Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people who are looking for an upgrade to their stove are contemplating a DEFRA approved wood burner. They can be put in in smoke-control areas, as long as only approved fuels from DEFRA are burned.

The manufacturer will also alter them to restrict the amount of air that could be removed from them and could cause smoking.

Clean Burn Technology

When it comes to wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, there are a variety of different terms. The most important are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. For the average person, these may seem like marketing buzzwords aren’t something to be concerned about, but they are important to keep in mind when selecting your new stove.

A stove that is approved by Defra is one that is able to control smoke in certain areas if the stove is using specific fuels. These include briquettes, logs, and low volatile steam coal. Modern stove makers use a special combustion system with third and secondary airflows to minimize the amount of emissions from the stove. They produce less smoke than older open fires or other stoves that are not Defra-approved.

This is a part of the government’s efforts to keep clean air within urban areas, and it performs well. A stove that is Defra-approved will make use of the least amount of combustion, resulting in a low amount of smoke. You’ll still be able to get plenty of heat and flames, however.

Most manufacturers will sell the Defra approved version of their stoves and you can easily recognize these by looking for the Defra exempt designation or the Defra badge on the product listing. If you’re not sure, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or visit an knowledgeable local retailer who will be able to assist with this.

Stove defra-exempt stoves can be significantly more expensive than standard models, but it’s important to remember that they have undergone extensive testing to ensure they meet strict emission standards. You will save money over the long term since your stove that is Defra certified will require fewer logs to generate the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations were put into effect in the year 2000 and all stoves built after that date must be fully in compliance. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is both Ecodesign compliant and Defra exempt (or at least at least a DEFRA stoves near me (http://www.google.com) approved model that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood offers a range Defra-exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies Level 3 which means they have been able to meet the standards of pure burning.

Low Emissions

Stove makers like Arada & Stovax are continuously improving their stoves to incorporate secondary and tertiary combustion systems that help to reduce the amount of particulates released. The result is an appliance that not only looks stunning, but also has very low emissions, meaning you can use it in smoke controlled areas without fearing a huge fine.

A DEFRA approved stove, also known as Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance as they are commonly referred to as, is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has passed the rigorous tests conducted by the UK Government’s Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum amounts of emissions stoves can emit and also limit the amount of smoke it will emit in normal operation.

These tests also look at how a stove deals with flames that smolder that is, the combustible material inside the log burner continues to burn even after the flames have cooled. These fires can release a large amount of smoke if they are not completely extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are made to deal with this by using an advanced secondary combustion system that effectively re-burns the particulates produced during a burn.

Many people reside in smoke-control zones, in which it is illegal to use non-DEFRA stoves reviews approved log burners and stoves. To avoid a hefty fine you need to have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are a variety of Defra-approved stoves that you can buy. There is a wood burner that has been approved by Defra to fit an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove that can fit in the space.

There are also lots of Defra approved stoves with modern and contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors which allow you to take advantage of the heat and fire in 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 changes the air vents at the top of the stove to ensure that they are not closed completely and is referred to as ‘slumbering’ and can cause the stove to release out combustible material that has not been burned into the atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempt stove is made to give you a great quantity of heat, while generating minimal smoke. They are therefore perfect for areas that are smoke-free and can be used with smokeless or wood. They also have high levels of efficiency and can burn logs with less mess than non-Defra exempt stoves. They also have an airwashing system which keeps your windows’ glass free of dust. This makes them an attractive, efficient option for the home.

Many wood burning stove shops offer stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves will be referred to by the acronym ‘SE’ or smoke exempt stoves. The reason they can be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems, which make use of secondary and tertiary combustion systems to minimize harmful emissions. They can also be equipped with a 5-inch flue liner, as opposed to the standard 6 inch required by building regulations.

A DEFRA exempted stove has an adjustable top air vent which prevents it being closed completely. This is a frequent mistake that people make and can stop the flow of oxygen to the fire which causes it to smolder and generate lots of smoke. The stoves come with an inbuilt limiter that ensures that a minimum amount of air is pumped to the fuel so that it can’t be starved 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 to ensure that they not only meet the required standards but also exceed them. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only is compliant with Defra requirements, but also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compliant. This is an incredible feat which proves that a DEFRA exempt stove can be very efficient and environmentally friendly. The future is looking bright for eco-friendly stoves.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

In the UK there are some towns and cities are classified as smoke control zones. If you are in a smoke control area, you can only install a stove if it is approved by DEFRA. The stove can be used to burn wood or other fuels that have been approved without producing excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will generally have an air vent that cannot be completely shut off which allows it to maintain an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, minimising soot production and reducing emissions.

Look for stoves that are DEFRA-certified as ready to burn a range of manufactured smokeless fuels such as lignite and anthracite Granules. These fuels have been specifically designed to assist the stove in burning cleanly. They should be branded with a “Ready to burn” logo, which confirms the fuel meets the required sulphur levels and smoke emissions.

If you choose to buy a DEFRA approved contemporary stoves approved stove, you will be able to enjoy many years of low cost heat whilst helping to safeguard the local environment and keeping your neighbours satisfied by not disturbing them with a noxious smoke. It is still necessary to keep your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it inspected by an engineer regularly, and following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Stoves can be the focal point of any home and can add value and comfort. It’s important to choose the right stove to suit your home. There are a variety of choices to pick from that include styles, materials, finishes, and heat outputs. If you live in a smoke control area, it’s vital to select a DEFRA certified stoves approved stove to avoid breaking the law and incurring fines. We have a large range of low-cost and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.