Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people who are searching for a new stove might be considering a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed in smoke-control areas, as long as only approved fuels from DEFRA are burned.

The manufacturer will also modify them to limit 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 stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are a variety of different terms. The most important are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. To the average person these may seem like marketing buzzwords that they don't need to worry about, but it is important to keep in mind when you are choosing your next stove.

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that can be used in smoke control areas provided it is using specific types of fuels (mostly brquettes, logs, and low volatile steam coal). Modern stove manufacturers use special combustion system with third and secondary airflows to reduce the stove's emissions. They produce less smoke as a result than traditional open fires, or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.

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

You can determine if you have a Defra-approved version of a stove by looking for Defra-exempt terminology or a Defra badge in the product's description. If you are unsure then you can always reach the manufacturer directly or go to an expert local retailer who will be able to assist with this.

Stoves with defra exemptions are usually significantly more expensive than regular models, but it is important to keep in mind that they have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that they meet strict emission standards. In the end, you will save money because your Defra stove will consume less logs to produce the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations were enacted a year ago, and all stoves made after the date were required to be compliant. If you reside in a smoke control area you'll require a stove which is both Ecodesign compliant as well as Defra-exempt (or a approved model by Defra that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood has a variety of DEFRA approved traditional stoves exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies Level 3 which means they've achieved a standard of pure burning.

Low Emissions

Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by including secondary and tertiary burn systems that decrease the amount released of particulates. The result is not just a stunning stove however, it also emits very little smoke. This allows you to use it in smoke-controlled areas without worrying about huge fines.

A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove is one that has passed the stringent tests conducted by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum amount of smoke and emissions a stove is allowed to emit.

These tests also examine how a stove deals with smouldering fires that is, the combustible material in a log burner continues to burn even after the flames have cooled. These kinds of fires release large quantities of smoke if they are not completely snuffed out. DEFRA approved stoves are designed to combat this issue by utilizing a sophisticated secondary combustion system which effectively re-burns particulates produced during a burn.

Many people reside in smoke-control zones, in which it is illegal to use non-Defra approved log burners and stoves. You must install a DEFRA stoves features-approved stove to avoid paying a heavy fine. There are many different types of DEFRA approved traditional stoves-approved stoves that can be purchased. Whether you need a small Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace or a larger freestanding stove to fill the space, there is certain to be a model that will match your home.

There are a variety of Defra-approved stoves that have a modern design, contemporary style and can be used in zones that are smoke-free. They usually have large glass doors to allow you to enjoy the fire and heat in the comfortable living room.

Certain Defra approved stoves can be modified by an approved manufacturer's kit to make them more DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews (like it) compatible. This kit prevents air vents on the top of the stove from being closed completely. This is referred to as "slumbering" and could cause combustible material that has not been burned to be released into the atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempt stove is designed to provide you with an excellent amount of heat while producing minimal smoke. They are therefore ideal for areas that are smoke-free and can be used either with smokeless or wood. They are also more efficient and burn logs with less smoke than stoves that are not Defra. Additionally, they come with an airwash system that keeps the glass windows clean, which makes them a fashionable and efficient choice for your home.

A lot of wood burning stove stores offer stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves will be identified by the acronym 'SE', or smoke-free stoves. They are able to be used in smoke control zones because they have advanced combustion systems that employ secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce harmful emission. They are also able to be fitted with smaller flue lines of 5 inches instead of the 6 inches required by building regulations.

A DEFRA exempted stove features an adjustable top air vent which prevents it being closed completely. This is a common mistake that people make and it will cut off oxygen flow to the fire and cause it to smoulder and produce a lot of smoke. These stoves have a built in limit that ensures that a minimum amount of air is delivered to the fuel, so that it doesn't starve and produce excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this idea to the next level by creating what are known as Defra plus stoves. These models have been updated to not only meet but exceed the standards required. The most notable example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with luxury DEFRA stoves standards but has been awarded an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is a remarkable achievement that shows that a stove exempt from DEFRA can be highly efficient and eco-friendly. The future is bright for eco-friendly appliances.

Ideal for Smoke Control Areas

In the UK certain towns and cities are classified as smoke control areas. If you reside in a smoke control area where you are allowed to install an appliance if it has been approved by DEFRA. This means that the stove can be used with wood and other authorised fuels without producing excessive levels of smoke. A Defra exempt stove will generally have an air vent that can't be shut off completely, allowing it to keep an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the wood to burn more efficiently, and reduce emissions and soot.

Find stoves that are certified by DEFRA as ready to burn a range of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as lignite and anthracite granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to help the stove burn without a mess, and should be branded with the 'Ready to Burn' logo that confirms that the fuel is within the required sulphur and smoke emission limits.

You can enjoy many years of low-cost heating while also conserving the environment and making your neighbors happy. It is still necessary to keep your fireplace in good order by cleaning the chimney, having it inspected by an engineer frequently and following the manufacturer's instructions.