Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people who are looking for a new stove will consider a DEFRA-approved wood burner. They can be used in smoke control areas provided that only Defra approved fuels that are authorised to be burnt.

They are also usually modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount they can be starved of air which would create smoke.

Clean Burn Technology

There are a variety of different terms that are thrown around when it comes to wood burning stoves and multi fuel stove defra approved fuel stoves. The most important terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. For the average consumer, these may seem like marketing buzzwords that they don't have to be concerned about, but they are worth considering when you are choosing your next stove.

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is able to be used in smoke control areas provided it is powered by specific fuels (mostly logs, briquettes and steam coal with low volatile). Modern stove manufacturers employ special combustion systems that incorporate secondary and tertiary airflow to minimize the emissions of their stoves. As a result, they produce less smoke than traditional open fires and other stoves that aren't Defra approved.

This is a part of the government’s efforts to maintain clean air within urban areas and it is working well. A Defra approved stove will provide the absolute minimum amount of combustion air which results in a low amount of smoke, yet you get a generous degree of heat and flames from your stove's log burner.

You can identify a Defra-approved version of a stove by looking for Defra-exempt terms or Defra badge on the product's description. If you're not sure about the authenticity of the stove, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or go to an knowledgeable local retailer who can assist you with this.

Stoves with defra exemptions typically cost more than standard models, however it is crucial to remember that they have been through extensive testing to ensure they are compliant with strict emission standards. In the long run you will be saving money as your Defra stove will consume less fuel to generate the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations came into force in the year 2000 and all stoves made following that date must be fully in compliance. If you live in a smoke-free zone you'll require an appliance that is Ecodesign compatible and Defra-exempt (or a Defra-approved model that has passed the strict Defra emission tests). Charnwood is one example. It offers a range of Defra exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies level 3 which means they have met the highest level of combustion that is clean and safe for use.

Low Emissions

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

A DEFRA approved stove, also known as Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are often referred to as, 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 stoves are allowed to emit.

These tests also consider how stoves deal with burning fires that are smouldering, this is when the combustible material inside the log burner continues to burn even after the flames have cooled. These fires can produce a large amount of smoke when they are not fully eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves utilize a secondary combustion system to re-burn the particulates that are released during the fire.

Many people reside in smoke control zones where it is unlawful to burn non-Defra approved stoves and log burners. You must have a DEFRA approved stove to avoid a heavy fine. There are a variety of Defra-approved stoves you can buy. Whether you need the smallest Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace, or a larger freestanding stove to fit in a room, there is sure to be one to suit your home.

There are also many defra burning mdf approved stoves with modern and contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. Typically, they have large glass doors that permit you to enjoy the heat and fire from the comfort of the living room.

A kit supplied by the manufacturer can be used to modify certain DEFRA stoves benefits approved appliances in order to make them DEFRA conforming. This kit stops the air vents on the top of the stove from being closed completely. This is known as "slumbering" and could cause combustible material that has not been burned to be released into the atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is made to emit very little smoke and produce excellent heat. As a result, they are perfect for use in smoke-free areas and can be used with wood or smokeless fuels. They also have high levels of efficiency and can burn logs more efficiently than stoves that are not exempt from Defra. They also have an airwash system which keeps the glass window clean, making them a stylish and efficient choice for your home.

Stoves that have been Defra approved will often be referred to as "SE" or smoke-free stoves and can be purchased from many specialist wood burning stove retailers. The reason they are able to be used in smoke control zones is because of their advanced combustion systems, which utilize secondary and tertiary burners to reduce harmful emissions. They can also be fitted with a smaller flue liner of 5 inches instead of the 6 inches that are required by building regulations.

Another advantage of a DEFRA exempt stove is that they have an adjustment on the Top DEFRA stoves air vent that prevents it from closing completely. This is a common error people make and will cause the fire to smoulder. Additionally, it will produce lots of smoke. These stoves are equipped with a limiter that ensures a minimum amount air is supplied to the fuel, so that it doesn't become starved and create excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this idea and developed Defra Plus stoves. These models have been upgraded so that they do not just meet the standards required, but exceed them. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only meets Defra standards, but also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compatible. This is a remarkable achievement that proves that a DEFRA exempt stove can still be extremely efficient and environmentally friendly. The future is looking bright for eco-friendly stoves.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Some UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you live in one of these areas you'll be able to fit the stove only if it is approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels that have been approved without producing excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will typically have an air vent that can't be closed off completely which allows it to maintain a constant supply of oxygen. This allows the wood to burn more efficiently, and reduce emissions and soot.

It is also advisable to look for stoves that have been certified by DEFRA as being suitable for use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels such as anthracite and lignite as well as granules. These fuels have been specifically designed to assist the stove in burning cleanly. They should be marked with a 'Ready to burn" logo, which confirms the fuel is compliant with the required sulphur levels as well as smoke emissions.

If you decide to purchase a DEFRA approved stove that is DEFRA approved, you will be able enjoy years of low-cost heating while helping to protect the environment and keeping your neighbors happy by not upsetting them with a noxious smoke. However, you'll need to maintain your fireplace and ensure it is in good working order DEFRA stoves online by regularly cleaning the flue and chimney, performing regular inspections by an engineer and adhering to the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and use.

Stoves are a central part of any home and can bring value and comfort to your home. It is crucial to select the right stove to suit your home. There are a myriad of choices to pick from, including designs, materials, finishes and heat outputs. If you live in a smoke control area, it's crucial to choose an DEFRA approved stove to avoid violating the law and possibly being fined. We have a large selection of affordable and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.