Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people searching for a new stove should look at a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove. These are stoves that can be installed in areas that control smoke as long as only Defra approved authorised fuels are burned.

The manufacturer will also alter them to restrict the amount of air that can be taken away from them, which could lead to a smoky burning.

Clean Burn Technology

There are many different terms that are discussed when it is about wood burning and multi fuel stoves. The most important terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. To the average person these may seem like marketing buzzwords that they don't need to worry about, but it is important to keep in mind when selecting your new stove.

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is suitable for use in smoke control areas if it is powered by specific fuels (mostly logs, briquettes and steam coal that is low volatile). Modern stove makers use a special combustion systems that incorporate third and secondary airflows to reduce the stove's emissions. They produce less smoke than traditional open fires, or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.

This is part of the government’s efforts to maintain clean air within urban areas and it is working well. A Defra-approved stove will make use of the least amount of fuel, resulting in minimal smoke. You'll still be able to get plenty of flames and heat, though.

You can tell if you are using a Defra approved stove by looking for Defra-exempt terminology or a Defra badge in the product's description. If you're not sure, contact the manufacturer or a local expert retailer.

Stoves that are defra exempt may be significantly more expensive than standard models, but it's important to remember that they have been tested extensively to ensure that they meet strict emission standards. You will save money over time since your stove that is Defra certified will use less logs to produce equal heat.

Ecodesign regulations came into force a year ago and all stoves built following that date must be fully compliant. If you live in a zone of smoke control, you will need a stove that is Ecodesign compliant as well as Defra-exempt (or a approved model Defra-approved that has passed the rigorous Defra emission tests). Charnwood has a variety of DEFRA Recognized Stoves exempt stoves which are also marked clearSkies Level 3, which means they have achieved a standard of clean burning.

Low Emissions

Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by incorporating secondary and tertiary burning systems that limit the amount released of particulates. The result is not only an attractive stove, but one that emits very minimal smoke. This allows you to use it in smoke-free areas without worrying about huge fines.

A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has passed the stringent tests conducted by the UK Government Department for DEFRA recognized stoves Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum levels of emissions that stoves can emit and also limit how much smoke it can create in normal operation.

These tests also look at how a stove handles smouldering flames. This happens when burning materials in a wood burner continue to burn after the flames have been put extinguished. These fires can produce lots of smoke when they are not fully eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves are made to tackle this issue with an advanced secondary combustion system that efficiently re-burns the particulates that are released during a burn.

Many people reside in zones of smoke control where it is illegal to use non-Defra certified log burners and stoves. You must have a DEFRA approved stove to avoid a large fine. There are a range of different kinds of Defra approved stoves available to purchase. Whether you need a small Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace or a larger freestanding stove that can be incorporated into a room, there is certain to be a model that will fit your home.

There are a variety of Defra approved stoves that have modern and contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They typically feature large glass doors so you can enjoy the heat and fire from the comfortable living room.

Certain Defra approved stoves can be modified with a manufacturer supplied kit to make them more DEFRA compliant. This kit alters the air vents at the top of a stove to prevent them being closed all the way down, this is known as'slumbering'. This can cause the stove to send out combustible material that has not been burned into the air.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is constructed to create very little smoke and provide excellent heat. They are therefore perfect for areas that are smoke-free and can be used with smokeless or wood materials. They also have high efficiency and can burn logs with less mess than stoves that are not exempt from Defra. They also come with an airwashing system which keeps your windows' glass clean. This makes them a stylish, efficient option for your home.

A lot of wood burning stove stores sell stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves will be referred to by the acronym 'SE' or smoke-free stoves. They can be used in smoke control zones since they have advanced combustion systems that employ secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be fitted with smaller flue lines of 5 inches instead of the 6 inches that are required by the building regulations.

A DEFRA exempted stove has an adjustable top air vent which stops it from being completely closed. This is a frequent mistake made by people and it will stop the flow of oxygen to the fire which causes it to smoulder and produce a lot of smoke. The stoves are equipped with a limiter that ensures a minimum amount air is supplied to the fuel to ensure it doesn't become starved and create excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this idea one step further by introducing what's called best DEFRA stoves plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet but exceed the standards 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 a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is a remarkable achievement that proves that a DEFRA exempt stove can still be extremely efficient and eco sustainable. The future is promising for eco-friendly appliances.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

In the UK certain cities and towns are classified as smoke control zones. If you are in a smoke-control area it is only possible to install an appliance if it has been approved by DEFRA. The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels that are approved, without producing excessive smoke. A stove that is Defra-exempt has an air vent that cannot be closed completely and allows the stove to have a constant oxygen supply. This allows the wood to burn more efficiently, and reduce emissions and soot.

Look for stoves that have been certified by DEFRA as ready to burn a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels, like anthracite and lignite Granules. These fuels have been specifically designed to aid the stove in burning efficiently. They should be marked with a 'Ready to burn" logo, which signifies that the fuel is compliant with the minimum sulphur levels and smoke emissions.

You can enjoy many years of low-cost heat while helping to protect the environment and making your neighbors happy. However, you will still need to take care of your fireplace and maintain it in good condition by regularly cleaning the chimney and flue system and conducting regular inspections by an engineer and adhering to the instructions of the manufacturer for use and maintenance.

Stoves are the central feature of any home, and they can add value and comfort to your property. It's important to choose the right stove to suit your home. There are many options to choose from in terms of styles of materials, finishes and heat outputs. It is essential to select a DEFRA approved stove if you live in an area where smoking is controlled. Otherwise you could be fined and violate the law. We have a wide selection of high quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves to browse.