Choosing a Defra Approved Wood Burner
You might notice that a wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove is DEFRA approved when you're searching for one. It may be confusing stove jargon, but if you live in an area where smoke is a concern it's essential to use a DEFRA-approved wood burner.
Defra is the department of government that oversees the regulations for rural, agricultural and environmental issues.
Defra approved stoves permit you to legally burn wood in smoke control areas (usually UK cities and large towns).
Clean Burning Technology
Manufacturers of stoves have developed their stoves to burn more efficiently by incorporating secondary and third-party systems. This lets them meet the stricter emissions limits set by DEFRA so that homeowners in Smoke Control Areas can legally use their stoves. In many cases there is no distinction between the Defra approved stove and a regular wood burner however Defra approved stoves have undergone a lot of other modifications made to them and will be subject to more rigorous tests to ensure they are creating more clean air.
Many Defra Approved stoves are designed with Clean Burn technology which helps them to burn wood and other types of fuel more efficiently, while producing less smoke and harmful emissions. This is done by introducing a secondary phase of combustion, in which flue gas is recycled and used to enhance the efficiency of the fuel's combustion. This also means that your stove will be more efficient in energy use so you can save money by heating your home, rather than central heating systems.
Often people who want to
buy DEFRA stoves a new stove will inquire whether a specific model is Defra Exempt. This is because a lot of stoves that aren't Defra approved can still be used in Smoke Control Areas provided they only burn the right fuel, which includes anthracite, semi-anthracite or low volatile steam coal. To be Defra Exempt, the stove must have been tested and have been cleared by DEFRA for use in Smoke Control Areas.
The air vents of a stove that is Defra-approved are modified to ensure that they are not completely shut. This stops the stove from'slumbering at night, which could send unburnt combustibles such as soot and tar to the chimney or into the air. Stoves that are not Defra exempt can also'slumber' during the day and this will send more part unburned combustibles into the atmosphere.
Choosing a wood burner that is Defra-approved can be a great option to keep your home warm and to protect the environment. To get the most out of your stove, it's crucial to maintain it by cleaning the flue and examining it for blockages. If you take good care of your stove, it will reward you for
DEFRA approved stoves many years of warmth and comfort.
Low Emissions
Defra approved stoves are a great option for anyone who wants to make a conscious choice regarding their heating. They come in a variety of styles and offer a clean, efficient combustion, with reduced emissions. If you're looking for traditional or contemporary Defra approved wood burner, you'll find the perfect model for your home at Stovax.
The reason that Defra approved stoves are so effective is that they burn at an extremely high efficiency which means they emit less dust and harmful particles. These models can produce 90% less carbon dioxide than open fires and 80% less than stoves that were manufactured 10 years ago. The government introduced this new law in 2022, called Ecodesign. It requires that stove manufacturers to adhere to stringent environmental standards to be Defra certified.
One of the most important criteria is limiting how much the stove can be 'closed down', which refers to how starved the fire is of oxygen. Stove manufacturers achieve this by putting vents in the stove so that the stove cannot be shut completely. This results in minimal smoke.
Another reason why Defra approved stoves are superior than other models is because they are able to burn a larger range of fuel types, including smokeless coal and briquettes. Other types of stoves on the other hand are restricted to burn certain types of wood or logs.
A Defra approved stove is an ideal choice for those who reside in a smoke control area since it means they don't have to worry about costly fines if they use an unauthorised fuel.
Remember that the efficiency of a wood burner or multifuel is only as good the quality of fuel that is used. So, when you are looking for a stove that is Defra-approved, choose the best quality firewood available. You should also check whether the fuel you are using is dry and has an optimum moisture content of more than 20% prior to burning.
Easy Clean Up
Defra Approved Stoves are an excellent option for anyone that lives in the UK Smoke Controlled Area. They are categorized as DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliances. This means they can be used with approved smokeless fuels and you won't be breaking the law if you use wood in these stoves. These stoves produce less soot and black smoke than traditional open fires or log burners.
Defra approved stoves produce less smoke and soot because they are equipped with secondary and third-party systems. These systems limit the amount of air the stove is not deprived of during the burning process. This prevents the dark, dusty smoke and soot generated by a smokey combustion.
The stoves are equipped with airwash technology that helps keep the glass free of smoke stains. It works by drawing air into the stove, bringing it low down in the rear, and then bringing it over the combustion chamber before dropping back down in front of the stoves glass like a curtain. This keeps the glass of the stove crystal clean and free of smoke stains for as long as the wood is well-seasoned.
Ideal for Smoke Control Areas
In the UK, there are many cities and towns that are classified as Smoke Control Areas. These areas have strict regulations in place regarding how much smoke is released by fireplaces, stoves and wood burning fires. Non-DEFRA approved stoves can be fined if they are found to be violating these regulations and causing excessive air pollution. You can avoid this by choosing a DEFRA approved stove for your home.
If you are looking for appliances that are DEFRA-approved, look for a logo with an icon that is exempt from smoke on it. You can also verify the specifications of the manufacturer of the stove to make sure it is safe to use in Smoke Control Zones. The DEFRA logo has been widely adopted in the industry by manufacturers and suppliers. Stoves that are suitable for Smoke Control Areas will also often bear SE (Smoke Exempt) following the name on their specification list.
Check with your local council if aren't sure if your location is classified as a Smoke Control Area. You will receive valuable information and advice from them. They might also be able to assist you locate a stove that is suitable for your home and the environment.
The option of a DEFRA approved stove has a variety of advantages. They are also much less likely to produce smoke than other stoves. They are also better for your chimney system as well as your neighbors.
If you own a stove that is old and doesn't meet DEFRA standards, you'll have to consider getting a DEFRA approved smoke control kit, or altering your stove to comply with the regulations. This can be costly and is only an option if you are buying a brand new stove.
The fact that you can burn wood legally in your home even if you live located in a Smoke Control Area, is one of the primary advantages of purchasing a defra-approved wood burner. This is a significant benefit, particularly for those living in urban areas where the regulations are very strict. There is a broad range of defra-exempt stoves online and in DIY and hardware stores.