenook fireplace or a larger freestanding stove that can be incorporated into the room, there's certain to be a stove that will fit your home.
There are also lots of Defra approved stoves that have modern, contemporary designs that can be used in smoke controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors that allow you to enjoy the heat and fire from the comfort of the living room.
A kit provided by the manufacturer can be used to modify some Defra approved appliances to make them DEFRA conforming. This kit changes the air vents at the top of the stove to stop them from being closed all the way down and is referred to as 'slumbering' and can cause the stove to let out combustible material that has not been burned into the air.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is designed to produce very little smoke and produce excellent heat. They are perfect for use in smoke-free areas and can be used with wood or smokeless fuels. They also offer high levels of efficiency and can burn logs much more cleanly than non-Defra exempt stoves. They also have an airwash system that keeps the glass window clean, making them a stylish and effective option for your home.
Many wood burning stove shops offer stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves are identified by the acronym 'SE', or smoke exempt stoves. They can be used within smoke control zones since they feature advanced combustion systems that use secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be fitted with an encapsulated flue liner that is 5 inches instead of the standard 6 inch standard required by building regulations.
Another advantage of a DEFRA exempt stove is that they have an adjustment to the top air vent, which prevents it from being closed all the way. This is a frequent mistake that people make and can stop the flow of oxygen to the fire and cause it to ignite and create a lot of smoke. These stoves have an inbuilt limiter which ensures that a certain amount of air is pumped to the fuel, so that it won't become starved and create excessive smoke.
Stove manufacturers have taken this concept a step further by creating what are called Defra plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet but exceed the standards required. The best example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with Defra standards but has also been given an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is an amazing feat which proves that a DEFRA-exempt stove can be highly efficient and eco-friendly. The future looks promising for eco-friendly stoves.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Certain UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you reside in one of these areas, you will be allowed to install the stove only if it is approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This means that the stove is able to be used with wood and other authorised fuels without producing excessive levels of smoke. A stove that is Defra-exempt has an air vent that can't be completely closed, allowing the stove to maintain a constant oxygen supply. This allows the wood to burn more efficiently, and reduce emissions and soot.
It is also advisable to look for stoves that have been certified by DEFRA as being suitable for use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels such as anthracite, lignite, and granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to help the stove burn cleanly, and they should be marked with the 'Ready To Burn' logo that confirms that the fuel is within the required sulphur and smoke emission limits.
If you opt to purchase a DEFRA approved stove, you will be able to enjoy many years of low-cost heating while helping to protect the local environment. You can also keep your neighbors content by not causing disturbances with a noxious smoke. You'll still have to keep your fireplace in good order by cleaning the chimney, having it examined by an engineer frequently, and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stoves can be a focal point in any home and add value and comfort. It is crucial to select the ideal stove for your home. There are many choices to pick from, including designs, materials, finishes, and the output of heat. It is essential to select a DEFRA approved stove if you reside in an area where smoking is controlled. Otherwise you could face fines and break the law. We have a large selection of affordable and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.