Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people who are searching for a new stove may be contemplating a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be used in smoke control areas provided that only Defra approved and authorised fuels are burnt.
They are also usually modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount they can be depleted of air. This would result in an odorless combustion.
Clean Burn Technology
There are a variety of different terms that get used when it is about wood burning and
multi fuel stove defra approved fuel stoves. The most important terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. These may seem like marketing buzzwords to a common person however they are essential to consider when choosing your new stove.
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is able to be used in smoke control areas provided it is using specific types of fuels (mostly logs, briquettes and steam coal with low volatile). Modern stove manufacturers employ special combustion systems with secondary and tertiary airflows to lower the amount of smoke they emit. As a result, they emit less smoke than old open fires and other stoves that are not Defra approved.
This is part of the government's efforts to keep clean air in urban areas, and it works extremely well. A stove that is Defra-approved will make use of the least amount of fuel, resulting in minimal smoke. You'll still be able to get plenty of heat and flames, though.
The majority of manufacturers will offer a Defra approved version of their stoves, and you can easily identify them by looking for the
DEFRA stoves near me exempt designation or the Defra badge on the product listing. If you're not sure, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or go to an knowledgeable local retailer who can assist you with this.
Stoves that are exempt from defra regulations typically cost more than regular models, but it is crucial to remember that they have been through extensive testing to ensure they are compliant with strict emission 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 introduced in the year 2000 and all stoves manufactured following that date are required to be compliant. If you live in a zone of smoke control you'll require an appliance that is Ecodesign compliant as well as Defra-exempt (or a Defra-approved model that has passed the rigorous Defra emission tests). Charnwood is one example. It has a selection of Defra exempt stoves that are also classified as clearSkies level 3, which means they have achieved the highest standard of pure burning.
Low Emissions
Stove makers like Arada & Stovax are continuously improving their stoves to incorporate secondary and tertiary combustion systems which help reduce the amount of particulates released. The result is a stove that not only looks beautiful, but also has very low emissions, which means you can use it in smoke-free areas without risking a hefty fine.
A DEFRA approved stove, or Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance as they are often referred to, 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 levels of emissions and smoke that stoves are allowed to emit.
These tests also look at the way a stove can handle smoldering flames. This is when the burning materials in a wood burner continue to burn long after the flames have been put out. These fires can release smoke in large quantities if they are not completely eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves employ secondary combustion systems to re-burn the particulates which result from a fire.
Many people live in smoke control zones where it is unlawful to burn stoves that are not DEFRA approved and log burners. You must install a DEFRA-approved stove to avoid a large fine. There are different kinds of Defra approved stoves to 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 the space.
There are a variety of Defra approved stoves that feature modern, contemporary designs 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.
Some Defra approved stoves can be modified with a manufacturer supplied kit to make them more DEFRA conforming. This kit changes the air vents on the top of a stove to stop them from being shut all the way down and is referred to as'slumbering'. It can cause the stove to release out combustible substances that are not burned into the atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is constructed to produce very little smoke and produce excellent heat. They are therefore perfect for smoke-controlled areas and can be used with wood or smokeless materials. They are also more efficient and burn logs more efficiently than non-Defra stoves. They also come with an airwashing system that helps keep your windows' glass clean. This makes them a stylish and
Multi fuel stove Defra Approved efficient option for the home.
Many wood-burning stove shops offer stoves that have been approved by Defra. These stoves will be called by the acronym 'SE', or smoke exempt stoves. The reason that they can be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems that make use of secondary and
multi Fuel stove defra Approved tertiary burn systems to minimize harmful emissions. They are also able to be fitted with a 5 inch flue liner instead of the standard 6 inch required by building regulations.
Another great feature of the DEFRA exempt stove is that they have an adjustment to the top air vent, which prevents it from closing all the way. This is a common blunder people make and can cause the fire to smolder. It also produces a lot more smoke. These stoves are equipped with an internal limiter that ensures a certain amount of air is supplied to the fuel so that it doesn't starve and produce excessive smoke.
The stove manufacturers have taken this concept a little further by creating Defra Plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet, but even exceed the standards required. The best example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only conforms to Defra standards but has also been awarded an A+ energy rating and is clearSkies level 5 compliant. This is a remarkable achievement that shows that a stove exempt from DEFRA is highly efficient and green. The future looks bright for eco-friendly appliances.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
In the UK there are some cities and towns are classified as smoke control zones. If you live in a zone of smoke control where you are allowed to install a stove if it is approved by DEFRA. The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels that are approved without producing excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will typically have an air vent that cannot be shut off completely and allows it to maintain an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, while reducing emissions and soot.
You should also look out for stoves that have been inspected by DEFRA as being safe to use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels such as anthracite, lignite and granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to help the stove burn without a mess, and should be marked with the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which indicates that the fuel is within the required levels of smoke emission and sulphur.
If you choose to buy a DEFRA approved stove and fireplace, you'll be able to enjoy many years of low-cost heat while helping to safeguard the local environment and keeping your neighbors content by not causing disturbances with nuisance smoke.