Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people searching for a new stove should look at a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove. These stoves can be used in smoke control areas as long as only Defra approved authorised fuels are burned.

They are also modified by the manufacturer to limit the extent to which they can be starved of air which would create smoky combustion.

Clean Burn Technology

When it comes to wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are lots of different terms. Some of the most important ones are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. To the average person these may seem like marketing buzzwords they don't need to worry about, but it's worth keeping in mind when you are choosing your next stove.

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is able to be used in smoke control areas if it is powered by specific fuels (mostly logs, briquettes and low volatile steam coal). Modern stove manufacturers use special combustion systems with secondary and tertiary airflows to reduce their stove's emissions. This means that they emit less smoke than older open fires and other stoves that aren't Defra approved.

This is a part of government's efforts to ensure clean air within urban areas, and it performs well. A Defra-approved stove will use the minimum amount of fuel, resulting in minimal smoke. However, you'll still experience lots of heat and flames though.

Most manufacturers will sell the Defra approved version of their stoves and you can easily identify them by looking for Defra exempted terminology or the Defra badge on the product's listing. If you're not sure, call the manufacturer or a local expert retailer.

Stoves that are exempt from defra regulations typically cost more than standard models, however it is important to keep in mind that they have been through rigorous testing to ensure that they are in compliance with strict emission standards. In the end, you will save money since your Defra stove will consume less fuel to generate the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations were enacted a year ago, and all stoves made after that date are required to meet the requirements. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is Ecodesign compliant and DEFRA Approved high-quality stoves (https://www.longisland.com) exempt (or at the very least a Defra approved model that has passed the rigorous Defra emissions tests). Charnwood offers a range Defra-exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies Level 3 which means they've been able to meet the standards of clear burning.

Low Emissions

Stove makers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems that limit the amount of particulates released. The result is not only a beautiful stove however, it also emits very little smoke. This allows you to use it in smoke-controlled areas without worrying about heavy fines.

A DEFRA approved stove, or Defra smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are commonly referred to as, is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has passed the rigorous tests conducted by the UK Government's Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the highest amounts of emissions the stove can generate and also limit the amount of smoke it can create during normal operation.

These tests also look at how a stove deals with smouldering fires that is, the combustible material in the log burner continues to burn even after the flames have cooled. These fires can produce smoke in large quantities if they are not completely extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves use secondary combustion systems to re-burn the particulates which are produced during a fire.

Many people reside in smoke control zones where it is illegal to burn non-Defra approved stoves and log burners. To avoid a hefty fine you need to have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are different kinds of Defra approved stoves to purchase. Whether you need a small Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace or a larger freestanding stove that can be incorporated into the space, there is certain to be a model that will fit your home.

There are also lots of Defra approved stoves that feature modern, contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. Typically, they have large glass doors that allow you to enjoy the warmth and fire from the comfort of your living room.

A kit provided by the manufacturer can be used to modify some Defra approved appliances in order to make them DEFRA certified. This kit alters the air vents on the top of a stove to ensure that they are not closed all the way down This is referred to as 'slumbering' and could cause the stove to let out unburnt combustible materials into the air.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is designed to produce very little smoke and provide excellent heat. They are therefore perfect for smoke-controlled areas and can be used with smokeless or wood. They also provide high levels of efficiency and are able to burn logs more efficiently than non-Defra exempt stoves. They also have an airwash system that keeps the glass windows clean, making them a fashionable and efficient option for DEFRA approved high-quality stoves your home.

Stoves that have been Defra approved are usually known as 'SE' or smoke exempt stoves and are available from a variety of specialist wood burning stove stores. The reason they can be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems which utilize secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce 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.

A DEFRA exempted stove has an adjustable top air vent which can't be closed completely. This is a common error that people make, and will cause the fire to smoulder. Additionally, it will produce much more smoke. The stoves come with a built in limit that ensures that a minimum amount of air is delivered to the fuel, so that it can't be starved and produce excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this concept one step further by introducing what's called Defra plus stoves. These models have been updated to not only meet, but even exceed the standards required. The best example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only meets Defra standards, but also has been awarded an A+ energy rating and is clearSkies level 5 compliant. This is an impressive feat that proves a DEFRA stoves price range-exempt stove is highly efficient and environmentally friendly. The future is bright for eco-friendly stoves.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

In the UK, some towns and cities are classified as smoke control areas. If you reside in one of these areas, you will be permitted to install an appliance 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 have been approved, without producing excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will generally have an air vent that cannot be closed off completely which allows it to maintain a constant supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, while reducing emissions and soot.

Look for stoves that are DEFRA-certified as ready to burn a range of manufactured smokeless fuels such as lignite and anthracite Granules. These fuels are specially designed to assist the stove in burning efficiently. They should be marked with a 'Ready To Burn" logo, which indicates that the fuel meets the minimum sulphur levels and smoke emissions.

You can enjoy years of low-cost heat while protecting the environment and making your neighbours happy. You will still need to maintain your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it examined by an engineer on a regular basis and following the manufacturer's instructions.

Stoves can be a focal point in any home and can add value and comfort. With a myriad of designs, materials, finishes and heat outputs to think about, it's important to make sure you choose the best stove for your home. It is essential to select a DEFRA approved stove if you reside in a place where smoke is restricted. Otherwise you could be fined and break the law. We offer a wide selection of affordable and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.