Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people searching for a new stove will consider a DEFRA-approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed in smoke-control areas, as long as only approved fuels from DEFRA are burned.

The manufacturer will also alter them to restrict the amount of air that could be removed from them and could cause smoke that is smoky.

Clean Burn Technology

There are a variety of different terms that are thrown around when it comes to wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. The most significant terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and DEFRA approved contemporary Stoves clean burn. To the average person these might seem like marketing buzzwords that they don't have to be concerned about, but they are worth keeping in mind when selecting your new stove.

A stove that is approved by Defra is one that can be used to limit smoke in certain areas if the stove is using specific fuels. These include briquettes and logs and low volatile steam coal. Modern stove manufacturers employ a unique combustion systems with third and secondary airflows to lower the amount of smoke produced by the stove. They produce less smoke as a result than older open fires or other stoves that are not Defra-approved.

This is all part of the government's efforts to maintain clean air in urban areas, and it works very well. A Defra approved stove will deliver the absolute minimum amount of combustion air, which results in minimal smoke, yet you enjoy a large amount of flames and heat from your log stove.

You can determine if you have a Defra-approved version of a stove by examining the Defra-exempt terminology or a defra approved contemporary stoves badge on the product's listing. If you're not sure, contact the manufacturer or a local expert retailer.

Stoves that are defra exempt may be more expensive than regular models, however it's important to remember that they have been through extensive testing to ensure that they meet strict emissions standards. You will save money over the long term because your stove that is certified by Defra will use less logs to generate the same heat.

Ecodesign regulations were made public one year ago and all stoves manufactured after that date are required to be compliant. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need an appliance that is Ecodesign compliant and Defra exempt (or at the very least at least a Defra approved model that has passed the rigorous Defra emissions tests). Charnwood offers a range Defra-exempt stoves that are also marked clearSkies Level 3, which means that they have reached a certain standard of clean burning.

Low Emissions

Stove manufacturers such as Arada & Stovax are continuously improving their stoves to incorporate secondary and tertiary combustion methods that reduce the amount of particles released. The result is a stove that not just looks stunning, but also emits very low emissions, which means you can use it in smoke controlled areas without risking a hefty fine.

A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove is one that has passed the rigorous tests set forth by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the highest amounts of emissions a stove can produce and also limit the amount of smoke it will emit in normal operation.

These tests also examine the way a stove handles smouldering fires which is when the combustible material inside the log burner continues to burn even after the flames have cooled. These kinds of fires release large quantities of smoke if they are not completely snuffed out. DEFRA approved stoves are made to tackle this issue by utilizing sophisticated secondary combustion systems which effectively re-burns particulates produced during a burn.

Many people live in smoke-control zones where it's illegal to use non-DEFRA approved high-quality stoves endorsed stoves and log burners. You must install a DEFRA-approved stove to avoid a heavy fine. There are a myriad of types of Defra-approved stoves that can be purchased. Whether you need an incredibly small Defra approved wood burner for an inglenook fireplace or a larger freestanding stove to fill the space, there is certain to be a stove that will suit your home.

There are many stoves that are Defra-approved that have a modern design, contemporary style and are suitable for use in smoke-free zones. They typically have large glass doors to allow you to take advantage of the heat and fire from the comfort of your living room.

Some Defra approved stoves can be modified using an approved manufacturer's kit to make them more DEFRA compliant. This kit alters the air vents on the top of a stove to prevent them being closed all the way down, this is known as 'slumbering' and can cause the stove to release out combustible substances that are not burned into the air.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempt stove is designed to give you a great quantity of heat, while generating very little smoke. They are therefore perfect for smoke-controlled areas and can be used either with smokeless or wood. They also provide high levels of efficiency and can burn logs much more cleanly than non-Defra exempt stoves. Additionally, they come with an airwash system that keeps the glass windows clean, making them a fashionable and efficient option for your home.

Many wood-burning stove shops sell stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves will be called by the acronym 'SE' or smoke exempt stoves. The reason that they can be used in smoke control zones is because of their advanced combustion systems that employ secondary and tertiary burn systems to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be fitted with a 5 inch flue liner, as opposed to the standard 6 inches required by building regulations.

A DEFRA exempted stove has an adjustable top air vent that stops it from being completely closed. This is a common mistake people make, and it can cause the fire to smolder. Additionally, it will produce much more smoke. These stoves are equipped with a built in limit which ensures that a certain amount of air is pumped to the fuel so that it won't become starved and produce excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this concept one step further by introducing what's known as Defra plus stoves. These models have been enhanced so that they not only meet the required standards but also surpass them. The best example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with Defra standards but has also been awarded an A+ energy rating and is clearSkies level 5 compliant. This is an amazing feat that proves a DEFRA-exempt stove can be highly efficient and environmentally friendly. The future looks promising for eco-friendly appliances.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Certain UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you reside in one of these areas you'll be allowed to install an appliance only if it has been approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The stove can be used to burn wood or other fuels that have been approved without producing excessive smoke. A Defra exempt stove will usually have an air vent that can't be shut off completely which allows it to maintain an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the wood to burn more efficiently, reducing emissions and soot.

You should also look for stoves that have been inspected by DEFRA as being safe to use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels such as anthracite, lignite and granules. These fuels have been specifically designed to assist the stove in burning efficiently. They should be branded with a 'Ready To burn" logo, which confirms the fuel meets the required sulphur levels as well as smoke emissions.

You can enjoy years of low-cost heat while conserving the environment and making your neighbours happy. You will still need to keep your fireplace in good order by cleaning the chimney, having it inspected by an engineer regularly, 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 styles, materials, finishes and heat outputs that you can think of, it's important to ensure you select the best stove for your home. If you live in a smoke control area, it's crucial that you select a DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and potentially being fined. We have a large range of low-cost and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.