Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people searching for a new stove might be considering a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be placed within smoke-control areas as long as only approved fuels from DEFRA are burned.

They are often modified by the manufacturer to limit the extent to which they can be depleted of air, which could cause smoke.

Clean Burn Technology

There are a lot of different terms that are used when it is about wood burning and multi fuel stoves. The most important ones are clean burn DEFRA approved traditional stoves exempt and DEFRA approved traditional stoves Ecodesign. For the average person, they may appear to be marketing buzzwords they don't have to be concerned about, but they are worth keeping in mind when selecting your new stove.

A stove that is approved by Defra is one that is able to limit smoke in certain areas if the stove uses certain fuels. These include briquettes, logs, and steam coal with low volatile. Modern stove makers use a special combustion systems with secondary and third airflow to reduce the stove's emissions. As a result, they produce far less smoke than old open fires and other stoves that aren't DEFRA registered stoves approved.

This is all part of the government's effort to ensure clean air in urban areas, and it does the job very well. A Defra approved stove will deliver the minimum amount of combustion air which means that there is no smoke, but you still enjoy a large amount of flames and heat from your stove's log burner.

Many manufacturers offer the Defra approved version of their stoves and you can easily identify these by looking for the Defra exempt terminology or the Defra badge on the product's listing. If you are unsure about the authenticity of the stove, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or go to an expert local retailer who can assist with this.

Stove defra-exempt stoves can be more expensive than regular models, however it's important to remember they have been tested extensively to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. In the end, you will save money since your Defra stove will require less fuel to generate the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations were introduced in the year 2000 and all stoves built following that date are required to be compliant. If you reside in a smoke-free zone, you will need an appliance that is Ecodesign compatible and Defra-exempt (or a Defra-approved model that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood offers a variety of Defra-exempt stoves which are also marked clearSkies Level 3, which means they have reached a certain standard of clean burning.

Low Emissions

Stove makers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems that decrease the amount of particulates that are released. The result is a stove that not just looks great but also emits extremely low emissions, meaning you can use it in smoke controlled areas without risking a hefty fine.

A DEFRA approved stove, also known as Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are usually referred to as, is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has passed rigorous tests conducted by the UK Government's Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum levels of smoke and emissions that the stove is permitted to produce.

These tests also consider how stoves deal with smouldering fires, this is when the combustible material inside a log burner continues to burn even after the flames have stopped. These types of fires release large quantities of smoke when they are not completely snuffed out. DEFRA approved stoves use a secondary combustion system to re-burn the particulates which result from the fire.

Many people live in smoke-control zones in which it is illegal to use non-Defra endorsed log burners and stoves. You must have a DEFRA approved stove to avoid a heavy fine. There are a range of different kinds of Defra approved stoves to buy. If you require the smallest Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace, or a larger freestanding stove that can be incorporated into the room, there's sure to be one to fit your home.

There are also many Defra approved stoves that have modern and contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors that allow 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 some Defra approved appliances to make them DEFRA certified. This kit prevents the air vents located at the top of the stove from closing completely. This is known as "slumbering" and can cause unburned combustible materials to be released into the atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is made to produce very little smoke and provide high heat. They are therefore ideal for areas with smoke control and can be used either with smokeless or wood. They are also more efficient and can burn logs more efficiently than non-Defra stoves. They also come with an airwashing system that keeps your windows' glass free of dust. This makes them a stylish, efficient choice for your home.

Many wood burning stove shops offer stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves are called by the acronym 'SE' or smoke-free stoves. They are able to be used in smoke control zones since they have advanced combustion systems that use secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce harmful emissions. They can also be fitted with a 5 inch flue liner as opposed to the standard 6 inch required by building regulations.

Another great feature of a DEFRA exempt stove is that they come with an adjustment for the top air vent that stops it from being closed completely. This is a very common mistake that people make and can cut off oxygen flow to the fire, causing it to ignite and create lots of smoke. The stoves come with an inbuilt limiter which ensures that a certain amount of air is supplied to the fuel, so that it won't become starved and produce excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this idea to the next level by creating what's called Defra plus stoves. These models have been upgraded so that they not only meet the standards required however, they exceed them. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only is compliant with Defra requirements, but it also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compatible. This is an amazing achievement that proves that an DEFRA exempt stove can still be very efficient and environmentally green. The future is promising for eco-friendly appliances.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Some UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you live in one of these areas then you are able to fit the stove only if it has been 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 Defra exempt stove will generally have an air vent that is unable to be completely shut off which allows it to maintain an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, minimising the amount of soot produced and reducing emissions.

You should also look out for stoves that have been certified by DEFRA as being ready to 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, and they should be branded with the 'Ready to Burn' logo that confirms that the fuel is within the prescribed sulphur and smoke emission limits.

If you choose to buy a DEFRA approved stove and fireplace, you'll be able to enjoy many years of low-cost heat while helping to protect the local environment. You can also keep your neighbors happy by not upsetting them with a noxious smoke. But, you'll have to maintain your fireplace and keep it in good working order by regularly cleaning the flue and chimney and performing regular inspections by an engineer and following the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding maintenance and usage.

Stoves are a centrepiece of any home, and they can add value and comfort to your property. It is crucial to select the right stove to suit your home. There are a variety of options to choose from in terms of styles of materials, finishes, and heat outputs. If you are in a smoke control zone, it's essential that you select the right DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and potentially incurring fines. Fortunately, we have a fantastic selection of high-quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves to peruse.