Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people who are looking for a new stove think about a DEFRA-approved wood burner. These are stoves that can be used in smoke control areas in the event that only Defra approved and authorised fuels are burned.
They are also usually modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount they can be starved of air. This would result in an odorless combustion.
Clean Burn Technology
There are a variety of different terms that are used when it is about wood burning and multi fuel stoves. The most important terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. These might seem like marketing buzzwords to a common person but they are crucial to consider when choosing your new stove.
A stove that is Defra-approved is one that is able to control smoke in areas when the stove is using certain fuels. These include logs, briquettes, and steam coal with low volatile. Modern stove makers use special combustion systems that incorporate secondary and tertiary airflows in order to lower the amount of smoke they emit. They produce less smoke as opposed to older open fires or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
This is a part of the government's efforts to keep clean air in urban areas and it is working well. A stove that is approved by Defra will make use of the least amount of combustion, resulting in the least amount of smoke. However, you'll still experience lots of flames and heat, however.
You can identify a Defra-approved version of a stove by looking for the Defra-exempt terminology or a Defra badge on the product listing. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer or an expert retailer.
Stoves that are exempt from defra regulations typically cost more than standard models but it is crucial to remember that they have undergone extensive testing to ensure they meet strict emission standards. You will save money in the long run since your stove that is Defra certified will require less wood to generate the same amount of heat.
Ecodesign regulations were made public a year ago and all stoves manufactured following that date are required to comply with the regulations. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is both Ecodesign conforming and Defra exempt (or at the very least an Defra approved model that has passed the tough Defra emissions tests). Charnwood has a variety of Defra exempt stoves which are also marked clearSkies Level 3 which means that they have been able to meet the standards of clean burning.
Low Emissions
Stove makers like Arada & Stovax are continuously making their stoves more efficient by incorporating secondary and tertiary combustion methods that help to reduce the amount of particulates released. The result is not just a stunning stove but one that releases very little smoke. This allows you to use it in smoke-free areas without worrying about hefty fines.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove is one that has passed the rigorous tests set by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine maximum levels of smoke and emissions that stoves are allowed to produce.
These tests also look at the way a stove can handle smoldering flames. This is when the combustible materials in a wood burner continue to burn even after the flames are extinguished. These kinds of fires produce a huge amount of smoke if they are not completely snuffed out. DEFRA approved stoves are made to combat this issue with an advanced secondary combustion system which effectively re-burns particulates released during a fire.
Many people reside in smoke-control zones, where it's illegal to use non-Defra endorsed stoves and log burners. You must use a DEFRA-approved stove to avoid paying a heavy fine. There are a range of different kinds of Defra approved stoves that you can buy. There is a wood burner that has been approved by Defra to fit an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove that can be adapted to any room.
There are also lots of Defra approved stoves that feature modern and contemporary designs that can be used in smoke controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors which allow you to enjoy the fire and heat in the comfort of your living room.
A kit offered by the manufacturer can be used to modify certain Defra approved appliances to make them DEFRA conforming. This kit prevents the air vents located at the top of the stove from closing completely. This is referred to as "slumbering" and can cause unburned combustible materials to be released into the air.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is made to emit minimal smoke and deliver excellent heat. They are perfect for use in smoke-free areas and can be utilized with smokeless or wood fuels. They are also more efficient and can burn logs cleaner than non-Defra stoves. In addition, they have an airwash system that keeps the glass window clear, making them a stylish and efficient choice for your home.
Stoves that have been Defra approved are usually called 'SE' or smoke exempt stoves and are available from a variety of specialist wood burning stove stores. The reason they are able to be used in smoke control zones is because of their advanced combustion systems that make use of secondary and tertiary combustion systems to minimize harmful emissions. They are also able to be equipped with a 5 inch flue liner, as opposed to the standard 6 inch required by building regulations.
My Source exempted stove has an adjustable top air vent that can't be closed completely. This is a common mistake that people make, and will cause the fire to get smoldering. It also produces lots of smoke. These stoves are equipped with an inbuilt limiter that ensures that a minimum amount of air is pumped to the fuel, so that it can't be starved and create excessive smoke.
The stove manufacturers have taken this concept a little further by creating Defra Plus stoves. These models have been enhanced so that they do not just comply with the standards set by the government however, they exceed them. The best example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only meets Defra standards, but also has been awarded an A+ energy rating and is clearSkies level 5 compliant. This is an impressive feat that proves a DEFRA-exempt stove can be highly efficient and green. The future is looking bright for eco-friendly stoves.
Suitable for Smoke Control Areas
Some UK towns and cities have been designated as smoke control zones. If you live in a smoke-control area, you can only install a stove if it is approved by DEFRA. The stove can be used to burn wood or other fuels that are approved without generating excessive smoke. A stove that is Defra-exempt has an air vent that can't be completely closed, allowing the stove to maintain an ongoing supply of oxygen. This helps the firewood burn much more efficiently, reducing the production of soot and reduces emissions.
Look for stoves that are certified by DEFRA as ready to burn a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels like anthracite and lignite Granules. These fuels are specially designed to aid the stove in burning without a mess, and should be marked with the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which indicates that the fuel is within the prescribed levels of smoke emission and sulphur.
You can enjoy many years of low-cost heating while also helping to protect the environment and making your neighbors happy. However, you'll need to maintain your fireplace and keep it in good working order by regularly cleaning the chimney and flue system and conducting regular inspections by an engineer, and following the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding use and maintenance.
Stoves can be the focal point of any home, and they can add value and comfort. 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 zone, it's essential that you select the right DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and incurring fines. We're fortunate to have a huge selection of high-quality and affordable DEFRA exempt stoves to browse.