Choosing a Defra Approved Wood Burner
If you are in the market for a new wood burning or multi fuel stove you may notice it's listed as DEFRA approved. While it could be confusing stove jargon, having a DEFRA approved wood burner is vital if you live in a smoke control zone.
Defra is the department of government that oversees the regulations for rural, agricultural and environmental issues. Defra approved stoves allow you legally burn wood in smoke control areas (usually UK cities and large towns).
Clean Burning Technology
The stove manufacturers have designed their stoves to burn more efficiently by incorporating secondary and secondary systems. This lets them meet the stricter emission limits set by DEFRA so that homeowners living in Smoke Control Areas are legally able to use their stoves. In most cases, there's no distinction between a Defra Approved stove and a regular wood burner however Defra approved stoves have been through many other modifications made to them and will have been through more stringent tests to ensure that they are creating better air quality.
Many Defra Approved stoves are designed with Clean Burn technology which helps them to burn wood and other kinds of fuel more efficiently and producing less smoke and harmful emissions. This is achieved by introducing a second stage of combustion in which flue gases are recycled and utilized to help the fuel burn more efficiently. This means that your stove will be more efficient which means you'll save money by heating your home rather than central heating systems.
Many people who are seeking to buy a new stove inquire whether a particular model is exempt from the Defra regulations. This is because a number of stoves that aren't Defra approved can still be used in Smoke Control Areas provided they only burn the correct fuel, which includes anthracite, semi-anthracite or low volatile steam coal. To be Defra Exempt the stove must be tested and been cleared by
DEFRA recommended stoves to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
The air vents of a Defra-approved stove have been modified to prevent them from being completely closed. This stops the stove from'slumbering at night, which could emit unburned combustibles, such as soot and tar into the chimney or into the air. Stoves that aren't exempt from Defra may also "slumber" during the day,
DEFRA approved stoves which could send more unburned combustibles in the air.
Choosing a wood burner that is Defra-approved can be a ideal choice to keep your home warm and protect the environment. To maximize the performance of your stove, it is essential to maintain it regularly by cleaning the flue and examining it for obstructions. The more you take care of your stove and maintain it, the more it will reward you with years of warmth and comfort.
Low Emissions
Defra approved stoves are a great option for anyone who wants to make a choice about the heating they use. They come in a variety of styles and provide a clean, efficient combustion, with reduced emissions. Stovax has a range of wood burners that are Defra-approved, whether you are looking for a contemporary or traditional model.
The reason Defra approved stoves are so efficient is that they burn at an extremely high efficiency which means they emit minimal emissions of harmful particles and smoke. They can generate 90% less carbon dioxide than open fires and more than 80% less than stoves manufactured 10 years ago. This new regulation, referred to as Ecodesign, was introduced by the government in 2022 and requires stove manufacturers to adhere to strict environmental guidelines in order to become Defra certified.
One of the most important factors is limiting the amount the stove can be closed down', which refers to how deficient the flame is of oxygen. Stove manufacturers achieve this by putting vents in the stove so that the stove isn't closed so far. This results in minimal smoke.
Another reason why Defra approved stoves are superior than other models is that they can burn a greater range of fuel types, including briquettes and smokeless coal. Certain stoves are permitted to burn a specific type of wood or logs.
If you reside in a smoke-control zone and you are in a smoke-control zone, a Defra approved gas stove is a great option. You don't have to worry about hefty penalties for using fuel that is not approved.
It's important to remember that the performance of a stove can only be dependent on the quality of the fuel it is burning in the purchase of a Defra approved wood burner or multifuel stove, it is vital to choose the best quality firewood that you can find. You should also check whether the fuel you are using is dry, and has a moisture content of no greater than 20% prior to burning.
Easy Clean Up
Defra Approved Stoves are an excellent choice for anyone who lives in the UK Smoke Controlled Area. They are categorized as DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliances which means they can be used with approved smokeless fuels, and you won't be breaking the law by burning wood in these stoves. This means that they produce less soot and black smoke than traditional open fires and log burners.
Defra approved stoves produce less smoke and soot since they have secondary and third-party systems. These systems limit the amount of air the stove is devoid of during the process of burning. This helps to prevent the dark, dusty smoke and soot that is generated by a smokey combustion.
The airwash feature of these stoves which keeps the glass clear of stains from smoke. This works by drawing air from the rear of the stove and accelerating it through the combustion chamber, before dropping to the glass. This keeps the glass of the stove crystal clear, and free from smoke stains, as long as the wood is well-seasoned.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
In the UK, there are many cities and towns that are classified as Smoke Control Areas. These areas have strict regulations in place for how much smoke is released from fireplaces, stoves, and wood burning fires. Non-
DEFRA approved stoves can be fined if they are found to be violating the regulations and causing too much air pollution. You can avoid this by choosing a DEFRA approved stove for your home.
If you are searching for DEFRA-approved appliances, search for a logo that features an exempted smoke icon on it. You can also look up the specifications of the manufacturer for the stove to make sure it is safe to use in Smoke Control Zones. The DEFRA logo is very recognisable and is widely used by both suppliers and manufacturers in the field. Stoves that are suitable for Smoke Control Areas will also typically have SE (Smoke Exempt) after the name on their list of specifications.
If you are not sure if your area is a Smoke Control Area, check with your local council. You'll get valuable information and advice from them. They may also be able to help you locate an appropriate stove for your home and environment.
There are numerous advantages to choosing a DEFRA-approved cooking stove. They are also much less likely to emit smoke than other stoves. This means that they will be more considerate to your neighbors and will also be better for your chimney and flue system.
If you own an older stove that does not comply with DEFRA regulations, you will need to consider getting an approved smoke control kit from DEFRA or altering your stove to make it conform to the regulations. This can be costly and is only a possibility if you are purchasing a brand new stove.
The fact that you can burn wood legally in your home even if it is in a Smoke-Control Area is one of the primary advantages of purchasing a defra-approved wood burner. This is a huge benefit, especially if you reside in an urban location where regulations are extremely strict. There is a wide variety of defra-exempted stoves in hardware and DIY stores as well as on the internet.
