Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people searching for a new stove may be thinking about a DEFRA approved wood burner. These are stoves that can be used in areas that control smoke as long as only Defra approved fuels that are authorised to be burned.

They are also modified by the manufacturer to limit the extent to which they can be starved of air which would create an odorless combustion.

Clean Burn Technology

There are many different terms that are thrown around when it comes to wood burning and multi fuel stoves. Some of the most important are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. For the average person, they may appear to be advertising buzzwords that aren't something to be concerned about, but it's worth keeping in mind when choosing a new stove.

A stove that is approved by Defra is one that is able to control smoke in areas if the stove uses certain fuels. These include briquettes, logs, and low volatile steam coal. Modern stove makers use a special combustion system with third and secondary airflows to minimize the amount of emissions from the stove. This means that they emit less smoke than older open fires and other stoves that aren't Defra approved.

This is part of the government's effort to keep clean air in urban areas, and it works extremely well. A stove that is approved by Defra will require the least amount of combustion, resulting in minimal smoke. You'll still get lots of heat and flames however.

You can identify a Defra-approved version of a stove by examining the Defra-exempt designation or the Defra badge on the product's listing. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer or an expert retailer.

Stove defra-exempt stoves can be significantly more expensive than regular models, however it's important to remember that they have undergone extensive testing to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. You will save money over the long term as your Defra-certified stove will require fewer logs to generate the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations came into force in the year 2000 and all stoves manufactured after that date must be fully in compliance. If you reside in a smoke control area, you will need a stove which is both Ecodesign compliant as well as Defra-exempt (or a approved model by Defra that has passed the rigorous Defra emission tests). Charnwood, for example, has a selection of Defra exempt stoves that are also classified as clearSkies level 3, which means they have met a high quality of clean burning.

Low Emissions

Stove manufacturers such as Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by including secondary and tertiary burn systems that decrease the amount of particulates that are released. The result is a stove that not just looks beautiful, but also emits very low emissions, which means you can use it in smoke controlled areas without risking a hefty fine.

A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has passed the stringent tests set forth by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the highest amounts of emissions stoves can emit and also limit how much smoke it produces during normal operation.

These tests also look at the way a stove handles burning fires that are smouldering that is, the combustible material inside a log burner continues to burn even after the flames have cooled. These fires can produce lots of smoke in the event that they aren't completely eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves employ an additional combustion system to burn the particulates that result from a fire.

Many people reside in smoke-control zones, where it is illegal to use non-DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves endorsed log burners and stoves. You must install a DEFRA-approved stove to avoid a large fine. There are many different types of Defra-approved stoves can be purchased. Whether you need the smallest Defra approved wood burner for an inglenook fireplace or a larger freestanding stove to fit in the room, there's sure to be one to suit your home.

There are also many Defra approved stoves that feature modern, contemporary designs that can be used in smoke controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors that allow you to take in the warmth and fire from the comfort of your living room.

Some Defra approved stoves can be modified using a manufacturer supplied kit to make them more DEFRA conforming. This kit alters the air vents at the top of the stove to ensure that they are not shut all the way down This is referred to as'slumbering'. This can cause the stove to let out combustible substances that are not burned into the air.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempt stove is designed to provide you with an excellent amount of heat while producing minimal smoke. They are therefore ideal for smoke-controlled areas and can be used either with smokeless or wood. They are also more efficient and can burn logs more efficiently than stoves that are not Defra. They also have an airwashing system that keeps your windows' glass free of dust. This makes them an attractive, efficient option for your home.

A lot of wood burning stove stores offer stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves are referred to by the acronym 'SE' or smoke exempt stoves. They can be used in smoke control zones since they feature advanced combustion systems that employ secondary and tertiary systems to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be equipped with a 5 inch flue liner, as opposed to the standard 6 inches required by building regulations.

A DEFRA exempted stove comes with an adjustable top air vent that can't be closed completely. This is a frequent error that people make and can cut off the oxygen supply to the fire, causing it to smoulder and produce lots of smoke. The stoves come with an inbuilt limiter that ensures that a minimum amount of air is pumped to the fuel so that it doesn't starve and produce excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this idea to the next level by creating what's called DEFRA Approved Low Emission Stoves (Peatix.Com) plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet, but even exceed the standards required. 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 can be highly efficient and eco-friendly. The future is promising for eco-friendly appliances.

Ideal for Smoke Control Areas

Certain UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you reside in one of these areas, you will be able to fit the stove only if it has been approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This means that the stove is able to be used with wood and other fuels that are authorised, without generating excessive levels of smoke. A stove that is exempt from Defra has an air vent that cannot be closed completely which allows the stove to maintain an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, reducing soot production and reduces emissions.

It is also advisable to look for stoves that have been inspected by DEFRA as being suitable for use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels like anthracite, lignite, and granules. These fuels are specially formulated to allow the stove to burn cleanly, and they should be marked with the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which indicates that the fuel is within the prescribed sulphur and smoke emission limits.

You can enjoy many years of low-cost heat while helping to protect the environment and making your neighbours happy. However, you will still need to maintain your fireplace and ensure it is in good working order by regularly cleaning the flue and chimney and having regular inspections carried out by an engineer and following the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and use.

Stoves can be a focal point for any home, and they can add value and comfort. With a myriad of styles, materials, DEFRA approved low Emission Stoves finishes and heat outputs to think about, it's important to select the best stove for your home. If you reside in a smoke-free zone, it's essential that you select the right DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and potentially paying fines. We have a large range of low-cost and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.