Choosing a
DEFRA lawful stoves Approved Wood Burner
Many people who are searching for a new stove may be contemplating a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed within smoke-control zones, so long as only approved fuels from DEFRA are burned.
The manufacturer will also modify them to limit the amount of air that could be removed from them, which could lead to smoking.
Clean Burn Technology
There are many different terms that get used when it concerns wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. Some of the most important are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. For the average consumer, these might seem like marketing buzzwords aren't something to be concerned about, but it is important to keep in mind when choosing a new stove.
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is able to be used in smoke control areas if 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 reduce their stove's emissions. They produce less smoke as opposed to older open fires or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
This is all part of the government's efforts to maintain clean air in urban areas, and it does the job very well. A stove that is approved by Defra will require the least amount of combustion, resulting in the least amount of smoke. You'll still be able to get a lot of flames and heat, however.
Many manufacturers offer an Defra approved version of their stoves and you can easily identify them by looking for the Defra exempt designation or the Defra badge on the listing of the product. If you're not sure, contact the manufacturer or a local expert retailer.
Stoves with defra exemptions typically cost more than regular models, but it is important to remember that they have been through extensive testing to ensure they are compliant with strict emission standards. In the end, you will be saving money as your Defra stove will require less wood to generate the same amount of heat.
Ecodesign regulations came into force a year ago and all stoves built after that date must be fully conforming. If you reside in a zone of smoke control you'll need a stove which is both Ecodesign compatible and Defra-exempt (or a Defra-approved model that has passed the rigorous Defra emission tests). Charnwood, for example, offers a variety of Defra exempt stoves that are also branded as clearSkies Level 3 which means they have met the highest level of pure burning.
Low Emissions
Stove makers like Arada & Stovax are continuously improving their stoves to incorporate secondary and tertiary combustion methods that help to reduce the amount of particles released. The result is an appliance that not only looks beautiful, but also has very low emissions, which means you can use it in smoke controlled areas without fearing a huge fine.
A DEFRA approved stove, also known as Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance as they are commonly called, is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has passed the rigorous tests set by the British Government's Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum amount of smoke and emissions that a stove is allowed to produce.
These tests also examine how a stove deals with smouldering fires, this is when the combustible substance in a log burner continues burn even after the flames have stopped. These kinds of fires produce large quantities of smoke if they are not fully extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are made to combat this issue by using an advanced secondary combustion system that efficiently re-burns the particulates produced during a burn.
Many people reside in smoke-control zones, where it's illegal to use non-Defra endorsed stoves and log burners. To avoid paying a large fine, you need to have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are many different types of Defra-approved stoves you can buy. There is a wood burner that has been approved by
Luxury DEFRA stoves to fit an inglenook fireplace, or a larger stove that can be adapted to any room.
There are a variety of Defra approved stoves that have modern, contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors to allow you to enjoy the fire and heat from the lounge in the comfort of your home.
Certain Defra approved stoves can be modified by an approved manufacturer's kit to make them more DEFRA compatible. This kit prevents the air vents at the top of the stove from closing completely. This is known as "slumbering" and can cause unburned combustible materials to be released into the atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is designed to produce very little smoke and produce excellent heat. They are therefore perfect for areas that are smoke-free and can be used with wood or smokeless materials. They are also more efficient and can burn logs with less smoke than non-Defra stoves. They also have an airwash system which keeps the glass window clear, making them a fashionable and efficient choice for your home.
Stoves that have been Defra approved are often called "SE" or smoke exempt stoves and can be purchased from many specialist wood burning stove stores. The reason they are able to be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems that employ secondary and tertiary burners to minimize harmful emissions. They are also able to be equipped with a 5 inch flue liner as opposed to the standard 6 inch required by building regulations.
Another advantage of the DEFRA exempt stove is that it has an adjustment on the top air vent that stops it from closing all the way. This is a common error people make and will cause the fire to smoulder. Additionally, it will produce lots of smoke. The stoves come with a limiter which ensures the smallest amount of air is supplied to the fuel, so that it doesn't get starved and
luxury defra stoves produces excessive smoke.
The stove manufacturers have taken this concept to the next level by introducing Defra Plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet, but even exceed the standards that are required. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only has met Defra standards, but also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compliant. This is a remarkable achievement that proves that the DEFRA exempt stove can be extremely efficient and eco friendly. The future is promising for eco-friendly stoves.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
In the UK there are some towns and cities are classified as smoke control areas. 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 that have been approved, without producing excessive smoke. A stove that is exempt from Defra has an air vent which cannot be completely closed and allows the stove to have an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, reducing emissions and soot.
It is also advisable to look for
luxury DEFRA Stoves stoves that have been approved by DEFRA as being ready to use with a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels such as anthracite and lignite as well as granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to aid the stove in burning efficiently, and they must be branded with the 'Ready To Burn' logo which confirms that the fuel is within the required sulphur and smoke emission limits.
You can enjoy years of low-cost heating while also helping to protect the environment and making your neighbours happy. However, you will still need to take care of your fireplace and keep it in good working order by regularly cleaning the flue and chimney and conducting regular inspections by an engineer and adhering to the instructions provided by the manufacturer for maintenance and usage.