Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people looking for an upgrade to their stove are contemplating a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be used in areas that control smoke in the event that only Defra approved authorised fuels are burned.
The manufacturer may also alter them to limit the amount of air that could be removed from them, which could lead to smoke that is smoky.
Clean Burn Technology
There are a lot of different terms that are thrown around when it concerns wood burning and multi fuel stoves. Some of the most important are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. These may seem like marketing buzzwords to the average person, but they are important to consider when choosing your new stove.
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is able to be used in smoke control areas if it is powered by specific fuels (mostly logs, briquettes and low volatile steam coal). Modern stove makers use a special combustion system with secondary and third airflow to minimize the amount of emissions from the stove. They produce less smoke than traditional open fires, or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
This is part of the government's efforts to keep clean air within urban areas, and it performs well. A Defra approved stove will deliver the smallest amount of combustion air which means that there is no smoke, yet you enjoy a large amount of flames and heat from your log burner.
You can determine if you have a Defra-approved version of a stove by looking for Defra-exempt terminology or a Defra badge in the product's description. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer or an expert retailer.
Stoves with defra exemptions tend to be more expensive than standard models but it is crucial to remember that they have undergone extensive testing to ensure they are in compliance with strict emission standards. You'll save money over the long term because your stove that is certified by Defra will require less wood to generate the same amount of heat.
Ecodesign regulations were put into effect in the year 2000 and all stoves manufactured following that date must be fully conforming. If you reside in a smoke control area, you will need a stove that is Ecodesign compliant as well as Defra-exempt (or 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 signifies they have reached an extremely high quality of combustion that is clean and safe for use.
Low Emissions
Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by including secondary and tertiary burn systems that decrease the amount released of particulates. The result is not only a beautiful stove but one that releases 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 called, 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 amount of smoke and emissions a stove is allowed to emit.
DEFRA stoves cost look at the way a stove handles burning fires that are smouldering, this is when the combustible substance in a log burner continues to burn even after the flames have died down. These kinds of fires produce large quantities of smoke if they are not completely snuffed out. DEFRA approved stoves are designed to tackle this issue by utilizing a sophisticated secondary combustion system that efficiently re-burns the particulates that are released during a burn.
Many people reside in zones of smoke control in which it is illegal to use non-Defra certified log burners and stoves. To avoid a hefty fine you need to have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are a myriad of types of Defra-approved stoves that you can buy. There is a Defra-approved wood burner for use in an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove that can be adapted to a room.
There are also lots of Defra approved stoves that feature a modern contemporary design that can be used 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.
Certain Defra approved stoves can be modified with a manufacturer supplied kit to make them more DEFRA conforming. This kit stops the air vents at the top of the stove from closing completely. This is referred to as "slumbering" and can cause unburned combustible materials to be released into the atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempt stove is made to provide you with an excellent quantity of heat while producing minimal smoke. As a result, they are ideal for use in smoke controlled areas and can be utilized with smokeless or wood fuels. They are also more efficient and burn logs more efficiently than stoves that are not Defra. Additionally, they come with an airwash system which keeps the glass window clean, which makes them a stylish and efficient choice for your home.
Stoves that have been Defra approved will often be referred to as "SE" or smoke-free stoves and can be purchased from numerous specialist wood burning stove stores. They are able to be used in smoke control zones as they have advanced combustion systems that use secondary and tertiary 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.
Another benefit of the DEFRA exempt stove is that they have an adjustment on the top air vent, which prevents it from being closed all the way. This is a very common error that people make and it will cut off oxygen flow to the fire and cause it to smoulder and produce lots of smoke. The stoves come with a built in limit that ensures that a minimum amount of air is delivered to the fuel so that it doesn't starve and produce excessive smoke.
Stove manufacturers have taken this idea a little further by creating Defra Plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet but also exceed the required standards. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only meets Defra standards, but also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compatible. This is a remarkable achievement which proves that a DEFRA-exempt stove is highly efficient and green. The future looks bright for eco-friendly appliances.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
In the UK there are some cities and towns are classified as smoke control zones. If you reside in one of these areas, you will be permitted to install a stove only if it is approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The stove can be used to burn wood or other fuels approved, without producing excessive smoke. A stove that is Defra-exempt will have an air vent that can't be completely closed and allows the stove to have an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn much more efficiently, minimising the production of soot and reduces emissions.
Look for stoves that are DEFRA-certified as ready to burn a range of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as lignite and anthracite Granules. These fuels are specially designed to assist the stove in burning cleanly. They should be identified with a 'Ready To Burn" logo, which signifies that the fuel is in compliance with the required sulphur levels as well as smoke emissions.
You can enjoy a long time of low-cost heat while protecting the environment and making your neighbours happy. However, you'll need to maintain your fireplace and keep it in good working order by regularly cleaning the flue and chimney, having regular inspections carried out by an engineer and adhering to the instructions of the manufacturer for maintenance and usage.
Stoves are a central part of any home and can add value and comfort to your property. It is essential to select the right stove to suit your home. There are many options to choose from, including styles and finishes, materials and the output of heat. It is essential to select a DEFRA approved stove if you live in a place where smoke is controlled. Otherwise you could face fines and violate the law. We offer a wide range of low-cost and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.