Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people searching for a new stove should consider a DEFRA-approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed in areas with smoke control as long as only Defra approved authorised fuels are burned.
They are also usually modified by the manufacturer to limit the extent to which they can be depleted of air which would create an odorless combustion.
Clean Burn Technology
When it comes to wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, there are a variety of different terms. Some of the most important ones are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. These may seem like marketing buzzwords to the average person however they are essential to think about when selecting 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 that is low volatile). Modern stove manufacturers use special combustion systems that have secondary and tertiary airflows to reduce their stove's emissions. They produce less smoke than traditional open fires, or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
This is a part of the government's efforts to ensure clean air in urban areas and it is working well. A Defra approved stove will produce the absolute minimum amount of combustion air which means that there is no smoke, yet you receive a good amount of heat and flames from your log burner.
The majority of manufacturers will offer an Defra approved version of their stoves and you can easily recognize these by looking for Defra exempt designation or the Defra badge on the product listing. If you are unsure, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or go to an knowledgeable local retailer who can assist you with this.
Stoves with defra exemptions typically cost more than standard models, however it is important to keep in mind that they have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that 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 were made public one year ago and all stoves manufactured after that date are required to comply with the regulations. If you live in a zone of smoke control, you will need an appliance that is Ecodesign compatible and Defra-exempt (or a approved model Defra-approved that has passed the rigorous Defra emission tests). Charnwood has a variety of Defra exempt stoves which are also marked clearSkies Level 3 which means they have been able to meet the standards of clean burning.
Low Emissions
Stove makers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by incorporating secondary and tertiary burning systems that decrease the amount of particulates that are released. The result is an appliance that not only looks stunning, but also emits very low emissions, which means that you can use it in smoke controlled areas without risking a hefty fine.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has passed the rigorous tests conducted by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the highest levels of emissions the stove can generate and also limit how much smoke it will emit during normal operation.
These tests also examine how stoves deal with flames that smolder that is, the combustible material in the log burner continues to burn even after the flames have cooled. These kinds of fires produce an enormous amount of smoke when they are not fully extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are made to tackle this issue by utilizing sophisticated secondary combustion systems that efficiently re-burns the particulates produced during a burn.
Many people reside in zones of smoke control in which it is illegal to use non-Defra approved log burners and stoves. You must use a
DEFRA approved energy-efficient stoves-approved stove to avoid paying a heavy fine. There are a myriad of types of
defra Endorsed stoves-approved stoves you can buy. There is a Defra-approved wood burner for use in an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove to fit a room.
There are also many Defra approved stoves that have a modern contemporary design that can be used in smoke controlled zones. They usually have large glass doors to allow you to enjoy the heat and fire in the lounge in the comfort of your home.
A kit offered by the manufacturer can be used to modify some Defra approved appliances in order to make them 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 atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempt stove is made to provide you with a high amount of heat while producing minimal smoke. They are therefore ideal for areas that are smoke-free and can be used either with smokeless or wood materials. They are also more efficient and burn logs with less smoke than non-Defra stoves. They also have an airwash system that keeps the glass windows clean,
DEFRA Endorsed Stoves which makes them a stylish and effective choice for your home.
A lot of wood burning stove stores offer stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves are referred to by the acronym 'SE' or smoke-free stoves. The reason they can be used in smoke control zones is because of their advanced combustion systems that make use of secondary and tertiary burners to minimize harmful emissions. They are also able to be fitted with a smaller flue liner of 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 which can't be closed completely. This is a common error people make, and it will cause the fire to smolder. Additionally, it will produce much more smoke. The stoves are equipped with a limiter to ensure that a minimum amount air is pumped into the fuel to ensure that it doesn't starve and produce excessive smoke.
Manufacturers of stoves have taken this concept to the next level by introducing Defra Plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet but also exceed the required standards. 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 compliant. This is an amazing feat which proves that a DEFRA-exempt stove is highly efficient and eco-friendly. The future is promising for eco-friendly appliances.
Suitable for Smoke Control Areas
In the UK there are some towns and cities are classified 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. This means that the stove is able to be used with wood and other fuels that are authorised, without generating excessive levels of smoke. A stove that is Defra-exempt will have an air vent which cannot be closed completely and allows the stove to have an oxygen supply constant. This allows the firewood to burn much more efficiently, reducing the amount of soot produced and decreasing emissions.
You should also look for stoves that have been certified by DEFRA as being suitable for
DEFRA endorsed stoves use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels like anthracite, lignite and granules. These fuels are specially designed to aid the stove in burning cleanly, and they should be branded with the 'Ready To Burn' logo, which indicates that the fuel is within the required sulphur and smoke emission limits.
You can enjoy a long time of low-cost heating while also protecting the environment and making your neighbors happy.