Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people searching for an upgrade to their stove are considering a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed in smoke control areas as long as only Defra approved and authorised fuels are burned.
The manufacturer will also modify them to restrict the amount of air that can be taken away from them, which could lead to smoke that is smoky.
Clean Burn Technology
There are a lot of different terms that get thrown around when it concerns wood burning and multi fuel stoves. The most significant terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. These may sound like marketing buzzwords to a common person, but they are important to consider when choosing your new stove.
A stove that is Defra-approved is one that can be used to reduce smoke in areas when the stove is using specific fuels. These include briquettes and logs and low volatile steam coal. Modern stove makers use special combustion systems that have secondary and tertiary airflows to lower the amount of smoke they emit. This means that they produce far less smoke than traditional open fires and other stoves that are not Defra approved.
This is a part of government's efforts to keep the quality of air in urban areas, and it performs well. A Defra approved stove will produce the minimum amount of combustion air, which results in a low amount of smoke, however you will receive a good amount of heat and flames from your log burner.
Many manufacturers offer the Defra approved version of their stoves and you can easily identify these by looking for
DEFRA permitted stoves Defra exempted terminology or the Defra badge on the product listing. If you're not sure then you can always reach the manufacturer directly or go to an knowledgeable local retailer who will be able to assist you with this.
Stoves that are defra-exempt can be more expensive than regular models, however it is important to keep in mind that they have been through extensive testing to ensure they comply with strict emissions standards. In the long run, you will save money since your Defra stove will consume less wood to generate the same amount of heat.
Ecodesign regulations were made public one year ago, and all stoves made after that date are required to meet the requirements. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is both Ecodesign compatible and Defra exempt (or at least a Defra approved model that has passed the rigorous Defra emissions tests). Charnwood is one example. It has a selection of Defra exempt stoves that are also branded as clearSkies Level 3 which means they have achieved an extremely high standard of clean burning.
Low Emissions
Stove makers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems that decrease the amount released of particulates. The result is not just a stunning stove however, it also emits very minimal smoke. This lets you use it in smoke-free areas without worrying about huge fines.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove is one that has been through the rigorous tests set forth by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the highest amounts of emissions a stove can produce and also limit the amount of smoke it produces in normal operation.
These tests also look at how a stove deals with flames that smolder that is, the combustible material inside a log burner continues burn even after the flames have died down. These fires can release lots of smoke in the event that they aren't completely eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves employ an additional combustion system to burn the particulates that are produced during a fire.
Many people live in smoke control zones, where it is illegal to burn non-Defra-approved stoves and log burners. To avoid a hefty fine you must have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are a myriad of types of stoves that are
DEFRA permitted Stoves-approved that can be purchased. There is a Defra-approved wood burner for use in an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove that can be adapted to the space.
There are a variety of
DEFRA approved eco design stoves approved stoves that have modern, contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors which allow you to take advantage of the heat and fire in the comfortable living room.
Certain Defra approved stoves can be modified using an approved manufacturer's kit to make them more DEFRA compliant. 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 escape into the air.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is made to emit very little smoke and produce excellent heat. As a result, they are perfect for use in smoke controlled areas and can be used with wood or smokeless fuels. They also provide high efficiency and are able to burn logs with less mess than non-Defra exempt stoves. They also have an airwashing system which keeps your windows' glass clean. This makes them a stylish and efficient option for your home.
Stoves that have been Defra approved are usually known as 'SE' or smoke exempt stoves that can be purchased from many specialist wood burning stove stores. The reason they can be used in smoke control zones is because of their advanced combustion systems, which utilize secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be equipped with a 5 inch flue liner instead of the standard 6 inch required by building regulations.
Another benefit of the DEFRA exempt stove is that it has an adjustment to the top air vent, which prevents it from closing completely. This is a common error that people make and it will cut off oxygen flow to the fire, causing it to smoulder and produce lots of smoke. The stoves come with a limiter which ensures a minimum amount air is delivered to fuel to ensure that it doesn't become starved and create excessive smoke.
Stove manufacturers have taken this concept a step further by creating what are called Defra plus stoves. These models have been updated to not only meet but also exceed the standards required. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only meets Defra standards, but also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compatible. This is an incredible feat which proves that an DEFRA exempt stove can still be extremely efficient and eco green. The future is bright for eco-friendly appliances.
Suitable for Smoke Control Areas
In the UK there are some towns and cities are classified as smoke control areas. If you live in one of these areas you'll be permitted to install an appliance only if it is approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The stove can be used to burn wood or other fuels that are approved without producing excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will typically have an air vent that can't be closed off completely which allows it to maintain the oxygen supply constant. This allows the firewood to burn much more efficiently, minimising soot production and decreasing emissions.
It is also advisable to look for stoves that have been approved by DEFRA as being safe to use with a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels like anthracite, lignite, and granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to help the stove burn cleanly, and they should be branded with the 'Ready to Burn' logo which confirms that the fuel is within the required levels of smoke emission and sulphur.
If you choose to buy a DEFRA approved stove that is DEFRA approved, you will be able enjoy years of low-cost heat while helping to protect the local environment. You can also keep your neighbors happy by not upsetting them by causing a nuisance smoke.
