Why We Do We Love Stove Defra Approved (And You Should Also!)

Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people searching for a new stove may be contemplating a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed within smoke-control areas as long as only Defra-approved fuels are used.

The manufacturer may also alter them to restrict the amount of air that can be removed from them, which could lead to smoke that is smoky.

Clean Burn Technology

When it comes to wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are many different terms. The most important are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. These may sound like marketing buzzwords to the average person however they are essential to take into consideration when choosing a new stove.

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is able to be used in smoke control zones if it is powered by specific fuels (mostly brquettes, logs, and low volatile steam coal). Modern stove makers use special combustion systems that have secondary and tertiary airflows in order to lower the amount of smoke they emit. They produce less smoke as a result than older open fires or other stoves that are not Defra-approved.

This is part of the government's effort to ensure clean air in urban areas, and it's working extremely well. A Defra approved stove will deliver the absolute minimum amount of combustion air which results in minimal smoke, yet you get a generous degree of heat and flames from your log burner.

You can determine if you have a Defra-approved stove by looking for Defra-exempt designation or the Defra badge in the product's listing. If you're not sure then you can always reach the manufacturer directly or go to an expert local retailer who will be able to assist with this.

Stoves that are exempt from defra regulations are usually significantly more expensive than standard models, however it is important to keep in mind that they have been through extensive testing to make sure they are in compliance with strict emission standards. You will save money over time because your stove that is certified by Defra will require less wood to generate the same heat.

Ecodesign regulations came into force a year ago and all stoves built after the date of their introduction must be fully conforming. If you reside in a zone of smoke control you'll require an appliance that is Ecodesign compliant and Defra-exempt (or a approved model Defra-approved that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood, for example, has a selection of Defra exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies level 3, which means they have achieved a high standard of pure burning.

Low Emissions

Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by incorporating secondary and tertiary burning systems that decrease the amount released of particulates. The result is a stove that not only looks beautiful, but also emits very low emissions, which means you can use it in smoke-free areas without having to pay a significant fine.

A DEFRA approved stove, or Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are commonly called as, is a wood-burning or 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved fuel stove that has passed the rigorous tests set by the UK Government's Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum levels of smoke and emissions the stove is permitted to produce.

These tests also examine the way a stove handles smouldering fires that is, the combustible material in a log burner continues to burn even after the flames have died down. These types of fires release an enormous amount of smoke when they are not completely snuffed out. DEFRA approved stoves employ a secondary combustion system to re-burn the particulates which are produced during the fire.

Many people reside in zones of smoke control in which it is illegal to use non-Defra endorsed stoves and log burners. To avoid paying a substantial fine you need to have a DEFRA approved stove fitted. There are different types of Defra approved stoves available to buy. Whether you need the smallest Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace, or a larger freestanding stove to fill a room, there is sure to be one to match your home.

There are a variety of Defra approved stoves that have a modern contemporary design that can be used in smoke controlled zones. They typically feature large glass doors which allow you to enjoy the heat and fire from the lounge in the comfort of your home.

Some Defra approved stoves can be modified using a manufacturer supplied kit to make them more DEFRA compatible. This kit changes the air vents at the top of a stove to stop them from being closed completely, this is known as'slumbering'. This could cause the stove to release out combustible material that has not been burned into the atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is constructed to produce minimal smoke and deliver high heat. They are therefore perfect for areas with smoke control and can be used with smokeless or wood materials. They also have high efficiency and can burn logs with less mess than non-Defra exempt stoves. They also come with an airwashing system that helps keep your windows' glass clear. This makes them an attractive, efficient choice for your home.

Stoves that have been Defra approved are usually known as "SE" or smoke exempt stoves. They can be purchased from numerous specialist wood-burning stove stores. They can be used in smoke control zones because they feature advanced combustion systems that use secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be fitted with an encapsulated flue liner that is 5 inches instead of the 6 inch standard required by the building regulations.

Another benefit of a DEFRA exempt stove is that they come with an adjustment on the top air vent, which prevents it from being closed completely. This is a common mistake made by people and it will cut off the oxygen supply to the fire which causes it to ignite and create a lot of smoke. These stoves are equipped with a limiter to ensure that a minimum amount air is supplied to the fuel to ensure it doesn't get starved and produces excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this idea one step further by introducing what are known as Defra plus stoves. These models have been enhanced so that they do not just comply with the standards set by the government however, they surpass them. The best example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with Defra standards but has been given an A+ energy rating and Defra Endorsed Stoves is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is an amazing achievement that proves that a DEFRA exempt stove can still be extremely efficient and eco friendly. The future is looking 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 then you are allowed to install the stove only if it has been approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This means that the stove is able to be used with wood as well as other fuels that are authorised, without generating excessive levels of smoke. A Defra exempt stove will usually have an air vent that cannot be completely shut off which allows it to maintain a constant supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, and reduce emissions and soot.

Find stoves that are DEFRA-certified as ready to burn a range of manufactured smokeless fuels such as lignite and anthracite Granules. These fuels have been specifically designed to aid the stove in burning efficiently. They should be identified with a 'Ready to Burn" logo, which confirms the fuel meets the required sulphur levels as well as smoke emissions.

You can enjoy a long time of low-cost heat while protecting the environment and making your neighbors happy. You will still need to maintain your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it checked by an engineer regularly and following the manufacturer's instructions.

Stoves can be a focal point in any home and add value and comfort. With a myriad of designs, materials, finishes and heat outputs to think about, it's important to ensure you select the right stove for your home. If you reside in a smoke-free zone, it's essential to select an DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and potentially incurring fines. We offer a wide selection of affordable and top-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.