Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people who are looking for a new stove may be contemplating a DEFRA accredited stoves approved wood burner. They can be used in smoke control areas provided that only buy DEFRA stoves approved fuels that are authorised to be burnt.

The manufacturer may also alter them to limit the amount of air that can be deprived from them, which could lead to smoking.

Clean Burn Technology

There are a variety of different terms that get used when it concerns wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. The most important terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. For the average person, these might seem like advertising buzzwords that they don’t have to be concerned about, but they are worth keeping in mind when selecting your new stove.

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is suitable for use in smoke control areas provided it is using specific types of fuels (mostly brquettes, logs, and low volatile steam coal). Modern stove manufacturers use special combustion systems with secondary and tertiary airflows to lower the amount of smoke they emit. They produce less smoke than older open fires or other stoves that aren’t Defra-approved.

This is part of the government’s efforts to keep clean air in urban areas and it is working well. A Defra approved stove will deliver the absolute minimum amount of combustion air, which results in minimal smoke, yet you enjoy a large amount of flames and heat from your log stove.

You can determine if you have a Defra-approved version of a stove by looking for Defra-exempt designation or the Defra badge in the product listing. If you aren’t sure then you can always reach the manufacturer directly or visit an expert local retailer who can assist with this.

Stoves that are DEFRA approved Contemporary stoves exempt may be significantly more expensive than regular models, however it’s important to remember that they have undergone extensive testing to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. You will save money in the long run since your stove that is Defra certified will require less wood to produce equal heat.

Ecodesign regulations were introduced one year ago and all stoves built following that date are required to meet the requirements. If you live in a smoke-free zone, you will need a stove that is Ecodesign compatible and DEFRA approved stylish stoves-exempt (or a approved model by Defra that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood for instance, has a selection of Defra exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies level 3, which means they have achieved an extremely high standard of clean burning.

Low Emissions

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

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

These tests also examine how a stove handles smouldering flames. This is when the material that ignites in a wood stove continue to burn after the flames are out. These fires can produce lots of smoke when they are not fully extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are designed to deal with this by utilizing an advanced secondary combustion system which effectively re-burns particulates produced during a burn.

Many people live in smoke control zones, where it is illegal to burn non-Defra approved stoves and log burners. To avoid a hefty fine you need to have a DEFRA approved stove installed. There are a range of different kinds of Defra approved stoves to purchase. You can choose the smallest Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace or a bigger freestanding stove that can be incorporated into a room, there is certain to be a stove that will match your home.

There are many Defra-approved stoves that feature a contemporary, contemporary design and are suitable for use in smoke-free zones. They usually have large glass doors so you can enjoy the heat and fire in the comfort of your living room.

A kit provided by the manufacturer can be used to modify some Defra approved appliances in order to make them DEFRA conforming. This kit changes the air vents at the top of the stove to prevent them being shut all the way down and is referred to as ‘slumbering’ and can cause the stove to let out unburnt combustible materials into the air.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempt stove is made to give you a great amount of heat while producing very little smoke. This means they are ideal for use in smoke controlled areas and can be used with smokeless or wood fuels. They are also more efficient and burn logs cleaner than stoves that are not Defra. They also come with an airwashing system which keeps your glass windows clean. This makes them a stylish, efficient choice for your home.

A lot of wood burning stove stores sell stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves are called by the acronym ‘SE’ or smoke-free stoves. They can be used within smoke control zones as they have advanced combustion systems that use secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce harmful emissions. They can also be fitted with an encapsulated flue liner that is 5 inches instead of the standard 6 inch standard required by building regulations.

Another great feature of a DEFRA exempt stove is that they come with an adjustment on the top air vent that prevents it from being closed completely. This is a common error people make, and it will cause the fire to smolder. It also produces lots of smoke. The stoves come with an internal limiter which ensures that a certain amount of air is delivered to the fuel so that it doesn’t starve and create excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this idea one step further by introducing what’s called Defra plus stoves. These models have been upgraded so that they not only meet the required standards however, they surpass them. The most notable example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with Defra standards but has been given an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is a remarkable achievement that shows that the DEFRA exempt stove can be extremely efficient and environmentally friendly. The future is bright for eco-friendly appliances.

Ideal for Smoke Control Areas

Some UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you reside in a smoke-control area, you can only install an appliance if it has been approved by DEFRA. The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels approved without producing excessive smoke. A Defra-exempt stove will have an air vent that can’t be closed completely and allows the stove to have an oxygen supply constant. This helps the firewood burn much more efficiently, minimising the amount of soot produced and reduces emissions.

Find stoves that are certified by DEFRA as ready to burn a range of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as lignite and anthracite granules. These fuels are specially designed to help the stove burn cleanly, and they should be marked with the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo which confirms that the fuel is within the required limit of sulphur and smoke emissions.

You can enjoy many years of low-cost heat while helping to protect the environment and making your neighbours happy. It is still necessary to keep your fireplace in good order by cleaning the chimney, having it examined by an engineer on a regular basis and following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Stoves are a central part of any home and can bring value and comfort to your home. It is crucial to select the ideal stove for your home. There are a myriad of options to choose from in terms of styles and finishes, materials, and heat outputs. If you live in a smoke control zone, it’s essential that you select the right DEFRA approved stove to avoid violating the law and possibly paying fines. We offer a wide selection of affordable and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.