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 used in smoke control areas in the event that only Defra approved authorised fuels are burned.

They are often modified by the manufacturer to limit how much they are deprived of air which would create smoky combustion.

Clean Burn Technology

When it comes to wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are a variety of different terms. The most important ones are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. For [Redirect-Java] the average person, these may seem like marketing buzzwords that they don't have to be concerned about, but it's worth keeping in mind when you are choosing your next stove.

A Defra-approved stove is one that can be used to limit smoke in areas if the appliance uses specific fuels. These include briquettes, logs, and low volatile steam coal. Modern stove makers use a special combustion systems that incorporate third and secondary airflows to lower the amount of smoke produced by the stove. They produce less smoke than traditional open fires, or other stoves that are not Defra-approved.

This is all part of the government's attempts to ensure clean air in urban areas, and it works very well. A Defra approved stove will produce the absolute minimum amount of combustion air, which means that there is no smoke, but you still get a generous degree of heat and flames from your log burner.

You can identify a Defra-approved stove by looking for Defra-exempt terminology or a Defra badge in the product listing. If you're not sure, contact the manufacturer or an expert retailer.

Stoves that are exempt from defra regulations are usually significantly more expensive than standard models, however it is crucial to remember that they have been through extensive testing to ensure they are compliant with strict emission standards. In the end, you will save money because your Defra stove will use less fuel to generate the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations were put into effect one year ago, and all stoves manufactured after the date of their introduction must be fully in compliance. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need an appliance that is Ecodesign conforming and Defra exempt (or at the very least a Defra approved model that has passed the tough Defra emissions tests). Charnwood offers a range Defra-exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies Level 3 which means that they have been able to meet the standards of pure burning.

Low Emissions

Stove makers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by including secondary and tertiary burn systems that reduce the amount released of particulates. The result is a stove that not only looks great but also emits very low emissions, meaning you can use it in smoke-free areas without risking a hefty fine.

A DEFRA approved clean burning stoves 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 the maximum levels of emissions a stove can produce and also limit how much smoke it produces in normal operation.

These tests also consider the way a stove handles flames that smolder which is when the combustible substance in a log burner continues burn even after the flames have died down. The fires can release a large amount of smoke when they are not fully extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are designed to tackle this issue by utilizing sophisticated secondary combustion systems that efficiently re-burns the particulates produced during a burn.

Many people reside in smoke control zones, where it is unlawful to burn stoves that are not DEFRA approved and log burners. You must have a DEFRA approved stove to avoid a large fine. There are many different types of Defra-approved stoves that you can buy. If you require the smallest Defra approved wood burner for an inglenook fireplace, or a larger freestanding stove to fit in a room, there is certain to be a stove that will suit your home.

There are many Defra-approved stoves with a modern design, contemporary style and can be used within smoke-controlled zones. Typically, they come with large glass doors that permit you to take in the warmth and fire from the comfort of your living room.

A kit offered by the manufacturer can be used to alter certain Defra approved appliances to make them DEFRA certified. This kit stops the air vents on 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 atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is made to create very little smoke and provide excellent heat. They are therefore ideal for areas with smoke control and can be used either with smokeless or wood materials. They are also more efficient and can burn logs with less smoke than non-Defra stoves. They also have an airwash system which keeps the glass window clean, which makes them a fashionable and efficient choice for your home.

A lot of wood burning stove stores sell stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves will be called by the acronym 'SE' or smoke-free stoves. The reason that they can be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems, which employ secondary and tertiary burners to minimize 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 common mistake people make, and it will cause the fire to smolder. It will also produce a lot more smoke. These stoves are equipped with a limiter to ensure that the smallest amount of air is supplied to the fuel to ensure that it doesn't become starved and create excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this concept one step further by introducing what are called Defra plus stoves. These models have been improved so that they do not just comply with the standards set by the government however, they exceed them. The best example of this is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with DEFRA list stoves standards but has also been awarded an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is an amazing feat which proves that a DEFRA-exempt stove can be highly efficient and green. The future is promising for eco-friendly stoves.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Certain UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you are in a smoke-control area it is only possible to install the stove if it's approved by DEFRA. The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels that have been approved without producing excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will usually have an air vent that cannot be shut off completely which allows it to maintain the oxygen supply constant. This allows the firewood to burn much more efficiently, reducing the amount of soot produced and decreasing emissions.

You should also look for stoves that have been certified 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 aid the stove in burning cleanly, and they should be branded with the 'Ready To Burn' logo which confirms that the fuel is within the prescribed levels of smoke emission and sulphur.

If you choose to buy a DEFRA approved stove, you will be able enjoy years of low cost heat whilst helping to protect the environment and keeping your neighbours happy by not upsetting them with nuisance smoke. You'll still have to keep your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it inspected by an engineer frequently and following the manufacturer's instructions.

Stoves can be a focal point for [empty] any home, and they can add value and comfort. With a myriad of designs, materials, finishes and heat outputs to consider it's crucial to ensure you select the best stove for your home. If you live in a smoke control zone, it's essential to choose the right DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and potentially being fined. Fortunately, we have a wide range of high-quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves for you to peruse.