Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people looking for a new stove may be thinking about a DEFRA approved wood burner. They can be used in areas with smoke control provided that only Defra approved and authorised fuels are burned.

They are also modified by the manufacturer to limit how much they can be depleted of air, which could cause smoky combustion.

Clean Burn Technology

When it comes to wood-burning and 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved-fuel stoves, there are many different terms. The most important ones are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. These may sound like marketing buzzwords to a common person but they are crucial to think about when selecting your new stove.

A stove that is Defra-approved is one that can be used to limit smoke in certain areas if the appliance uses certain fuels. These include briquettes and logs and low volatile steam coal. Modern stove makers use a special combustion systems with secondary and third airflow to minimize the amount of emissions from the stove. They produce less smoke than older open fires or other stoves not Defra-approved.

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

The majority of manufacturers will offer a Defra approved version of their stoves, and you can easily identify these by looking for the Defra exempted terminology or the Defra badge on the product listing. If you're not sure, contact the manufacturer or an expert retailer.

Stoves that are defra exempt may be significantly more expensive than standard models, but it's important to remember they have been tested extensively to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. You'll save money over time because your stove that is certified by Defra will require less wood to generate the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations were made public one year ago and defra Burning mdf all stoves built after that date are required to meet the requirements. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need an appliance that is Ecodesign compatible and Defra exempt (or at least an Defra approved model that has passed the rigorous Defra emissions tests). Charnwood has a variety of 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 making their stoves more efficient by incorporating secondary and tertiary combustion methods which help reduce the amount of particles released. The result is a stove that not only looks stunning, but also emits very low emissions, which means you can use it in smoke-free areas without having to pay a significant fine.

A DEFRA approved stove, or DEFRA accredited stoves Smoke Exempt Appliance as they are commonly called as, is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has passed the rigorous tests set by the UK Government's Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum levels of emissions that the stove can generate and also limit the amount of smoke it produces in normal operation.

These tests also consider how a stove deals with burning fires that are smouldering that is, the combustible substance in the log burner continues to burn even after the flames have stopped. These types of fires release an enormous amount of smoke if they are not fully extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are designed to deal with this by utilizing a sophisticated secondary combustion system that effectively re-burns the particulates produced during a burn.

Many people live in smoke-control zones where it is illegal to use non-Defra approved log burners and stoves. You must install a DEFRA-approved stove to avoid paying a heavy fine. There are different types of Defra approved stoves that you can buy. There is a Defra-approved wood burner that can be used to make an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove that can fit in a room.

There are a variety of Defra approved stoves that feature modern and contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. Typically, they come with large glass doors that permit you to enjoy the heat and fire from the comfort of the living room.

Some Defra approved stoves can be modified by a manufacturer supplied kit to make them more DEFRA compliant. This kit changes the air vents on the top of the stove to stop them from being closed completely and is referred to as 'slumbering' and could cause the stove to release out combustible substances that are not burned into the air.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempt stove is made to provide you with a high amount of heat while producing very little smoke. This means they are ideal for use in smoke controlled areas and can be used with wood or smokeless fuels. They also provide high levels of efficiency and are able to burn logs with less mess than non-Defra exempt stoves. Additionally, they come with an airwash system that keeps the glass windows clear, making them a fashionable and efficient option for your home.

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

A DEFRA exempted stove comes with an adjustable top air vent which can't be closed completely. This is a frequent mistake made by people and it will cut off the oxygen supply to the fire, causing it to smoulder and produce a lot of smoke. The stoves come with a limiter that ensures the smallest amount of air is supplied to the fuel to ensure that it doesn't become starved and create excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this idea one step further by introducing what are called Defra plus stoves. These models have been enhanced to ensure that they not only comply with the standards set by the government but also surpass them. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only meets Defra requirements, but it also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compliant. This is an amazing achievement which proves that an DEFRA exempt stove can be very efficient and environmentally green. The future is promising for eco-friendly stoves.

Perfect for Smoke Control Areas

In the UK, some cities and towns are classified as smoke control areas. If you are in a zone of smoke control where you are allowed to install the stove if it's approved by DEFRA. The stove is able to burn wood or «link» other fuels that are approved without producing excessive smoke. A stove that is Defra-exempt will have an air vent that cannot be completely closed, allowing the stove to maintain an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, while reducing emissions and soot.

Look for stoves that are DEFRA-certified ready to burn a range of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as anthracite and lignite granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to aid the stove in burning efficiently, and they must be branded with the 'Ready to Burn' logo that confirms that the fuel is within the required levels of smoke emission and sulphur.

If you opt to purchase a DEFRA approved stove and fireplace, you'll be able to enjoy years of low cost heat whilst helping to protect the environment and keeping your neighbours happy by not upsetting them by causing a nuisance smoke. However, you will still need to take care of your fireplace and ensure it is in good working order by regularly cleaning the chimney and flue system as well as conducting regular inspections by an engineer and adhering to the instructions of the manufacturer regarding maintenance and usage.

Stoves can be a focal point for any home, and they can add value and comfort. With a myriad of designs, materials, and heat outputs to think about it is essential to ensure you select the ideal stove for your home. It is essential to select a DEFRA approved stove if you reside in a place where smoke is restricted. Otherwise you could face fines and break the law. We have a huge selection of high quality and affordable DEFRA exempt stoves to peruse.