Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people seeking an upgrade to their stove are considering a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be placed within smoke-control zones, so long as only Defra-approved fuels are used.

The manufacturer will also alter them to restrict the amount of air that can be deprived from them which could result in a smoky burning.

Clean Burn Technology

When it comes to wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, there are lots of different terms. The most important ones are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. To the average person these may seem like marketing buzzwords that they don't have to be concerned about, but it's worth considering when you are choosing your next stove.

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that can be used in smoke control zones if it is powered by specific fuels (mostly brquettes, logs, and steam coal with low volatile). Modern stove manufacturers employ a unique combustion systems 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 aren't Defra-approved.

This is a part of the government's efforts to keep the quality of air in urban areas and it works well. A stove that is approved by Defra will make use of the least amount of fuel and result in minimal smoke. You'll still get lots of heat and flames, however.

You can identify a DEFRA approved clean burning Stoves-approved version of a stove by looking for the Defra-exempt terminology or DEFRA permitted stoves a Defra badge on the product listing. If you're not sure, call the manufacturer or an expert retailer.

Stove defra exempt stoves tend to be more expensive than standard models, however it is crucial to remember that they've been through extensive testing to ensure they are in compliance with strict emission standards. In the long run, you will save money because your Defra stove will use less fuel to generate the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations came into force a year ago and all stoves made following that date must be fully compliant. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you will need an appliance that is Ecodesign conforming and Defra exempt (or at least at least a Defra approved model that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood offers a range Defra-exempt stoves which are also marked clearSkies Level 3, which means that they have reached a certain 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 of particulates that are released. The result is not just an attractive stove however, it also emits very small amounts of smoke. This lets you use it in smoke-free areas without worrying about hefty fines.

A DEFRA approved stove, also known as DEFRA approved energy-efficient stoves Smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are usually called as, is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has passed rigorous tests conducted by the UK Government's Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum levels of emissions and smoke that stoves are allowed to emit.

These tests also examine the way a stove can handle smoldering flames. This is when the material that ignites in a wood stove continue to burn even after the flames have gone extinguished. These fires can release smoke in large quantities in the event that they aren't completely extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves utilize secondary combustion systems to re-burn the particulates that are produced during a fire.

Many people live in smoke control zones, where it is not legal to burn non-Defra approved stoves and log burners. You must have a DEFRA approved stove to avoid paying a heavy fine. There are a range of different kinds of Defra approved stoves that you can purchase. There is a wood burner that is DEFRA recognized stoves-approved to fit an inglenook fireplace, or a bigger stove that can fit in the space.

There are also lots of Defra approved stoves with modern, contemporary designs that can be used in smoke controlled zones. Typically, they come with large glass doors that allow you to take in the warmth and fire in the comfort of your living room.

A kit supplied by the manufacturer can be used to modify some Defra approved appliances to make them DEFRA conforming. This kit changes the air vents on the top of the stove to prevent them being closed all the way down, this is known as 'slumbering' and could cause the stove to send out combustible material that has not been burned into the air.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is designed to emit very little smoke and provide high heat. As a result, they are ideal for use in smoke-free areas and can be used with wood or smokeless fuels. They also have high levels of efficiency and are able to burn logs much more cleanly than non-Defra exempt stoves. In addition, they have an airwash system which keeps the glass window clean, making them a stylish and effective choice for your home.

Stoves that have been Defra approved are usually called "SE" or smoke-free stoves. They are available from a variety of specialist wood burning stove retailers. They can be used within smoke control zones as they feature advanced combustion systems that utilize secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce harmful emissions. They can also be equipped with a an encapsulated flue liner that is 5 inches instead of the 6 inch standard required by building regulations.

A DEFRA exempted stove has an adjustable top air vent that prevents it being closed completely. This is a common blunder people make, and it can cause the fire to smolder. Additionally, it will produce much more smoke. The stoves come with an internal limiter that ensures that a minimum amount of air is delivered to the fuel so that it won't become starved and cause excessive smoke.

Manufacturers of stoves have taken this idea a little further by creating Defra Plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet but exceed the required standards. The most notable example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only meets Defra standards, but also has been awarded an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is an amazing feat which proves that a DEFRA-exempt stove can be highly efficient and environmentally friendly. The future looks bright for eco-friendly appliances.

Perfect for Smoke Control Areas

In the UK there are some towns and cities are classified as smoke control areas. If you live in a zone of smoke control, you can only install a stove if it is approved by DEFRA. The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels approved without generating excessive smoke. A stove that is exempt from Defra has an air vent which cannot be completely closed, allowing the stove to maintain an ongoing supply of oxygen. This lets the firewood burn more efficiently, and reduce emissions and soot.

You should also look out for stoves that have been approved by DEFRA as being ready to use with a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels like anthracite, lignite, and granules. These fuels are specially designed to aid the stove in burning cleanly. They should be identified with a 'Ready to Burn" logo, which indicates that the fuel is in compliance with the minimum sulphur levels and smoke emissions.

If you opt to purchase a DEFRA approved stove that is DEFRA approved, you will be able to enjoy many years of low-cost heat while helping to protect the local environment. You can also keep your neighbors content by not causing disturbances by causing a nuisance smoke. You'll still have to keep your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it examined by an engineer frequently and following the manufacturer's instructions.