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Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people looking for a new stove will think about a DEFRA-approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed within smoke-control zones, so long as only approved fuels from DEFRA are used.
The manufacturer may also alter them to restrict the amount of air that can be deprived from them and could cause smoke that is smoky.
Clean Burn Technology
There are a lot of different terms that get used when it comes to wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. Some of the most important ones are clean burn DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. These might seem like marketing buzzwords to a common person but they are crucial to consider when choosing your new stove.
A Defra-approved stove is one that can be used to control smoke in certain areas if the stove uses certain fuels. These include logs, briquettes, and steam coal with low volatile. Modern stove makers use special combustion systems with secondary and tertiary airflow to lower the amount of smoke they emit. In the end, they produce less smoke than old open fires and other stoves that aren't Defra approved.
This is a part of government’s efforts to maintain the quality of air in urban areas and it works well. A stove that is Defra-approved will require the least amount of fuel, resulting in the least amount of smoke. However, you'll still experience a lot of flames and heat, though.
The majority of manufacturers will offer the 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 listing of the product. If you're not sure about the authenticity of the stove, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or go to an expert local retailer who will be able to help with this.
Stove defra exempt stoves tend to be more expensive than standard models, however it is important to remember that they've been through extensive testing to make sure they meet strict emission standards. You'll save money over the long term since your stove that is Defra certified will require less wood to produce equal heat.
Ecodesign regulations came into force one year ago, and all stoves made after that date must be fully compliant. If you live in a smoke-free zone you'll require a stove which is both Ecodesign compliant and Defra-exempt (or a approved model Defra-approved that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood is one example. It offers a variety of Defra exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies Level 3 which means they have achieved the highest standard of clean burning.
Low Emissions
Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by including secondary and tertiary burn systems that limit the amount of particulates released. The result is not only an attractive stove, but one that emits very small amounts of smoke. This lets you use it in smoke-free areas without worrying about heavy fines.
A DEFRA approved stove, or Defra smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are usually referred to 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 amount of smoke and emissions that a stove is allowed to produce.
The tests also test how a stove handles smouldering flames. This happens when combustible materials in a wood stove continue to burn even after the flames are out. These types of fires release large quantities of smoke if they are not completely snuffed out. DEFRA approved stoves employ secondary combustion systems to re-burn the particulates which result from the course of a fire.
Many people reside in smoke-control zones, where it's 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 many different types of stoves that are Defra-approved that can be purchased. There is a wood burner that has been approved by Defra for use in an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove to fit a room.
There are also many Defra approved stoves that have a modern contemporary design that can be used in smoke controlled zones. Typically, they come with large glass doors that permit you to take in the warmth and fire in the comfort of your living room.
A kit offered by the manufacturer can be used to modify some Defra approved appliances to make them DEFRA compliant. This kit alters the air vents at the top of a stove to stop them from being closed all the way down and is referred to as'slumbering'. This can cause the stove to let out combustible material that has not been burned into the air.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is constructed to produce very little smoke and provide high heat. They are therefore ideal for smoke-controlled areas and can be used either with smokeless or wood. They also have high efficiency and can burn logs with less mess than non-Defra exempt stoves. Additionally, they come with an airwash system that keeps the glass window clear, making them a stylish and efficient option for your home.
Stoves that have been Defra approved are usually known as "SE" or smoke-free stoves that are available from a variety of specialist wood burning stove stores. They can be used in smoke control zones as they have advanced combustion systems that use secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be equipped with a 5-inch flue liner, as opposed to the standard 6 inches required by building regulations.
A DEFRA exempted stove comes with an adjustable top air vent which prevents it being closed completely. This is a common mistake people make and will cause the fire to get smoldering. It also produces much more smoke. These stoves have an internal limiter which ensures that a certain amount of air is pumped to the fuel so that it can't be starved and cause excessive smoke.
Stove manufacturers have taken this concept and developed Defra Plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet, but even exceed the standards that are required. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only meets Defra requirements, but also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compatible. This is an impressive feat that shows that a stove exempt from DEFRA is highly efficient and environmentally friendly. The future is promising for eco-friendly appliances.
Ideal for Smoke Control Areas
Certain UK towns and cities have been designated as smoke control zones. If you live in one of these areas then you are able to fit the stove only if it has been approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels that have been approved without producing excessive smoke. A stove that is exempt from Defra has an air vent which cannot be closed completely and allows the stove to have an ongoing supply of oxygen. This helps the firewood burn more efficiently, Defra Exempt Stoves reducing soot production and reduces emissions.
Look for stoves that have been DEFRA lawful stoves-certified as ready to burn a range of manufactured smokeless fuels such as lignite and anthracite granules. These fuels are specially formulated to aid the stove in burning efficiently, and they must be branded with the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which indicates that the fuel is within the required limit of sulphur and smoke emissions.
If you decide to purchase a DEFRA approved stove that is DEFRA approved, you will be able to enjoy many years of low-cost heating while helping to protect the environment and keeping your neighbours satisfied by not disturbing them by causing a nuisance smoke. However, you will still need to maintain your fireplace and ensure it is in good working order by regularly cleaning the chimney and flue system and performing regular inspections by an engineer and following the instructions provided by the manufacturer for maintenance and usage.
 Stoves are the central feature of any home and can provide value and comfort to your home. It is essential to select the right stove to suit your home. There are a variety of choices to pick from that include styles and finishes, materials and heat outputs. If you are in a smoke control area, it's vital to select a DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and paying fines. We have a wide selection of high quality and affordable DEFRA exempt stoves to peruse.
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