Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people who are seeking a new stove may be thinking about a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be placed within smoke-control areas as long as only approved fuels from DEFRA are used.
They are often modified by the manufacturer to limit how much they are deprived of air, which could cause smoky combustion.
Clean Burn Technology
When it comes to wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, there are lots of different terms. Some of the most important ones are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. For the average person, these might seem like marketing buzzwords aren't something to be concerned about, but it is worth considering when you are choosing your next stove.
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is suitable for use in smoke control zones if it is using specific types of fuels (mostly logs, briquettes and steam coal with low volatile). Modern stove manufacturers employ a unique combustion systems with secondary and third airflow to reduce the stove's emissions. They produce less smoke as a result than older open fires or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
This is all part of the government's effort to ensure clean air in urban areas, and it works extremely well. A Defra approved stove will provide the smallest amount of combustion air which results in a low amount of smoke, yet you receive a good amount of flames and heat from your log burner.
Most manufacturers will sell an Defra approved version of their stoves,
defra stoves Price Range and you can easily recognize these by looking for Defra exempt designation or the Defra badge on the product's listing. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer or a local expert retailer.
Stoves that are exempt from defra regulations tend to be more expensive than regular models, but it is crucial to remember that they have undergone extensive testing to make sure they are compliant with strict emission standards. In the long run, you will save money because your Defra stove will require less logs to produce the same amount of heat.
Ecodesign regulations came into effect in the year 2000 and all stoves made after that date must be fully conforming. If you reside in a smoke control area, you will need an appliance that is Ecodesign compliant and Defra-exempt (or a approved model Defra-approved that has passed the strict
DEFRA requirements stoves emissions tests). Charnwood for instance, has a selection of Defra exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies level 3, which means they have met the highest standard of clean burning.
Low Emissions
Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by including secondary and tertiary burn systems that decrease the amount of particulates that are released. The result is an appliance that not only looks beautiful, but also emits extremely low emissions, meaning you can use it in smoke-free areas without fearing a huge fine.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has passed the rigorous tests set by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum amount of smoke and emissions the stove is permitted to emit.
These tests also look at the way a stove can handle smoldering flames. This is when the material that ignites in a wood burner continue to burn long after the flames are out. These fires can produce a large amount of smoke if they are not completely eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves employ secondary combustion systems to burn the particulates that result from the fire.
Many people reside in smoke-control zones, in which it is illegal to use non-Defra certified log burners and stoves. You must use a DEFRA-approved stove to avoid paying a heavy fine. There are a range of different kinds of Defra approved stoves that you can buy. There is a wood burner that is Defra-approved that can be used to make an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove that can be adapted to the space.
There are a variety of Defra approved stoves with a modern contemporary design that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors that permit you to take in the warmth and fire from the comfort of your living room.
Certain Defra approved stoves can be modified by a manufacturer supplied kit to make them more DEFRA compliant. This kit alters the air vents on the top of the stove to prevent them being shut all the way down and is referred to as 'slumbering' and can cause the stove to let 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 areas with smoke control and can be used either with smokeless or wood materials. They also have high efficiency and are able to burn logs with less mess than stoves that are not exempt from Defra. They also have an airwashing system that keeps your windows' glass free of dust. This makes them an attractive, efficient option for the home.
A lot of wood burning stove stores offer stoves that have been approved by Defra. These stoves will be referred to by the acronym 'SE', or smoke-free stoves. The reason they can be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems which utilize secondary and tertiary burners to minimize harmful emissions. They can also be fitted with an encapsulated flue liner that is 5 inches instead of the standard 6 inches that are required by building regulations.
A DEFRA exempted stove comes with an adjustable top air vent that prevents it being closed completely. This is a common error that people make, and will cause the fire to smolder. Additionally, it will produce much more smoke. These stoves are equipped with a limiter which ensures an appropriate amount of air is pumped into the fuel to ensure that it doesn't get starved and produces excessive smoke.
Stove manufacturers have taken this idea one step further by introducing what is known as Defra plus stoves. These models have been enhanced so that they not only meet the standards required but also surpass them. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only is compliant with Defra requirements, but also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compliant. This is an amazing achievement which proves that an DEFRA exempt stove can be extremely efficient and eco friendly. The future is bright for eco-friendly appliances.
Perfect for Smoke Control Areas
In the UK, some cities and towns are classified as smoke control zones. If you reside in a zone of smoke control where you are allowed 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 generating excessive smoke. A
DEFRA approved eco design stoves-exempt stove has an air vent which cannot be completely closed, allowing the stove to have an ongoing supply of oxygen. This lets the firewood burn more efficiently, reducing emissions and soot.
You should also look for stoves that have been certified by DEFRA as being safe to use with a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as anthracite, lignite and granules. These fuels have been specifically designed to aid the stove in burning cleanly. They should be branded with a 'Ready to Burn" logo, which indicates that the fuel is compliant with the minimum sulphur levels and smoke emissions.
If you opt to purchase a DEFRA approved stove that is DEFRA Stoves price range (
www.40billion.com) approved, you will be able to enjoy many years of low-cost heat while helping to safeguard the local environment. You can also keep your neighbors satisfied by not disturbing them with nuisance smoke. You will still need to keep your fireplace in good order by cleaning the chimney, having it examined by an engineer on a regular basis, and following the manufacturer’s instructions.