Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people searching for a new stove may be contemplating a DEFRA approved wood burner. They can be put in within smoke-control areas as long as only Defra-approved fuels are used.
DEFRA stoves ratings are often modified by the manufacturer to limit the extent to which they can be depleted of air. This would result in smoky combustion.
Clean Burn Technology
There are many different terms that are thrown around when it is about wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. The most important are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. These may sound like marketing buzzwords to the average consumer, but they are important to consider when choosing your new stove.
A Defra-approved stove is one that is able to control smoke in areas if the stove uses certain fuels. These include logs, briquettes, and low volatile steam coal. Modern stove makers use a special combustion systems that incorporate secondary and third airflow to minimize the amount of emissions from the stove. They produce less smoke than traditional open fires, or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
This is all part of the government's attempts to keep clean air in urban areas, and it works very well. A stove that is approved by Defra will make use of the least amount of combustion, resulting in the least amount of smoke. You'll still get lots of flames and heat, however.
You can identify a Defra-approved stove by looking for the Defra-exempt designation or the Defra badge on the product's description. If you're not sure, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or visit an expert local retailer who will be able to assist you with this.
Stove defra-exempt stoves can be more expensive than standard models, but it's important to remember they have undergone extensive testing to ensure they meet strict emissions standards. You will save money over time since your stove that is Defra certified will require less wood to generate the same amount of heat.
Ecodesign regulations were introduced one year ago, and all stoves made after that date are required to be compliant. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is both Ecodesign compatible and Defra exempt (or at the very least an Defra approved model that has passed the rigorous Defra emissions tests). Charnwood offers a variety of Defra-exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies Level 3 which means they have achieved a standard of clear burning.
Low Emissions
Stove manufacturers such as Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by incorporating secondary and tertiary burning systems that decrease the amount released of particulates. The result is a stove that not just looks beautiful, but also emits extremely low emissions, which means you can use it in smoke controlled areas without having to pay a significant fine.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has been through the rigorous tests set forth by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the highest levels of emissions stoves can emit and also limit how much smoke it will emit in normal operation.
The tests also test how a stove handles smouldering flames. This is when the material that ignites in a wood burner continue to burn after the flames are out. These fires can release lots of smoke if they are not completely extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are made to deal with this by using sophisticated secondary combustion systems that efficiently re-burns the particulates released during a fire.
Many people live in smoke control zones, where it is not legal to burn non-Defra-approved stoves and log burners. You must use a DEFRA-approved stove to avoid a heavy fine. There are different types of Defra approved stoves available to purchase. You can choose a small Defra approved wood burner for an inglenook fireplace or a bigger freestanding stove to fill the room, there's certain to be a stove that will match your home.
There are a variety of Defra approved stoves that feature a modern contemporary design that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. Typically, they have large glass doors that permit you to enjoy the warmth and fire from the comfort of your living room.
A kit offered by the manufacturer can be used to alter certain Defra approved appliances to make them DEFRA conforming. This kit stops the air vents at the top of the stove from being closed completely. This is known as "slumbering" and can cause unburned combustible material to escape into the atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is constructed to create very little smoke and provide high heat. They are therefore ideal for smoke-controlled areas and can be used with smokeless or wood materials. They also have high efficiency and can burn logs with less mess than non-Defra exempt stoves. They also come with an airwashing system that helps keep your windows' glass clean. This makes them a stylish and efficient choice for your home.
A lot of wood burning stove stores offer stoves that have been approved by Defra. These stoves are referred to by the acronym 'SE' or smoke-free stoves. The reason that they can be used in smoke control zones is because of their advanced combustion systems which make use of secondary and tertiary burners to minimize harmful emissions. They can also be equipped with a 5-inch flue liner as opposed to the standard 6 inches required by building regulations.
A DEFRA exempted stove features an adjustable top air vent which prevents it being closed completely. This is a common error people make and can cause the fire to smoulder. It also produces lots of smoke. The stoves come with a built in limit which ensures that a certain amount of air is pumped to the fuel so that it doesn't starve and produce excessive smoke.
The stove manufacturers have taken this idea to the next level by introducing Defra Plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet but exceed the standards that are required. The best example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with Defra standards, but also has been awarded an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is a remarkable achievement which proves that a DEFRA-exempt stove is highly efficient and green. The future is looking promising for eco-friendly stoves.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Certain UK towns and cities have been designated as smoke control zones. If you are in a smoke control area where you are allowed to install the stove if it's approved by DEFRA. The stove can be used to burn wood or other fuels approved without producing excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will typically have an air vent that is unable to be completely shut off, allowing it to keep a constant supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn much more efficiently, reducing the production of soot and reduces emissions.
You should also look out for stoves that have been certified by DEFRA as being suitable for use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels such as anthracite and lignite as well as granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to assist the stove in burning efficiently. They should be marked with a 'Ready To burn" logo, which signifies that the fuel is in compliance with the required sulphur levels and smoke emissions.
You can enjoy years of low-cost heating while also conserving 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 flue and chimney and having regular inspections carried out by an engineer and following the instructions provided by the manufacturer for maintenance and usage.
Stoves can be a focal point in any home, and they can add value and comfort. With so many designs, materials, finishes and heat outputs to think about it is essential to ensure you select the right stove for your home. If you reside in a smoke-free area, it's crucial to select an DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and potentially being fined. Fortunately, we have a wide selection of high quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves to explore.