Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people who are looking for a new stove think about a DEFRA-approved wood burner. They can be put in within smoke-control zones, so they are only allowed to burn fuels that have been approved by DEFRA. are burned.
They are also usually modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount they can be starved of air, which could cause smoke.
Clean Burn Technology
When it comes to wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are lots of different terms. The most important ones are clean burn DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. For the average consumer, they may appear to be marketing buzzwords they don't need to worry about, but they are worth considering when selecting your new stove.
A stove that is approved by Defra is one that is able to control smoke in certain areas if the stove uses certain fuels. These include briquettes and logs and steam coal with low volatile. Modern stove makers use special combustion systems that incorporate secondary and tertiary airflows in order to reduce their stove's emissions. As a result, they produce far less smoke than traditional open fires and other stoves that are not Defra approved.
This is part of the government's efforts to ensure the quality of air in urban areas and it works well. A Defra approved stove will produce the minimum amount of combustion air which results in minimal smoke, however you will receive a good amount of heat and flames from your stove's log burner.
Many manufacturers offer the Defra approved version of their stoves and you can easily identify these by looking for Defra exempt terminology or the Defra badge on the product listing. If you're not sure, contact the manufacturer or an expert retailer.
Stoves that are defra-exempt 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. In the end, you will save money because your Defra stove will consume less wood to generate the same amount of heat.
Ecodesign regulations came into force a year ago and all stoves built following that date must be fully in compliance. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is both Ecodesign conforming and Defra exempt (or at least at least a Defra approved model that has passed the rigorous Defra emissions tests). Charnwood, for example, has a selection of Defra exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies Level 3 which signifies they have reached an extremely high standard of combustion that is clean and safe for use.
Low Emissions
Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by including secondary and tertiary burn systems that limit the amount of particulates that are released. The result is not just a beautiful stove however, it also emits very small amounts of smoke. This lets you use it in smoke-controlled areas without worrying about heavy fines.
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 maximum amount of smoke and emissions stoves are allowed to produce.
These tests also examine the way a stove handles flames that smolder that is, the combustible material in a log burner continues to burn even after the flames have died down. These kinds of fires produce a huge amount of smoke when they are not fully extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are designed to combat this issue by utilizing an advanced secondary combustion system that efficiently re-burns the particulates released during a fire.
Many people reside in smoke-control zones, where it's illegal to use non-Defra approved stoves and log burners. To avoid paying a large fine, you need to have a DEFRA approved stove installed. There are different kinds of Defra approved stoves to purchase. There is a wood burner that is Defra-approved for use in an inglenook fireplace, or a bigger stove to fit any room.
There are also lots of Defra approved stoves with modern and contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They typically feature large glass doors to allow you to enjoy the fire and heat in the comfort of your living room.
Certain Defra approved stoves can be modified by a manufacturer supplied kit to make them more DEFRA conforming. This kit prevents air vents on the top of the stove from closing completely. This is referred to as "slumbering" and can cause unburned combustible materials to be released into the atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is designed to create very little smoke and provide great heat. They are therefore perfect for areas that are smoke-free and can be used with smokeless or wood. They also provide high efficiency and are able to burn logs with less mess than non-Defra exempt stoves. In visit this link , they have an airwash system which keeps the glass window clean, making them a stylish and efficient 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 exempt stoves. They can be used within smoke control zones because they feature advanced combustion systems that utilize secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be fitted with a smaller flue liner of 5 inches instead of the standard 6 inches required by the building regulations.
Another benefit of a DEFRA exempt stove is that it has an adjustment to the top air vent that prevents it from being closed all the way. This is a common mistake that people make and can cut off oxygen flow to the fire which causes it to smoulder and produce a lot of smoke. These stoves are equipped with a limiter which ensures an appropriate amount of air is supplied to the fuel, so that it doesn't become starved and create excessive smoke.
Stove manufacturers have taken this concept a step further by creating what are known as Defra plus stoves. These models have been improved to ensure that they not only meet the required standards but also exceed them. The most notable example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with Defra standards but has been given an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is a remarkable achievement that proves that an DEFRA exempt stove can still be very efficient and environmentally green. The future is bright for eco-friendly appliances.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
In the UK, some cities and towns are classified as smoke control zones. If you live in one of these areas you'll be able to fit the stove only if it is approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels that are approved, without producing excessive smoke. A stove that is exempt from Defra will have an air vent that cannot be closed completely which allows the stove to maintain a constant oxygen supply. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, and reduce emissions and soot.
It is also advisable to look for stoves that have been approved by DEFRA as being ready to use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as anthracite and lignite as well as granules. These fuels are specially designed to aid the stove in burning efficiently. They should be identified with a 'Ready To burn" logo, which indicates that the fuel is compliant with the required sulphur levels as well as smoke emissions.
If you choose to buy a DEFRA approved stove and fireplace, you'll be able to enjoy many years of low-cost heat while helping to protect the 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 checked by an engineer frequently and following the manufacturer's instructions.
Stoves are the central feature of any home, and can bring value and comfort to your property. With so many designs, materials, and heat outputs that you can think of it's crucial to make sure you choose the right stove for your home. It is essential to select a DEFRA approved stove if you reside in a place where smoke is controlled. Otherwise, you could be fined and violate the law. We have a large selection of affordable and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.