Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people looking for a new stove will look at a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove. They can be installed in areas that control smoke provided that only Defra approved authorised fuels are burned.

The manufacturer will also modify them to restrict the amount of air that could be removed from them which could result in smoking.

Clean Burn Technology

There are a variety of different terms that are thrown around when it is about wood burning and multi fuel stoves. The most important ones are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. These may sound like marketing buzzwords to the average consumer however they are essential to take into consideration when choosing a new stove.

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is able to be used in smoke control areas provided it uses specific types of fuels (mostly brquettes, logs, and steam coal that is low volatile). Modern stove manufacturers use special combustion systems that incorporate secondary and tertiary airflows to lower the amount of smoke they emit. In the end, they produce far less smoke than old open fires and other stoves that aren't Defra approved.

This is a part of government's efforts to ensure clean air in urban areas, and it performs well. A Defra approved stove will produce the smallest amount of combustion air, which results in a low amount of smoke, but you still receive a good amount of heat and flames from your log burner.

The majority of manufacturers will offer a Defra approved version of their stoves, and you can easily recognize these by looking for the DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves exempt terminology or the Defra badge on the listing of the product. If you are unsure about the authenticity of the stove, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or visit an knowledgeable local retailer who can assist you with this.

Stoves that are exempt from defra regulations typically cost more than standard models but it is important to keep in mind that they have undergone extensive testing to make sure they are compliant with strict emission standards. You will save money over time because your stove that is certified by Defra will require less wood to produce equal heat.

Ecodesign regulations were made public one year ago and all stoves built following that date are required to comply with the regulations. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is Ecodesign compatible and Defra exempt (or at least an Defra approved model that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood has a variety of Defra exempt stoves which are also marked clearSkies Level 3 which means that they have achieved a standard of clean burning.

Low Emissions

Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax are continuously making their stoves more efficient by incorporating secondary and tertiary combustion methods that help to reduce the amount of particles released. The result is a stove that not just looks stunning, but also emits very low emissions, which means you can use it in smoke controlled areas without fearing a huge fine.

A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has passed the rigorous tests set forth by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum amount of emissions and smoke that the stove is permitted to produce.

These tests also examine the way a stove can handle smoldering flames. This happens when material that ignites in a wood burner continue to burn long after the flames are out. These fires can release smoke in large quantities when they are not fully eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves employ secondary combustion systems to burn the particulates that result from the course of 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 large fine, you need to have a DEFRA approved stove installed. There are a myriad of types of stoves that are Defra-approved that you can buy. There is a Defra-approved wood burner that can be used to make an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove that can be adapted to any room.

There are many stoves that are Defra-approved that have a modern, contemporary design and are suitable for use in smoke-controlled zones. They usually come with large glass doors, to allow you to enjoy the fire and heat from the lounge in the comfort of your home.

A kit supplied by the manufacturer can be used to alter certain Defra approved appliances in order to make them DEFRA conforming. This kit prevents the air vents at the top of the stove from closing completely. This is referred to as "slumbering" and can cause unburned combustible material to escape into the atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempt stove is made to provide you with a high amount of heat while producing minimal smoke. This means they are perfect for use in smoke-free areas and can be used with smokeless or wood fuels. They also have high levels of efficiency and can burn logs more efficiently than stoves that are not exempt from DEFRA Approved Energy-Efficient Stoves (Nitka.By). They also have an airwash system that keeps the glass windows clean, making them a stylish and effective option for your home.

Stoves that are Defra approved are often called "SE" or DEFRA approved energy-Efficient stoves smoke-free stoves. They can be purchased from numerous specialist wood-burning stove stores. The reason that 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 are also able to be fitted with an encapsulated flue liner that is 5 inches instead of the standard 6 inch standard required by the building regulations.

Another benefit of the DEFRA exempt stove is that they come with an adjustment to the top air vent, which prevents it from closing all the way. This is a common error that people make, and will cause the fire to smolder. It will also produce much more smoke. These stoves are equipped with a built in limit that ensures a certain amount of air is supplied to the fuel, so that it can't be starved and produce excessive smoke.

Manufacturers of stoves have taken this idea and developed Defra Plus stoves. These models have been updated to not only meet but exceed the standards that are required. The most notable example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only meets Defra standards but has also been given an A+ energy rating and is clearSkies level 5 compliant. This is an amazing achievement that shows that an DEFRA exempt stove can be very efficient and environmentally sustainable. The future is bright for eco-friendly appliances.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

In the UK, some cities and towns are classified as smoke control zones. If you are in a zone of smoke control where you are allowed to install an appliance if it has been approved by DEFRA. This means that the stove can be used with wood as well as other authorised fuels without producing excessive levels of smoke. A Defra exempt stove will typically have an air vent that is unable to be completely shut off which allows it to maintain a constant supply of oxygen. This allows the wood to burn more efficiently, while reducing emissions and soot.

It is also advisable to look for stoves that have been approved by DEFRA as being suitable for use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as anthracite, lignite, and granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to aid the stove in burning cleanly. They should be marked with a 'Ready To burn" logo, which indicates that the fuel is compliant with the minimum sulphur levels and smoke emissions.

You can enjoy many years of low-cost heating while also protecting the environment and making your neighbors happy. You will still need to maintain your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it inspected by an engineer frequently and following the manufacturer's instructions.

Stoves are a centrepiece of any home, and they can add value and comfort to your property. With a myriad of styles, materials, finishes and heat outputs that you can think of it is essential to select the ideal stove for your home. If you reside in a smoke-free zone, it's essential to select the right DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and being fined. We have a wide selection of high quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves to peruse.