Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people 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 Defra-approved fuels are used.
They are also modified by the manufacturer to limit the extent to which they are deprived of air. This would result in an odorless combustion.
Clean Burn Technology
There are a variety of different terms that are discussed when it comes to wood burning and multi fuel stoves. The most important terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. To the average person these might seem like marketing buzzwords they don't need to worry about, but it is important to keep in mind when choosing a new stove.
A stove that is approved by Defra is one that can be used to reduce smoke in certain areas if the stove is using specific fuels. These include logs, briquettes, and low volatile steam coal. Modern stove makers use special combustion systems that have secondary and tertiary airflows in order to minimize the emissions of their stoves. They produce less smoke as a result than older open fires or other stoves that are not Defra-approved.
This is a part of government’s efforts to maintain the quality of air in urban areas and it is working well. A Defra approved stove will produce the smallest amount of combustion air, which means that there is no smoke, yet you get a generous degree of flames and heat from your log burner.
how you can help can identify a Defra-approved stove by looking for Defra-exempt terms or Defra badge on the product's listing. If you're not sure, call the manufacturer or an expert retailer.
Stove defra-exempt stoves can be significantly more expensive than regular models, however it's important to remember they have undergone extensive testing to ensure they meet strict emissions standards. In the long run you will save money because your Defra stove will use less fuel to generate the same amount of heat.
Ecodesign regulations were enacted in the year 2000 and all stoves built after the date were required to comply with the regulations. If you reside in a zone of smoke control you'll require a stove which is both Ecodesign compliant as well as Defra-exempt (or a approved model by Defra that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood, for example, offers a variety of Defra exempt stoves that are also classified as clearSkies Level 3 which means they have achieved an extremely high quality of clean burning.
Low Emissions
Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax are continuously improving their stoves to incorporate secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the amount of particles released. The result is not just an attractive stove, but one that emits very small amounts of smoke. This lets you use it in smoke-free areas without worrying about huge fines.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has passed the rigorous tests set forth by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum levels of emissions a stove can produce and also limit how much smoke it produces during normal operation.
These tests also examine how a stove responds to smoldering flames. This happens when material that ignites in a wood stove continue to burn long after the flames have been put extinguished. These fires can produce smoke in large quantities if they are not completely eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves use a secondary combustion system to re-burn the particulates that are released during a fire.
Many people reside in smoke-control zones, where it is illegal to use non-Defra certified stoves and log burners. To avoid paying a substantial fine you must have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are a myriad of types of Defra-approved stoves that you can buy. There is a wood burner that is Defra-approved for use in an inglenook fireplace, or a bigger stove that can fit in a room.
There are a variety of Defra-approved stoves with a modern design, contemporary style and can be used in smoke-controlled zones. Typically, they have large glass doors that permit you to enjoy the warmth and fire from the comfort of your living room.
Certain Defra approved stoves can be modified with a manufacturer supplied kit to make them more DEFRA compliant. This kit stops the air vents at the top of the stove from closing completely. This is referred to as "slumbering" and could cause combustible material that has not been burned to escape into the air.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempt stove is designed to provide you with an excellent quantity of heat, while generating minimal smoke. They are therefore ideal for areas that are smoke-free and can be used either with smokeless or wood. They also provide high levels of efficiency and can burn logs more efficiently than stoves that are not exempt from Defra. They also come with an airwashing system that keeps your glass windows clean. This makes them a stylish, efficient option for your home.
Many wood-burning stove shops offer stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves will be identified by the acronym 'SE', or smoke exempt stoves. The reason that they can be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems, which employ secondary and tertiary combustion systems to minimize harmful emissions. They can also be fitted with a 5 inch flue liner instead of the standard 6 inch required by building regulations.
Another advantage of a DEFRA exempt stove is that they come with an adjustment to the top air vent that stops it from being closed completely. This is a common error that people make, and will cause the fire to get smoldering. It will also produce a lot more smoke. These stoves are equipped with a limiter that ensures the smallest amount of air is delivered to fuel to ensure it doesn't get starved and produces excessive smoke.
Stove manufacturers have taken this concept to the next level by creating what are known as Defra plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet, but even exceed the required standards. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only is compliant with Defra requirements, but also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compliant. This is a remarkable achievement that proves a DEFRA-exempt stove is highly efficient and green. The future is bright for eco-friendly stoves.
Perfect for Smoke Control Areas
Certain UK towns and cities have been designated as smoke control zones. If you reside in one of these areas you'll be allowed to install the stove only if it has been 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 have an air vent that can't be closed completely which allows the stove to maintain an oxygen supply constant. This allows the wood to burn more efficiently, while reducing emissions and soot.
You should also look out for stoves that have been approved by DEFRA as being safe to use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as anthracite and lignite as well as granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to aid the stove in burning efficiently, and they must be branded with the 'Ready to Burn' logo which confirms that the fuel is within the prescribed limit of sulphur and smoke emissions.
You can enjoy a long time of low-cost heat while protecting the environment and making your neighbours happy. However, you will still need to take care of your fireplace and keep it in good working order by regularly cleaning the chimney and flue system, performing regular inspections by an engineer and adhering to the manufacturer's instructions regarding maintenance and usage.
Stoves are a centrepiece of any home, and they can bring value and comfort to your property. With so many styles, materials, finishes and heat outputs that you can think of it's crucial to ensure you select the ideal stove for your home. If you are in a smoke control area, it's crucial to select a DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and paying fines. Fortunately, we have a wide range of high-quality and affordable DEFRA exempt stoves to browse.