Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people who are seeking an upgrade to their stove are contemplating a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed in areas with smoke control in the event that only Defra approved fuels that are authorised to be burned.

The manufacturer will also alter them to restrict the amount of air that can be removed from them which could result in a smoky burning.

Clean Burn Technology

There are a lot of different terms that get used when it is about wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. The most important terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. These may sound like marketing buzzwords to the average consumer however they are essential to think about when selecting your new stove.

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

This is part of the government's effort to ensure clean air in urban areas, and it works very well. A Defra approved stove will deliver the absolute minimum amount of combustion air which results in a low amount of smoke, but you still enjoy a large amount of heat and flames from your log burner.

Many manufacturers offer the Defra approved version of their stoves, and you can easily recognize these by looking for the Defra exempt terminology or the Defra badge on the product's listing. If you're not sure then you can always reach the manufacturer directly or visit an expert local retailer who can help with this.

Stoves that are defra-exempt can be significantly more expensive than standard models, but it's important to remember they have been through extensive testing to ensure they meet strict emissions standards. In the end, you will save money since your Defra stove will use less logs to produce the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations came into force one year ago, and all stoves built following that date must be fully compliant. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is Ecodesign conforming and Defra exempt (or at least at least a Defra approved model that has passed the tough Defra emissions tests). Charnwood is one example. It has a selection of Defra exempt stoves that are also classified as clearSkies level 3, which means they have met a high quality of combustion that is clean and safe for use.

Low Emissions

Stove manufacturers such as Arada & Stovax are continuously upgrading their stoves to include secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the amount of particulates released. The result is a stove that not only looks stunning, but also has very low emissions, which means that you can use it in smoke controlled areas without having to pay a significant fine.

A DEFRA approved stove, also known as Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are often called, is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has passed rigorous tests set by the British 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.

The tests also test the way a stove can handle smoldering flames. This is when the material that ignites in a wood stove continue to burn after the flames are out. The fires can release smoke in large quantities when they are not fully eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves are designed to combat this issue by using an advanced secondary combustion system that effectively re-burns the particulates produced during a burn.

Many people live in smoke-control zones where it's illegal to use non-Defra endorsed log burners and stoves. You must use a DEFRA Recommended Stoves-approved stove to avoid paying a heavy fine. There are different kinds of Defra approved stoves that you can purchase. If you require a small Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace or a bigger freestanding stove to fit in the room, there's certain to be a model that will suit your home.

There are a variety of Defra-approved stoves that feature a contemporary design, defra recommended stoves contemporary style and can be used in zones that are smoke-free. They usually have large glass doors so you can enjoy the fire and heat from the comfortable living room.

A kit supplied by the manufacturer can be used to modify some Defra approved appliances in order to make them DEFRA certified. This kit prevents the air vents located at the top of the stove from being closed completely. This is referred to as "slumbering" and can cause unburned combustible material to escape into the air.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempt stove is made to provide you with a high quantity of heat while producing minimal smoke. They are ideal for use in smoke controlled areas and can be used with smokeless or wood fuels. They also offer high levels of efficiency and are able to burn logs more efficiently than non-Defra exempt stoves. They also have an airwashing system which keeps your windows' glass clear. This makes them an attractive, efficient choice for your home.

Many wood burning stove shops offer stoves that have been approved by Defra. These stoves will be referred to by the acronym 'SE' or DEFRA Recommended Stoves smoke-free stoves. They can be used within smoke control zones because they have advanced combustion systems that use secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be fitted with a smaller flue liner of 5 inches instead of the 6 inches that are required by the building regulations.

A DEFRA exempted stove comes with an adjustable top air vent that prevents it being closed completely. This is a frequent mistake made by people and can cut off the oxygen supply to the fire and cause it to smolder and generate lots of smoke. These stoves are equipped with a limiter that ensures a minimum amount air is delivered to fuel to ensure it doesn't starve and produce excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this idea to the next level by creating what are known as recommended DEFRA stoves plus stoves. These models have been improved to ensure that they not only comply with the standards set by the government, but exceed them. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only has met Defra requirements, but it also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compatible. This is a remarkable achievement that shows that a stove exempt from DEFRA can be extremely efficient and environmentally friendly. The future is looking promising for eco-friendly stoves.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

In the UK there are some towns and cities are classified as smoke control areas. If you reside in one of these areas you'll be able to fit a 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 authorised fuels without producing excessive levels of smoke. A Defra exempt stove will typically have an air vent that cannot be shut off completely, allowing it to keep a constant supply of oxygen. This lets the firewood burn more efficiently, while reducing emissions and soot.

Look for stoves that are certified by DEFRA as ready to burn a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels such as anthracite and lignite Granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to aid the stove in burning efficiently. They should be marked with a 'Ready To burn" logo, which signifies that the fuel meets the required sulphur levels as well as smoke emissions.

If you opt to purchase a DEFRA approved stove and fireplace, you'll be able enjoy years of low-cost heat while helping to safeguard the local environment and keeping your neighbours satisfied by not disturbing them by causing a nuisance smoke. It is still necessary to keep your fireplace in good order by cleaning the chimney, having it checked by an engineer frequently and following the manufacturer's instructions.

Stoves can be a focal point in any home, and they can add value and comfort. With so many styles, materials, finishes and heat outputs to consider it is essential to make sure you choose the best stove for your home. You must choose a DEFRA-approved stove if you live in an area where smoke is restricted. Otherwise you could face fines and violate the law. Fortunately, we have a fantastic selection of high-quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves for you to browse.