Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people who are searching for a new stove may be thinking about a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be used in smoke control areas provided that only Defra approved fuels that are authorised to be burnt.

They are often modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount they can be starved of air, which could cause smoky combustion.

Clean Burn Technology

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

A DEFRA approved clean burning stoves approved stove is an appliance that is suitable for use in smoke control zones if it is powered by specific fuels (mostly brquettes, logs, and steam coal that is low volatile). Modern stove makers use special combustion systems with secondary and tertiary airflows to reduce their stove's emissions. In the end, they emit less smoke than old open fires and other stoves that are not Defra approved.

This is all part of the government's attempts to keep clean air in urban areas, and it does the job extremely well. A Defra approved stove will provide the smallest amount of combustion air which means that there is no smoke, however you will enjoy a large amount of heat and flames from your stove's log burner.

You can tell if you are using a Defra approved version of a stove by examining the Defra-exempt terms or Defra badge on the product's description. If you aren't sure, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or visit an knowledgeable local retailer who can assist you with this.

Stove defra exempt stoves tend to be more expensive than standard models, however it is important to remember that they've been through rigorous testing to ensure that they are in compliance with strict emission standards. You will save money over the long term since your stove that is Defra certified will require less wood to produce equal 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 live in a smoke-free zone, you will need a stove which is both Ecodesign compatible and Defra-exempt (or a Defra-approved model that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood offers a variety of Defra-exempt stoves which are also marked as clearSkies Level 3 which means they've been able to meet the standards of clear burning.

Low Emissions

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

A premium DEFRA stoves approved stove, also known as Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are often referred to, 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 levels of emissions a stove can produce and also limit the amount of smoke it will emit during normal operation.

These tests also look at how a stove handles smouldering flames. This is when the combustible materials in a wood burner continue to burn even after the flames have been put extinguished. These fires can produce lots of smoke if they are not completely extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are made to deal with this with a sophisticated secondary combustion system that efficiently re-burns the particulates released during a fire.

Many people live in smoke control zones where it is unlawful to burn non-Defra approved stoves and log burners. You must have a DEFRA approved energy-efficient stoves approved stove to avoid paying a heavy fine. There are a myriad of types of Defra-approved stoves you can purchase. You can choose the smallest 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 stove that will match your home.

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

A kit supplied by the manufacturer can be used to alter certain DEFRA list stoves approved appliances in order to make them DEFRA conforming. This kit alters the air vents at the top of the stove to prevent them being closed completely and is referred to as 'slumbering' and could cause the stove to send out combustible substances that are not burned into the atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is designed to emit minimal smoke and deliver excellent heat. They are therefore ideal for areas that are smoke-free and can be used either with wood or smokeless materials. They also offer high levels of efficiency and are able to burn logs much more cleanly than non-DEFRA permitted stoves exempt stoves. Additionally, they come with an airwash system which keeps the glass window clean, making them a stylish and efficient choice for your home.

Stoves that are Defra approved will often be referred to as 'SE' or smoke exempt stoves that can be purchased from many specialist wood burning stove retailers. The reason they can be used in smoke control zones is because of their advanced combustion systems, which utilize secondary and tertiary burn systems to minimize harmful emissions. They can also be equipped with a 5-inch flue liner, as opposed to the standard 6 inch required by building regulations.

Another advantage 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 blunder people make and can cause the fire to smolder. Additionally, it will produce a lot more smoke. These stoves are equipped with a limiter to ensure that a minimum amount air is pumped into the fuel to ensure that it doesn't become starved and create excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this idea to the next level by creating what's known as Defra plus stoves. These models have been improved to ensure that they not only meet the required standards however, they exceed them. The most notable example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only conforms to Defra standards, but also has been awarded an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is a remarkable achievement that shows that the DEFRA exempt stove can be very efficient and environmentally sustainable. The future is bright for eco-friendly appliances.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Some UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you live in one of these areas you'll be permitted 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 and other fuels that are authorised, without generating excessive levels of smoke. A stove that is exempt from Defra will have an air vent that cannot be completely closed which allows the stove to have an oxygen supply constant. This helps the firewood burn much more efficiently, minimising soot production and decreasing emissions.

Look for stoves that are DEFRA-certified as ready to burn a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels like anthracite and lignite granules. These fuels have been specifically designed to assist the stove in burning cleanly. They should be identified with a 'Ready To Burn" logo, which confirms the fuel meets the required sulphur levels and smoke emissions.

You can enjoy many years of low-cost heating while also helping to protect the environment and making your neighbors happy. But, you'll need to maintain your fireplace and maintain it in good working order by regularly cleaning the flue and chimney as well as having regular inspections carried out by an engineer and following the instructions provided by the manufacturer for use and maintenance.

Stoves are the central feature of any home, and can bring value and comfort to your home. With so many styles, materials, finishes and heat outputs that you can think of it is essential to make sure you choose the ideal stove for your home. If you are in a smoke control area, it's crucial to choose the right DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law and paying fines. We offer a wide range of low-cost and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.