Choosing a Defra Approved Wood Burner
If you are looking for a brand new multi fuel or wood burning stove you may notice it's described as DEFRA approved. It may seem like confusing stove jargon but should you reside in an region where smoke is a major issue it's essential to have a DEFRA approved wood burner.
Defra is a government department that regulates environmental, agricultural, and rural issues. Defra approved stoves allow you to legally burn wood in smoke control zones (usually UK cities and large towns).
Clean Burning Technology
Manufacturers of stoves have developed their stoves to be more efficiently by incorporating secondary and tertiary systems. This allows them to meet the stricter emission limits set by DEFRA and ensures that homeowners living in Smoke Control Areas are able to legally use their stoves. In most cases, there is no difference between a Defra Approved stove and a standard wood burner, however Defra approved stoves have been through a lot of other modifications made to them and have passed more rigorous tests to ensure they are creating cleaner air.
fireplacesandstove that are Defra approved are constructed with Clean Burn technology which helps them to burn wood and other types of fuel more efficiently while producing less smoke and harmful emissions. This is achieved by introducing a secondary stage of combustion, where flue gas is recycled and used to improve the fuel's burn. This makes your stove more energy efficient which means you will save on heating your home by using it instead of a central heating system.
Many people seeking to buy a new stove will ask us if a certain model is exempt from the Defra regulations. Many stoves, even those that are not Defra approved, can still be used in Smoke Control Areas as long they are burning the right fuel. This includes anthracite coal and low volatile steam. However, in order to be Defra Exempt the stove must be tested and been approved by DEFRA to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
The air vents on an approved stove by Defra are modified to ensure that they are not completely closed. This prevents the stove from'slumbering at night, which could release unburned combustibles like soot and tar into the chimney or the air. Stoves that aren't exempt from Defra could also "slumber" during the day, which could send more unburned combustibles in the air.
Choosing a stove that is Defra-approved is a great option to keep your home warm and also protect the environment. To get the most out of your stove, you need to ensure it is maintained regularly by cleaning the flue and examining it for blockages. The more you take care of your stove, it will be able to reward you for many years with warmth and comfort.
Low Emissions
Defra-approved stoves are an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a smart choice about their heating. They come in a variety designs and offer a clean, efficient combustion, with reduced emissions. Stovax offers a variety of wood burners that have been approved by Defra, whether you are looking for a contemporary or traditional model.
The reason Defra approved appliances are so efficient is because they burn at a high level of efficiency. This means that they produce very little dust and harmful particles. These stoves can emit less emissions than open fires, and 80 percent less than stoves manufactured 10 years ago. This new law, known as Ecodesign, was introduced by the government in 2022 and requires stove manufacturers to comply with strict environmental criteria to be Defra approved.
One of the main factors is limiting the amount the stove can be 'closed down which means how starved the stove is of oxygen. Stove manufacturers achieve this by installing vents so that the stove can't be closed so far. This results in minimal smoke.
Another reason why Defra approved stoves are superior than other models is that they are able to burn a larger variety of fuel types, including briquettes and smokeless coal. Certain stoves are only permitted to burn certain types of wood or logs.
A Defra approved stove is an ideal choice for those who reside in a smoke control area as it means that they won't have to worry about costly fines if they make use of a fuel that is not approved.
Remember that the efficiency of a wood burner or multifuel is only as good as the quality of fuel that is used. So, if you are looking for a Defra-approved stove, choose the best quality firewood available. It is also important to ensure that any fuel you are using is dry, and has an average moisture content of greater than 20% prior to burning.
Easy Clean Up
Defra Approved Stoves make a great choice for anyone who lives in the UK Smoke Controlled area. They are categorized as DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliances, which means that they can be used with approved smokeless fuels, and you won't violate the law by burning wood in them. In turn, these stoves emit less black smoke and soot than traditional open fires and log burners.
The reason Defra Approved stoves do not produce as much soot and smoke is due to the fact that they have secondary and tertiary combustion systems within their combustion systems. These systems restrict the amount of air the stove is devoid of during the burning process. This helps to prevent the dark, dusty smoke and soot that is generated by a smokey combustion.
These stoves also come with airwash technology that helps keep the glass clear of smoke staining. This works by drawing air into the stove low down at the rear and racing it upwards over the combustion chamber before returning to the front of the stoves glass in the form of a curtain. This will keep the glass of the stove looking crystal clear, and free from smoke stains for as long as the wood is well-seasoned.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
In the UK There are a variety of cities and towns that are classified as Smoke Control Areas. In these areas, strict regulations are in place to limit the amount of smoke released by fireplaces, stoves and wood burning fires. Appliances that are not DEFRA-approved can be fined for violating the regulations and causing excessive pollution. To avoid this, it is important to select a DEFRA-approved kitchen for your home.
You can find DEFRA-approved stoves by looking for a logo with the smoke exempt symbol it or by examining the specifications of the manufacturer to confirm that the stove is suitable for use in a Smoke Control Area. The DEFRA logo is easily recognized and is widely accepted by suppliers and manufacturers in the field. On the specification list of stoves suitable for Smoke Control Areas, SE (Smoke-Exempt) will usually be listed after their name.
Consult your local council if are unsure whether your area is classified as a Smoke Control Area. They can give you valuable information and advice regarding the subject. They might also be able to assist you locate the right stove for your home and environment.
There are many advantages to choosing a DEFRA-approved stove. Besides the fact that they are legal to use in Smoke Control Areas, they also produce far less smoke than other stoves. They are also better for your chimney and your neighbours.
If you own a stove that is old and does not meet DEFRA regulations you will need to consider purchasing a DEFRA approved smoke control kit, or modifying your stove to comply with the rules. This can be expensive and is typically only an option for people who are purchasing an entirely new stove.
One of the primary advantages of buying a certified defra wood burner is that it will allow you to legally burn wood in your home, even in a Smoke Control Area. This is a major benefit, particularly for those living in urban areas where rules are extremely strict. There is a wide selection of defra-exempt stoves in hardware and DIY stores and online.