Choosing a Defra Approved Wood Burner
When looking for a new multi fuel or wood burning stove, you might notice that it's listed as DEFRA approved. It may seem like confusing stove jargon, but if you live in an area where smoke is a major issue, it's important to have a DEFRA approved wood burner.
Defra is the government department that oversees the regulations for rural, agricultural and environmental issues. Defra approved wood stoves allow you burn wood legally in smoke zones of control (usually UK cities and larger towns).
Clean Burning Technology
Manufacturers of stoves have adapted their stoves to burn cleaner by adding secondary and tertiary systems. This lets them meet the stricter emission limits set by DEFRA so that homeowners living in Smoke Control Areas are able to legally use their stoves. In many cases there is no difference between the Defra approved stove and a regular wood burner however Defra approved stoves have undergone many other modifications that were made to them. They also have passed more rigorous tests to ensure that they are producing more clean air.
Many stoves that are Defra approved are constructed with Clean Burn technology which helps them to burn wood and other forms of fuel more efficiently while producing less smoke and harmful emissions. This is accomplished by introducing a secondary phase of combustion, where flue gas is reused and used to improve the fuel's burn. This means that your stove will be more efficient which means you'll save money by heating your home instead of central heating systems.
A lot of people who want to buy a new stove will ask us whether a specific model is exempt from Defra. This is because a lot of stoves that aren't Defra approved can still be used in Smoke Control Areas provided they only burn the right fuel, such as anthracite semi-anthracite or low volatile steam coal. To qualify as Defra-Exempt, a stove must have passed a test and been approved by DEFRA to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
A Defra approved stove will have been fitted with air vents so that it cannot be closed completely. This prevents the stove from sleeping during the night, which can release unburned combustibles like soot and tar to the chimney or into the air. Stoves that aren't Defra exempt can also'slumber' during the day. This will send more part unburned combustibles into the atmosphere.
Picking an Defra approved wood burner is a great option to help protect the environment while keeping your home warm. To get the most out of your stove, you need to ensure it is maintained regularly by sweeping the flue and checking for obstructions. The more you look after your stove, the more it will reward you with years of warmth and comfort.
Low Emissions
Defra-approved stoves are a good choice for anyone looking to make a conscious choice about their heating. They come in a variety of designs and offer a clean, efficient combustion and lower emissions. Stovax offers a variety of Defra-approved wood burners regardless of whether you are looking for a modern or traditional design.
The reason Defra approved appliances are so efficient is because they burn at a high level of efficiency. This means they emit minimal dust and harmful particles. They can generate less emissions than open fires, and 80 percent less than stoves that were made 10 years ago. This new regulation, known as Ecodesign was enacted by the government in 2022 and requires stove manufacturers to meet strict environmental standards in order to be Defra certified.
One of the most important factors is to limit the amount of oxygen the fire is depleted of. Stove manufacturers accomplish this by installing vents so that the stove cannot be closed so far. This results in minimal smoke.
Another way that Defra approved stoves are superior than other models is because they are able to burn a larger variety of fuel types, including briquettes and smokeless coal. Other stoves on the other hand are restricted to burn certain types of wood or logs.
If you live in a smoke-control area and you are in a smoke-control zone, you should consider a Defra approved gas stove is an excellent option. You won't have to worry about costly penalties if you use unauthorised fuel.
Remember that the efficiency of a wood burner or multifuel is only as good the quality of fuel that is used. So, if you are looking for a Defra-approved stove pick the highest-quality firewood available. It is also important to ensure whether the fuel you're using is dry and has an optimum moisture content of more than 20% prior to burning.
Easy Clean Up
Defra Approved Stoves are an excellent option for anyone that lives in an UK Smoke Controlled Zone. They are categorized as DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliances, which means that they can be used with approved smokeless fuels and you won't be in violation of the law if you burn wood in them. In turn, they produce 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 because they are equipped with secondary and tertiary combustion systems within them. These systems limit how depleted the stove is of air during the burning process. This helps to prevent the smoky and dusty combustion that results in dark smoke and soot.
The stoves are equipped with airwash technology which keeps the glass clean of stains from smoke. It works by drawing air in from the rear of the stove and racing it through the combustion chamber, before dropping down to the glass. This keeps the glass looking crystal clear and free of smoke stains, provided that the wood that is being burned is well-seasoned.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Smoke Control Areas are designated in many parts of the UK. In these areas, strict rules are in place regarding the amount of smoke released by stoves, fireplaces, and wood burning fires. Stoves that are not DEFRA-approved can be fined if they are found to be violating the regulations and causing too much air pollution. You can avoid this by selecting an DEFRA approved stove for your home.
recommended DEFRA stoves can locate DEFRA-approved cooktops by searching for a logo that has an exempted symbol for smoke on it, or by looking up the specifications of the manufacturer to ensure that the stove is safe to be used in a Smoke Control Area. The DEFRA logo is very recognisable and has been widely adopted by both suppliers and manufacturers in the field. Stoves that are suitable for Smoke Control Areas will also often have SE (Smoke Exempt) after the name on their specification list.
Consult your local council if you are unsure whether your area is a Smoke Control Area. They can provide you with useful information and guidance regarding the subject. They may be able to assist you in finding the right stove for your home or environment.
The option of a DEFRA approved stove has many advantages. In addition to the fact that they are legal to use in Smoke Control Areas, they also produce far less smoke than other stoves. This means that they will be kinder to your neighbours and will also be better for your chimney and flue system.
If you own an older stove that doesn't conform to DEFRA regulations, you will have to consider purchasing an approved smoke control kit from DEFRA or altering your stove to make it conform to the regulations. This can be costly and is only an option if you are buying a brand new stove.
One of the main advantages of buying a defra-approved wood burner is that it allows you to legally burn wood at your home even in Smoke Control Area. This is an important advantage, especially for people living in urban areas where the regulations are strict. There is a large selection of defra exempt stoves online as well as in DIY and hardware stores.