Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people searching for a new stove may be contemplating a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be placed within smoke-control areas as they are only allowed to burn fuels that have been approved by DEFRA. are burned.
They are also usually modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount they can be starved of air, which could cause smoky combustion.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/334/nrg-modern-multifuel-stove-5kw-defra-eco-design-stoves-cast-iron-fireplace-high-efficiency-portable-334.jpg)Clean Burn Technology
When it comes to wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are a variety of different terms. The most important ones are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. For the average consumer, these might seem like marketing buzzwords they don't have to be concerned about, but it is worth considering when you are choosing your next stove.
A stove that is approved by Defra is one that can be used to control smoke in areas when the stove uses certain fuels. These include briquettes and logs and low volatile steam coal. Modern stove makers use a special combustion systems with third and secondary airflows to lower the amount of smoke produced by the stove. In the end, they produce less smoke than older open fires and other stoves that aren't Defra approved.
This is a part of government's efforts to keep clean air within urban areas and it works well. A Defra approved stove will provide the absolute minimum amount of combustion air, which results in a low amount of smoke, but you still get a generous degree of flames and heat from your stove's log burner.
Most manufacturers will sell the Defra approved version of their stoves, and you can easily recognize these by looking for Defra exempted terminology or the Defra badge on the listing of the product. If you're not sure, contact the manufacturer or an expert retailer.
Stoves that are defra-exempt can be significantly more expensive than standard models, but it's important to remember that they have been through extensive testing to ensure they meet strict emissions standards. You will save money in the long run as your Defra-certified stove will require less wood to produce equal heat.
Ecodesign regulations were put into effect in the year 2000 and all stoves built after the date of their introduction must be fully compliant. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is Ecodesign compatible and Defra exempt (or at the very least at least a Defra approved model that has passed the rigorous Defra emissions tests). Charnwood is one example. It offers a variety of Defra exempt stoves that are also branded as clearSkies level 3 which signifies they have reached the highest quality of combustion that is clean and safe for use.
Low Emissions
Stove manufacturers such as Arada & Stovax are continuously upgrading their stoves to include secondary and tertiary combustion methods that help to reduce the amount of particles released. The result is an appliance that not only looks great but also emits extremely low emissions, meaning you can use it in smoke-free areas without having to pay a significant fine.
A luxury DEFRA stoves 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 levels of emissions the stove can generate and also limit how much smoke it will emit during normal operation.
These tests also consider how a stove deals with flames that smolder, this is when the combustible material in a log burner continues to burn even after the flames have stopped. These kinds of fires release large quantities of smoke when they're not completely extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are made to combat this issue with an advanced secondary combustion system which effectively re-burns particulates produced during a burn.
Many people live in smoke control zones where it is not legal to burn stoves that are not DEFRA approved and log burners. To avoid paying a large fine, you need to have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are many different types of stoves that are Defra-approved that you can buy. You can choose the smallest Defra approved wood burner for an inglenook fireplace or a bigger freestanding stove that can be incorporated into a room, there is certain to be a model that will match your home.
There are also lots of Defra approved stoves with a modern contemporary design that can be used in smoke controlled zones. They usually have large glass doors so you can take advantage of the heat and fire from the comfort of your living room.
Certain Defra approved stoves can be modified by a manufacturer supplied kit to make them more DEFRA conforming. 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 referred to as'slumbering'. This could cause the stove to release out combustible material that has not been burned into the air.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempt stove is designed to give you a great quantity of heat while producing minimal smoke. They are therefore ideal for areas with smoke control and can be used either with smokeless or wood materials. They are also more efficient and burn logs more efficiently than non-Defra stoves. In addition, they have an airwash system which keeps the glass window clear, making them a stylish and effective choice for your home.
Stoves that have been Defra approved will often be known as “SE” or smoke-free stoves that can be purchased from numerous specialist wood burning stove stores. The reason that they can be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems, which employ secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce harmful emissions. They can also be fitted 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 stops it from being completely closed. This is a very common error that people make and it will cut off oxygen flow to the fire, causing it to smolder and generate lots of smoke. These stoves have a built in limit that ensures a certain amount of air is delivered to the fuel, so that it can't be starved and cause excessive smoke.
Manufacturers of stoves have taken this concept to the next level by introducing Defra Plus stoves. These models have been enhanced to ensure that they not only comply with the standards set by the government however, they exceed them. The best example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with Defra standards but has also been awarded an A+ energy rating and is clearSkies level 5 compliant. This is an impressive feat that proves a DEFRA-exempt stove is highly efficient and eco-friendly. The future is bright for eco-friendly stoves.
Ideal for Smoke Control Areas
Some UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you live in one of these areas then you are permitted to install a 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 are approved, without producing excessive smoke. A Defra-exempt stove will have an air vent that can't be closed completely which allows the stove to have an oxygen supply constant. This helps the firewood burn much more efficiently, minimising soot production and reduces emissions.
It is also advisable to look for stoves that have been certified by DEFRA as being suitable for use with a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels such as anthracite, lignite and granules. These fuels have been specifically designed to assist the stove in burning efficiently. They should be marked with a 'Ready to burn“ logo, which confirms the fuel is in compliance with the required sulphur levels and smoke emissions.
You can enjoy many years of low-cost heat while helping to protect the environment and making your neighbours happy. However, you'll need to maintain your fireplace and keep it in good condition by regularly cleaning the flue and chimney as well as performing regular inspections by an engineer and adhering to the instructions of the manufacturer for use and maintenance.
Stoves are a centrepiece of any home, and they can bring value and comfort to your property. With a myriad of designs, materials, finishes and heat outputs to consider it's crucial to make sure you choose the ideal stove for your home. If you are in a smoke control area, it's vital to choose the right DEFRA approved stove to avoid violating the law and possibly incurring fines. We have a fantastic selection of high-quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves to explore.(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/268/nrg-defra-5kw-eco-design-stove-multifuel-cast-iron-fireplace-portable-indoor-space-heater-268.jpg)
