Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people who are looking for an upgrade to their stove are thinking about a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed within smoke-control zones, so long as only approved fuels from DEFRA are used.

The manufacturer will also modify them to limit the amount of air that could be removed from them which could result in smoke that is smoky.

Clean Burn Technology

There are a lot of different terms that get used when it comes to wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. The most important terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. These may sound like marketing buzzwords to a common person however they are essential to consider when choosing your new stove.

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is suitable for use in smoke control areas if it uses specific types of fuels (mostly brquettes, logs, and steam coal with low volatile). Modern stove manufacturers employ special combustion systems that have secondary and tertiary airflow 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 the government’s efforts to maintain clean air within urban areas and it is working well. A Defra approved stove will deliver the smallest amount of combustion air which results in minimal smoke, yet you get a generous degree of flames and heat from your stove's log burner.

The majority of manufacturers will offer an Defra approved version of their stoves, and you can easily recognize these by looking for the Defra exempted terminology or the Defra badge on the product's listing. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer or an expert retailer.

Stove defra exempt stoves typically cost more than standard models, however it is important to keep in mind that they've been through extensive testing to make sure they are compliant with strict emission standards. In the long run you will save money since your Defra stove will consume less logs to produce the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations were made public one year ago and all stoves built after that date are required to comply with the regulations. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you will need an appliance that is Ecodesign conforming and Defra exempt (or at least an Defra approved model that has passed the tough Defra emissions tests). Charnwood offers a variety of Defra-exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies Level 3 which means that they have reached a certain standard of clean burning.

Low Emissions

Stove manufacturers such as Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by including secondary and tertiary burn systems that reduce the amount released of particulates. The result is not just a beautiful stove however, it also emits very little smoke. This lets you use it in smoke-controlled areas without worrying about hefty fines.

A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove is one that has passed the rigorous tests conducted by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the highest levels of emissions a stove can produce and also limit the amount of smoke it produces in normal operation.

The tests also test the way a stove can handle smoldering flames. This is when the material that ignites in a wood burner continue to burn even after the flames are out. These kinds of fires produce an enormous amount of smoke if they are not completely snuffed out. DEFRA approved stoves are designed to deal with this by utilizing an advanced secondary combustion system which effectively re-burns particulates released during a fire.

Many people live in smoke control zones where it is not legal to burn non-Defra-approved stoves and log burners. To avoid paying a substantial fine you must have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are a variety of DEFRA stoves benefits-approved stoves you can buy. There is a wood burner that has been approved by Defra to fit an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove to fit any room.

There are a variety of Defra approved stoves that have modern and contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They usually come with large glass doors, which allow you to enjoy the heat and fire in the comfortable living room.

A kit provided by the manufacturer can be used to alter certain Defra approved appliances in order to make them DEFRA compliant. This kit prevents the air vents at the top of the stove from being closed completely. This is referred to as "slumbering" and can cause unburned combustible materials to be released into the atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is constructed to produce minimal smoke and deliver excellent heat. 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 can burn logs cleaner than stoves that are not Defra. Additionally, they come with an airwash system that keeps the glass windows clear, making them a stylish and efficient option for your home.

Many wood burning stove shops offer stoves that have been approved by Defra. These stoves will be referred to 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, which make use of secondary and tertiary burners to minimize harmful emissions. They can also be equipped with a smaller flue lines of 5 inches instead of the 6 inches required by building regulations.

A DEFRA exempted stove features an adjustable top air vent that can't be closed completely. This is a common mistake people make and will cause the fire to smolder. It also produces much more smoke. The stoves come with a limiter that ensures a minimum amount air is delivered to fuel to ensure it doesn't get starved and produces excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this idea to the next level by creating what's called DEFRA compliant stoves plus stoves. These models have been updated to not only meet but also exceed the required standards. The most notable example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only conforms to Defra standards but has also been given an A+ energy rating and is clearSkies level 5 compliant. This is a remarkable achievement which proves that an DEFRA exempt stove can be extremely efficient and environmentally friendly. The future is bright for eco-friendly stoves.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Some UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you are in a smoke-control area, you can only 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 stove that is 5kw defra multifuel stove-exempt has an air vent that cannot be completely closed, allowing the stove to have an ongoing supply of oxygen. This helps the firewood 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 anthracite and lignite Granules. These fuels are specially formulated to help the stove burn cleanly, and they should be marked with the 'Ready To Burn' logo which confirms that the fuel is within the prescribed sulphur and smoke emission limits.

If you decide to purchase a DEFRA approved stove and fireplace, you'll be able to enjoy many years of low-cost heat while helping to protect the local environment and keeping your neighbors happy by not upsetting them with a noxious smoke. You'll still have to keep your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it inspected by an engineer regularly and following the manufacturer's instructions.

Stoves can be a focal point for any home and can add value and comfort. With a myriad of designs, DEFRA Stoves benefits materials, finishes and heat outputs to think about, it's important to ensure you select the right stove for your home. If you reside in a smoke-free area, it's vital to select the right DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and paying fines. We have a large selection of affordable and top-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.