Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people who are seeking a new stove may be contemplating a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed in smoke control areas as long as only Defra approved fuels that are authorised to be burned.

They are also usually modified by the manufacturer to limit how much they can be starved of air, which could cause an odorless combustion.

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. Some of the most important ones are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. These may sound like marketing buzzwords to the average consumer however they are essential to consider when choosing your new stove.

A Defra-approved stove is one that is able to control smoke in areas when the appliance uses certain fuels. These include briquettes and logs and steam coal with low volatile. Modern stove manufacturers employ a unique combustion system with secondary and third airflow to reduce the stove's emissions. They produce less smoke than older open fires or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.

This is all part of the government's efforts to maintain clean air in urban areas, and it does the job extremely well. A stove that is approved by Defra will make use of the least amount of combustion, resulting in a low amount of smoke. You'll still get plenty of flames and heat, though.

Many manufacturers offer an Defra approved version of their stoves and you can easily identify these by looking for the Defra exempt terminology or the Defra badge on the product listing. If you're not sure, call the manufacturer or a local expert retailer.

Stoves that are defra-exempt can be significantly more expensive than regular models, however it's important to remember they have been through extensive testing to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. You will save money in the long run because your stove that is certified by Defra will require less wood to generate the same amount of heat.

Ecodesign regulations were introduced a year ago and all stoves built after that date are required to comply with the regulations. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is Ecodesign compatible and Defra exempt (or at the very least a Defra approved model that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood for instance, has a selection of Defra exempt stoves that are also marked as clearSkies level 3, which means they have met a high quality of combustion that is clean and safe for use.

Low Emissions

Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the amount of particulates that are released. The result is not just a beautiful stove, but one that emits very minimal smoke. This allows you to use it in smoke-free areas without worrying about heavy fines.

A DEFRA approved stove, or Defra smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are often called, 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 maximum amount of smoke and emissions stoves are allowed to produce.

These tests also examine how a stove deals with flames that smolder which is when the combustible material in a log burner continues burn even after the flames have stopped. The fires can release a large amount of smoke when they are not fully extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves are made to combat this issue by utilizing sophisticated secondary combustion systems which effectively re-burns particulates produced during a burn.

Many people reside in smoke control zones where it is not legal to burn non-Defra-approved stoves and log burners. To avoid paying a large fine, you need to have a DEFRA approved stove installed. There are a variety of Defra-approved stoves that can be purchased. Whether you need a small Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace or a bigger freestanding stove to fit in a room, there is sure to be one to match your home.

There are a variety of Defra-approved stoves with a modern design, contemporary style and can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors that permit you to enjoy the heat and fire in the comfort of your living room.

Certain 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 the stove to stop them from being closed all the way down This is referred to as 'slumbering' and can cause the stove to release out combustible material that has not been burned into the air.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is designed to emit very little smoke and produce great heat. They are therefore ideal for areas with smoke control and can be used either with smokeless or wood. They also provide high efficiency and can burn logs much more cleanly than non-Defra exempt stoves. They also come with an airwashing system which keeps your windows' glass clean. This makes them a stylish, efficient option for your home.

Stoves that are Defra approved are often called "SE" or smoke-free stoves and can be purchased from numerous specialist wood burning stove stores. They can be used in smoke control zones because they have advanced combustion systems that employ secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce harmful emission. They can also be equipped with a 5 inch flue liner as opposed to the standard 6 inches required by building regulations.

Another advantage of the DEFRA recognized stoves exempt stove is that it has an adjustment to the top air vent, which prevents it from being closed completely. This is a frequent mistake made by people and it will cut off oxygen flow to the fire which causes it to smoulder and produce lots of smoke. These stoves have an internal limiter 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 idea to the next level by creating what's known as Defra plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet but also exceed the standards required. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only meets Defra requirements, but also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compatible. This is an amazing feat that shows that a stove exempt from DEFRA is highly efficient and green. The future is looking bright for eco-friendly stoves.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Some UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you are in a smoke-control area, you can only install an appliance if it has been approved by DEFRA. This means that the stove can be used with wood and other approved fuels without generating excessive levels of smoke. A Defra exempt stove will generally have an air vent that is unable to be completely shut off which allows it to maintain an ongoing supply of oxygen. This makes it possible for firewood to burn much more efficiently, minimising soot production and reducing emissions.

It is also advisable to look for stoves that have been certified by DEFRA as being ready to use with a range of manufactured smokeless fuels such as anthracite, small lignite and granules. These fuels are specially formulated to aid the stove in burning cleanly, and they should be marked with the 'Ready To Burn' logo that confirms that the fuel is within the prescribed levels of smoke emission and sulphur.

You can enjoy years of low-cost heating while also helping to protect the environment and making your neighbours happy. However, you will still need to maintain your fireplace and keep it in good condition by regularly cleaning the flue and small chimney, having regular inspections carried out by an engineer and following the instructions of the manufacturer for maintenance and usage.

Stoves can be a focal point in any home and add value and comfort. With so many styles, materials, finishes and heat outputs to consider it's crucial to select the best stove for your home. You should select a DEFRA-approved stove if you live in an area where smoking is controlled. Otherwise, you could face fines and violate the law. We're fortunate to have a fantastic selection of high-quality and affordable DEFRA stoves cost exempt stoves for you to explore.