Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people who are looking for a new stove should look at a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove. These stoves can be installed in smoke-control areas, as long as only approved fuels from DEFRA are used.
The manufacturer will also modify them to restrict the amount of air that could be removed from them which could result in smoking.
Clean Burn Technology
When it comes to wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, there are many different terms. The most important ones are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. For the average person, they may appear to be marketing buzzwords they don't have to be concerned about, but it's worth keeping in mind when selecting your new stove.
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is suitable for use in smoke control zones if it is using specific types of fuels (mostly brquettes, logs, and steam coal with low volatile). Modern stove manufacturers use special combustion systems with secondary and tertiary airflows in order to lower the amount of smoke they emit. In the end, they produce less smoke than traditional open fires and other stoves that aren't Defra approved.
This is part of the government's efforts to keep clean air in urban areas, and it works extremely well. A stove that is Defra-approved will require the least amount of combustion, resulting in minimal smoke. However, you'll still experience lots of flames and heat, however.
You can determine if you have a Defra-approved version of a stove by looking for Defra-exempt terms or Defra badge on the product's listing. If you are unsure, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or go to an expert local retailer who can help with this.
Stoves with defra exemptions are usually significantly more expensive than standard models, however it is important to remember that they have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that they meet strict emission standards. You'll save money over the long term as your Defra-certified stove will require less wood to generate the same heat.
Ecodesign regulations came into effect a year ago and all stoves manufactured following that date must be fully compliant. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is Ecodesign compatible and Defra exempt (or at least a Defra approved model that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood is one example. It has a selection of Defra exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies level 3, which means they have met the highest quality of combustion that is clean and safe for use.
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 an appliance that not only looks beautiful, but also emits extremely low emissions, which means you can use it in smoke-free areas without risking a hefty fine.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has passed the rigorous tests conducted by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine maximum levels of smoke and emissions that a stove is allowed to produce.
These tests also look at the way a stove can handle smoldering flames. This is when the burning materials in a wood stove continue to burn even after the flames have gone out. These fires can release smoke in large quantities in the event that they aren't completely extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves utilize secondary combustion systems to burn the particulates that are released during the fire.
Many people reside in smoke control zones, where it is unlawful to burn non-Defra approved stoves and log burners. To avoid paying a large fine, you need to have a DEFRA approved stove installed. There are many different types of stoves that are Defra-approved that can be purchased. Whether you need the smallest Defra approved wood burner for an inglenook fireplace, or a larger freestanding stove that can be incorporated into the space, there is certain to be a stove that will match your home.
There are a variety of Defra-approved stoves with a modern, contemporary design and are suitable for use in zones that are smoke-free. Typically, they come with large glass doors that permit you to take in the warmth and fire from the comfort of the living room.
A kit offered by the manufacturer can be used to alter certain Defra approved appliances in order to make them DEFRA conforming. This kit alters the air vents on the top of the stove to ensure that they are not shut all the way down and is referred to as 'slumbering' and can cause the stove to send out combustible substances that are not burned into the atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempt stove is designed to give you a great amount of heat while producing very little smoke. As a result, they are ideal for use in smoke-free areas and can be utilized with smokeless or wood fuels. They are also more efficient and burn logs more efficiently than non-Defra stoves. They also have 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 referred to as "SE" or smoke exempt stoves that can be purchased from many specialist wood-burning stove stores. The reason they can be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems which make use of secondary and tertiary burn systems to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be equipped with a 5 inch flue liner instead of the standard 6 inch required by building regulations.
Another great feature of the DEFRA exempt stove is that they have an adjustment to the top air vent that prevents it from closing all the way. This is a common error people make and can cause the fire to smolder. Additionally, it will produce lots of smoke. The stoves come with a limiter which ensures the smallest amount of air is pumped into the fuel, so that it doesn't become starved and create excessive smoke.
Stove manufacturers have taken this concept a step further by creating what is known as Defra plus stoves. These models have been updated to not only meet, but even exceed the standards required. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only is compliant with Defra requirements, but it also has an A+ energy rating. my explanation is also clearSkies Level 5 compatible. This is an amazing feat that proves a DEFRA-exempt stove can be highly efficient and eco-friendly. The future looks promising for eco-friendly stoves.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Some UK towns and cities have been designated as smoke control zones. If you reside in a zone of smoke control, you can only install the stove if it's approved by DEFRA. The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels that have been approved without producing excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will typically have an air vent that cannot be shut off completely which allows it to maintain a constant supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, minimising soot production and decreasing emissions.
You should also look for stoves that have been approved by DEFRA as being safe to use with a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as anthracite, lignite and granules. These fuels are specially formulated to help the stove burn efficiently, and they must be branded with the 'Ready To Burn' logo which confirms that the fuel is within the required sulphur and smoke emission limits.
You can enjoy years of low-cost heat while helping to protect the environment and making your neighbors happy. You'll still have to keep your fireplace in good order by cleaning the chimney, having it checked by an engineer regularly, and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stoves can be a focal point for any home and add value and comfort. It's important to choose the best stove for your home. There are many options to choose from, including designs, materials, finishes, and the output of heat. If you are in a smoke control area, it's crucial to choose the right DEFRA approved stove to avoid violating the law and possibly incurring fines. Fortunately, we have a huge selection of high-quality and affordable DEFRA exempt stoves for you to browse.
