Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people looking for a new stove think about a DEFRA-approved wood burner. They can be put in within smoke-control areas as long as only approved fuels from DEFRA are used.
They are often modified by the manufacturer to limit the extent to which they can be starved of air, which could cause smoke.
Clean Burn Technology
There are a lot of different terms that are thrown around when it comes to wood burning and multi fuel stoves. The most significant terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. These may seem like marketing buzzwords to the average person however they are essential to think about when selecting your new stove.
A stove that is approved by Defra is one that can be used to limit smoke in areas if the appliance uses certain fuels. These include logs, briquettes, and steam coal with low volatile. Modern stove manufacturers use special combustion system with third and secondary airflows to reduce the stove's emissions. They produce less smoke as a result as opposed to older open fires or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
This is all part of the government's attempts to ensure clean air in urban areas, and it's working very well. A Defra-approved stove will make use of the least amount of fuel, resulting in minimal smoke. You'll still get a lot of heat and flames however.
You can determine if you have a Defra-approved stove by looking for the Defra-exempt terminology or a Defra badge in the product's description. If you are unsure about the authenticity of the stove, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or visit an knowledgeable local retailer who can assist you with this.
Stoves that are exempt from defra regulations are usually significantly more expensive than standard models but it is important to keep in mind that they have undergone extensive testing to make sure they are compliant with strict emission standards. You will save money over the long term because your stove that is certified by Defra will require fewer logs to generate the same amount of heat.
Ecodesign regulations were enacted in the year 2000 and all stoves manufactured after the date were required to comply with the regulations. If you reside in a smoke control area you'll require a stove which is both Ecodesign compliant and Defra-exempt (or a approved model Defra-approved that has passed the strict Defra emission tests). Charnwood is one example. It offers a range of Defra exempt stoves that are also classified as clearSkies Level 3 which signifies they have reached an extremely high level of clean burning.
Low Emissions
Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the amount released of particulates. The result is not just a beautiful stove, but one that emits very little smoke. This lets you use it in smoke-controlled areas without worrying about huge fines.
A DEFRA approved stove, or Defra smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are commonly referred to as, is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has passed the rigorous tests set by the UK Government's Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum amounts of emissions stoves can emit and also limit the amount of smoke it can create in normal operation.
These tests also look at how a stove deals with burning fires that are smouldering that is, the combustible material inside a log burner continues burn even after the flames have died down. The fires can release lots of smoke in the event that they aren't completely extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves utilize a secondary combustion system to burn the particulates that are produced during a fire.
Many people reside in smoke control zones, where it is unlawful to burn non-Defra-approved stoves and log burners. To avoid a hefty fine you must have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are different types of Defra approved stoves available to purchase. You can choose an incredibly small Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace or a larger freestanding stove that can be incorporated into the room, there's certain to be a stove that will match your home.
There are a variety of Defra-approved stoves with a modern design, contemporary style and are suitable for use in smoke-controlled zones. Typically, they have large glass doors that permit you to take in the warmth and fire in the comfort of your living room.
Some Defra approved stoves can be modified using an approved manufacturer's kit to make them more DEFRA compliant. This kit changes the air vents on the top of the stove to ensure that they are not closed completely and is referred to as'slumbering'. It can cause the stove to send out combustible substances that are not burned into the air.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is constructed to produce very little smoke and produce high heat. They are therefore ideal for smoke-controlled areas and can be used with smokeless or wood. They are also more efficient and burn logs more efficiently than stoves that are not Defra. They also come with an airwashing system that helps keep your windows' glass free of dust. This makes them a stylish, efficient option for the home.
Many wood burning stove shops sell stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves are identified by the acronym 'SE', or smoke-free stoves. The reason they can be used in smoke control zones is because of their advanced combustion systems that make use of secondary and tertiary burn systems to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be fitted 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 that stops it from being completely closed. This is a common error that people make, and will cause the fire to smolder. It also produces a lot more smoke. The stoves come with a built in limit which ensures that a certain amount of air is delivered to the fuel so that it can't be starved and cause excessive smoke.
Manufacturers of stoves have taken this idea and developed Defra Plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet but also exceed the required standards. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. affordable DEFRA stoves meets Defra standards, but also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compliant. This is a remarkable achievement that proves that an DEFRA exempt stove can be very efficient and environmentally friendly. The future is looking bright for eco-friendly stoves.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Some UK towns and cities have been designated as smoke control zones. If you reside in one of these areas you'll be able to fit the stove only if it is approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels that are approved without generating excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will usually have an air vent that can't be shut off completely, allowing it to keep the oxygen supply constant. This makes it possible for firewood to burn more efficiently, minimising soot production and reduces emissions.
Look for stoves that are certified by DEFRA as ready to burn a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as lignite and anthracite Granules. These fuels are specially designed to help the stove burn without a mess, and should be branded with the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which indicates that the fuel is within the required sulphur and smoke emission limits.
You can enjoy many years of low-cost heat while conserving the environment and making your neighbors happy. However, you'll need to take care of your fireplace and maintain it in good working order by regularly cleaning the chimney and flue system as well as conducting regular inspections by an engineer and following the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding maintenance and use.
Stoves can be the focal point of any home and can add value and comfort. It is crucial to select the best stove for your home. There are a myriad of options to choose from, including designs of materials, finishes, and heat outputs. If you live in a smoke control area, it's crucial to choose an DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and potentially incurring fines. We have a large selection of affordable and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.