Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people who are seeking a new stove might be thinking about a DEFRA approved wood burner. They can be put in within smoke-control areas as long as only Defra-approved fuels are used.
They are often modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount they can be starved of air which would create smoky combustion.
Clean Burn Technology
When it comes to wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, there are lots of different terms. Some of the most important are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. For the average person, these may seem like marketing buzzwords that aren't something to be concerned about, but they are important to keep in mind when selecting your new stove.
A stove that is Defra-approved is one that is able to reduce smoke in certain areas if the stove is using specific fuels. These include briquettes, logs, and steam coal with low volatile. Modern stove manufacturers employ special combustion systems that incorporate secondary and tertiary airflows in order to reduce their stove's emissions. As DEFRA regulations stoves , they emit less smoke than old open fires and other stoves that are not Defra approved.
This is a part of the government's efforts to ensure the quality of air in urban areas and it works well. A Defra-approved stove will require the least amount of combustion, resulting in the least amount of smoke. You'll still be able to get plenty of heat and flames, though.
Many manufacturers offer an Defra approved version of their stoves and you can easily recognize these by looking for Defra exempted terminology or the Defra badge on the product's listing. If you are unsure then you can always reach the manufacturer directly or visit an expert local retailer who will be able to help with this.
Stove defra-exempt stoves can be more expensive than standard models, but it's important to remember that they have been tested extensively to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. You will save money in the long run since your stove that is Defra certified will require less wood to produce equal heat.
Ecodesign regulations came into force a year ago and all stoves manufactured after that date must be fully in compliance. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is Ecodesign conforming and Defra exempt (or at least an Defra approved model that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood is one example. It 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 pure burning.
Low Emissions
Stove manufacturers such as Arada & Stovax are continuously improving their stoves to incorporate secondary and tertiary combustion methods which help reduce the amount of particles released. The result is not just a stunning stove however, it also emits very minimal smoke. This lets you use it in smoke-controlled areas without worrying about heavy fines.
A DEFRA approved stove, or Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance as they are usually referred to, 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 maximum levels of smoke and emissions that the stove is permitted to produce.
These tests also examine how a stove responds to smoldering flames. This happens when material that ignites in a wood burner continue to burn even after the flames have been put extinguished. The fires can release smoke in large quantities if they are not completely eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves utilize secondary combustion systems to burn the particulates that are produced during the course of a fire.
Many people reside in zones of smoke control where it's illegal to use non-Defra endorsed log burners and stoves. You must have a DEFRA approved stove to avoid a large fine. There are a range of different kinds of Defra approved stoves available to buy. There is a wood burner that has been approved by Defra that can be used to make an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove that can fit in any room.
There are also lots of Defra approved stoves that feature modern, contemporary designs that can be used in smoke controlled zones. Typically, they have large glass doors that permit you to enjoy the heat and fire in the comfort of your living room.
A kit supplied by the manufacturer can be used to modify certain Defra approved appliances to make them DEFRA certified. This kit alters the air vents on the top of the stove to stop them from being shut all the way down, this is known as'slumbering'. It can cause the stove to send out unburnt combustible materials into the air.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempt stove is designed to give you a great quantity of heat, while generating very little smoke. They are therefore perfect for areas with smoke control and can be used with smokeless or wood materials. They are also more efficient and burn logs cleaner than non-Defra stoves. They also have an airwashing feature that helps keep your glass windows clean. This makes them an attractive, efficient option for the home.
Stoves that are Defra approved are usually called "SE" or smoke exempt stoves and are available from a variety of specialist wood burning stove stores. The reason that they can be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems that utilize 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 that are required by the building regulations.
Another benefit of the DEFRA exempt stove is that they have an adjustment on the top air vent that stops it from closing all the way. This is a common mistake that people make and can cut off oxygen flow to the fire, causing it to smoulder and produce lots of smoke. The stoves are equipped with a limiter to ensure that an appropriate amount of air is delivered to fuel to ensure it doesn't become starved and create excessive smoke.
Manufacturers of stoves have taken this concept to the next level by introducing Defra Plus stoves. These models have been updated to not only meet but exceed the standards required. The best example of this is the Charnwood ST2 which not only conforms to Defra standards, but also has been awarded an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is an amazing achievement which proves that a DEFRA exempt stove can still be extremely efficient and eco green. The future looks bright for eco-friendly appliances.
Ideal for Smoke Control Areas
Some UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you are in a zone of smoke control, you can only install a stove if it is approved by DEFRA. The stove can be used to burn wood or other fuels approved without generating excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will typically have an air vent that can't be shut off completely and allows it to maintain an ongoing supply of oxygen. This helps the firewood burn much more efficiently, minimising the amount of soot produced and decreasing emissions.
You should also look out for stoves that have been approved by DEFRA as being safe to use with a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels like anthracite, lignite, and granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to allow the stove to burn without a mess, and should be marked with the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which indicates that the fuel is within the prescribed levels of smoke emission and sulphur.
You can enjoy a long time of low-cost heat while conserving the environment and making your neighbours happy. You'll still have to maintain your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it inspected by an engineer on a regular basis, and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stoves can be the focal point of any home, and they can add value and comfort. It's important to choose the ideal stove for your home. There are a variety of options to choose from in terms of designs of materials, finishes, and heat outputs. If you are in a smoke control zone, it's essential to select an DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and potentially incurring fines. We have a fantastic selection of high quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves for you to browse.