Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people looking for a new stove should think about a DEFRA-approved wood burner. They can be put in in smoke-control areas, as they are only allowed to burn fuels that have been approved by DEFRA. are burned.
The manufacturer will also alter them to restrict the amount of air that can be taken away 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 many different terms. The most important ones are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. These might seem like marketing buzzwords to the average person but they are crucial to take into consideration when choosing a new stove.
A stove that is Defra-approved is one that is able to reduce smoke in areas when the stove is using certain fuels. These include briquettes, logs, and steam coal with low volatile. Modern stove manufacturers employ a unique combustion systems that incorporate secondary and third airflow to minimize the amount of emissions from the stove. As a result, they produce less smoke than traditional open fires and other stoves that are not Defra approved.
This is a part of the government's efforts to keep clean air in urban areas and it is working well. A Defra approved stove will deliver the absolute minimum amount of combustion air, which results in a low amount of smoke, however you will enjoy a large amount of heat and flames from your log stove.
You can tell if you are using a Defra approved version of a stove by looking for Defra-exempt designation or the Defra badge in the product's description. If you're not sure,
defra requirements Stoves call the manufacturer or a local expert retailer.
Stove defra-exempt stoves can be significantly more expensive than regular models, however it's important to remember that they have been tested extensively to ensure that they meet strict emission standards. In the long run you will be saving money as your Defra stove will require less fuel to generate the same amount of heat.
Ecodesign regulations came into effect one year ago, and all stoves built after the date of their introduction must be fully in compliance. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is Ecodesign conforming and Defra exempt (or at least an Defra approved model that has passed the tough Defra emissions tests). Charnwood for instance, offers a variety of
DEFRA stoves cost exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies Level 3 which signifies they have reached a high quality of combustion that is clean and safe for use.
Low Emissions
Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax are continuously making their stoves more efficient by incorporating secondary and
DEFRA requirements stoves tertiary combustion systems which help reduce the amount of particulates released. The result is a stove that not only looks beautiful, but also emits very low emissions, which means that you can use it in smoke controlled areas without risking a hefty fine.
A
defra Requirements stoves 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 the maximum amount of emissions and smoke that a stove is allowed to produce.
These tests also look at how a stove deals with smouldering fires which is when the combustible material in a log burner continues to burn even after the flames have died down. The fires can release smoke in large quantities when they are not fully extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are made to combat this issue by utilizing an advanced secondary combustion system that efficiently re-burns the particulates released during a fire.
Many people reside in smoke control zones where it is illegal to burn non-Defra-approved stoves and log burners. To avoid paying a large fine, you must have a DEFRA approved stove installed. There are a range of different types of Defra approved stoves to buy. There is a wood burner that is Defra-approved for use in an inglenook fireplace, or a bigger stove that can be adapted to a room.
There are also lots of Defra approved stoves with modern, contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. Typically, they have large glass doors that allow you to enjoy the warmth and fire from the comfort of your living room.
A kit supplied by the manufacturer can be used to modify some Defra approved appliances in order to make them DEFRA certified. This kit changes the air vents at the top of a stove to stop them from being shut all the way down, this is known as 'slumbering' and could cause the stove to send out combustible substances that are not burned into the air.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is made to produce very little smoke and provide high heat. They are ideal for use in smoke controlled areas and can be utilized with smokeless or wood fuels. They also have high efficiency and can burn logs with less mess than stoves that are not exempt from Defra. They also come with an airwashing system that keeps your glass windows clean. This makes them an attractive, efficient option for the home.
Stoves that are Defra approved are usually called "SE" or smoke-free stoves. They are available from a variety of specialist wood-burning stove stores. The reason they are able to be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems, which make use of secondary and tertiary burn systems to minimize harmful emissions. They can also be equipped with a an encapsulated flue liner that is 5 inches instead of the standard 6 inches required by building regulations.
Another benefit of the DEFRA exempt stove is that it has an adjustment on the top air vent that prevents it from being closed completely. This is a common blunder that people make, and will cause the fire to smoulder. It also produces much more smoke. These stoves are equipped with a limiter to ensure that the smallest amount of air is delivered to fuel, so that it doesn't starve and produce excessive smoke.
Stove manufacturers have taken this concept to the next level by creating what's known as Defra plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet but also exceed the required standards. The most notable example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with Defra standards, but also has been given an A+ energy rating and is clearSkies level 5 compliant. This is an amazing achievement that shows that an DEFRA exempt stove can still be extremely efficient and environmentally sustainable. The future looks promising for eco-friendly stoves.
Ideal for Smoke Control Areas
In the UK there are some towns and cities are classified as smoke control areas. If you are in a smoke control area it is only possible to install the stove if it's approved by DEFRA. The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels that have been approved without producing excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will usually have an air vent that is unable to be closed off completely and allows it to maintain a constant supply of oxygen. This makes it possible for firewood to burn much more efficiently, minimising the amount of soot produced and reducing emissions.
It is also advisable to 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 have been specifically designed to aid the stove in burning efficiently. They should be branded with a 'Ready to Burn" logo, which confirms the fuel meets the minimum sulphur levels and smoke emissions.
You can enjoy years of low-cost heat while helping to protect the environment and making your neighbours happy.