Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people 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 and authorised fuels are burnt.
They are often modified by the manufacturer to limit the extent to which they can be starved of air, which could cause an odorless combustion.
Clean Burn Technology
There are a variety of different terms that are discussed when it is about wood burning and multi fuel stoves. The most important are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. For the average person, these may seem like marketing buzzwords they don't have to be concerned about, but it's important to keep in mind when you are choosing your next stove.
A stove that is approved by Defra is one that can be used to limit smoke in areas if the stove is using certain fuels. These include logs, briquettes, and steam coal with low volatile. Modern stove manufacturers employ special combustion systems with secondary and tertiary airflows to reduce their stove's emissions. They produce less smoke than traditional open fires, or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
This is a part of government's efforts to ensure clean air in urban areas and it works well. A Defra-approved stove will make use of the least amount of fuel and result in the least amount of smoke. However, you'll still experience plenty of heat and flames, though.
You can tell if you are using a Defra approved stove by examining the Defra-exempt designation or the Defra badge in the product's listing. If you aren't sure about the authenticity of the stove, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or visit an knowledgeable local retailer who can help with this.
Stoves with defra exemptions are usually significantly more expensive than standard models, however it is crucial to remember that they have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that they are compliant with strict emission standards. You'll save money over time because your stove that is certified by Defra will use less logs to generate the same heat.
Ecodesign regulations were put into effect a year ago and all stoves built after that date must be fully conforming. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you will need an appliance that is Ecodesign compliant and Defra exempt (or at least at least a Defra approved model that has passed the tough Defra emissions tests). Charnwood, for example, offers a range of Defra exempt stoves that are also classified as clearSkies level 3, which signifies they have reached an extremely high quality of combustion that is clean and safe for use.
DEFRA compliant stoves list
Stove manufacturers such as Arada & Stovax are continuously making their stoves more efficient by incorporating secondary and tertiary combustion systems which help reduce the amount of particles released. The result is a stove that not only looks beautiful, but also has very low emissions, which means you can use it in smoke-free areas without fearing a huge fine.
A DEFRA approved stove, or Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are usually called, 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 highest amounts of emissions the stove can generate and also limit the amount of smoke it produces in normal operation.
These tests also look at the way a stove can handle smoldering flames. This is when the material that ignites in a wood burner continue to burn after the flames are out. These fires can produce lots of smoke in the event that they aren't completely eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves use a secondary combustion system to re-burn the particulates which are produced during the fire.
Many people live in smoke control zones where it is unlawful to burn stoves that are not DEFRA approved and log burners. To avoid paying a substantial fine you need to have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are a variety of stoves that are Defra-approved that you can buy. There is a wood burner that is Defra-approved for use in an inglenook fireplace, or a bigger stove that can fit in any room.
There are also many Defra approved stoves that feature modern and contemporary designs that can be used in smoke controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors so you can enjoy the fire and heat from the lounge in the comfort of your home.
Certain Defra approved stoves can be modified by an accessory supplied by the manufacturer to make them more DEFRA compatible. This kit alters the air vents on the top of a stove to ensure that they are not closed all the way down, this is known as'slumbering'. It could cause the stove to let 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. They are therefore perfect for areas with smoke control and can be used with smokeless or wood. They are also more efficient and burn logs cleaner than stoves that are not Defra. They also have an airwashing system that keeps your windows' glass clear. This makes them a stylish and efficient option for the home.
Stoves that are Defra approved are usually known as "SE" or smoke-free stoves that are available from a variety of specialist wood burning stove retailers. The reason they are able to be used in smoke control zones is because of their advanced combustion systems that utilize secondary and tertiary burn 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 that prevents it being closed completely. This is a common mistake people make and can cause the fire to smolder. Additionally, it will produce lots of smoke. These stoves have an inbuilt limiter which ensures that a certain amount of air is delivered to the fuel, so that it doesn't starve and cause excessive smoke.
Stove manufacturers have taken this concept to the next level by creating what are called Defra plus stoves. These models have been improved so that they not only meet the standards required however, they surpass them. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only is compliant with Defra requirements, but it also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compliant. This is a remarkable achievement that proves a DEFRA-exempt stove is highly efficient and green. The future is looking promising 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 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 that are approved, without producing excessive smoke. A stove that is exempt from Defra will have an air vent that can't be completely closed, allowing the stove to maintain an oxygen supply constant. This allows the wood to burn more efficiently, while reducing emissions and soot.
You should also look for stoves that have been certified by DEFRA as being ready to use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as anthracite and lignite as well as granules. These fuels are specially formulated to aid the stove in burning without a mess, and should be branded with the 'Ready To Burn' logo that confirms that the fuel is within the required limit of sulphur and smoke emissions.
You can enjoy years of low-cost heat while conserving the environment and making your neighbours happy. It is still necessary to keep your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it checked by an engineer frequently, and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stoves are a centrepiece of any home, and they can bring value and comfort to your property. With so many designs, materials, finishes and heat outputs to consider, it's important to make sure you choose the right stove for your home. It is essential to select a DEFRA approved stove if you reside in an area where smoking is restricted. Otherwise you could be fined or violate the law. We have a large selection of affordable and top-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.