14 Questions You Might Be Afraid To Ask About Stove Defra Approved

Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people who are looking for an upgrade to their stove are contemplating a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be installed in areas that control smoke provided that only Defra approved fuels that are authorised to be burned.
The manufacturer will also modify them to limit the amount of air that could be removed from them and could cause smoking.
Clean Burn Technology
There are a variety of different terms that are discussed when it is about wood burning and multi fuel stoves. Some of the most important ones are clean burn DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. For the average person, these may seem like marketing buzzwords they don't have to be concerned about, but they are worth keeping in mind when selecting your new stove.
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is able to be used in smoke control areas provided it uses specific types of fuels (mostly brquettes, logs, and steam coal that is low volatile). Modern stove manufacturers employ special combustion systems with secondary and tertiary airflows in order to reduce their stove's emissions. They produce less smoke as a result as opposed to older open fires or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
This is a part of government's efforts to ensure clean air within urban areas and it is working well. A Defra approved stove will deliver the minimum amount of combustion air which means that there is no smoke, however you will get a generous degree of flames and heat from your log burner.
You can identify a Defra-approved version of a stove by looking for Defra-exempt designation or the Defra badge on the product's listing. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer or an expert retailer.
DEFRA regulations stoves that are defra exempt may be significantly more expensive than regular models, however it's important to remember they have been through extensive testing to ensure they meet strict emissions standards. In the long run, you will save money since your Defra stove will consume less logs to produce the same amount of heat.
Ecodesign regulations came into force a year ago and all stoves built following that date must be fully conforming. If you live in a smoke-free zone you'll need a stove that is Ecodesign compliant as well as Defra-exempt (or a Defra-approved model that has passed the rigorous Defra emission tests). Charnwood for instance, offers a range of Defra exempt stoves that are also branded as clearSkies Level 3 which means they have achieved the highest level of combustion that is clean and safe for use.
Low Emissions
Stove makers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by incorporating secondary and tertiary burning systems that decrease the amount released of particulates. The result is not just a stunning stove, but one that emits very small amounts of smoke. This allows you to use it in smoke-controlled areas without worrying about hefty fines.
A DEFRA approved stove, or Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance, as they are usually referred to as, is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has passed the rigorous tests set by the UK Government's Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine maximum levels of smoke and emissions that stoves are allowed to emit.
These tests also look at how a stove deals with smouldering fires that is, the combustible substance in a log burner continues to burn even after the flames have died down. These fires can release smoke in large quantities when they are not fully eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves utilize a secondary combustion system to re-burn the particulates which result from the fire.
Many people live in smoke-control zones where it is illegal to use non-Defra certified stoves and log burners. You must have a DEFRA approved stove to avoid a large fine. There are a range of different types of Defra approved stoves available to buy. You can choose the smallest Defra approved wood burner for an inglenook fireplace or a bigger freestanding stove that can be incorporated into the space, there is certain to be a stove that will fit your home.
There are a variety of Defra approved stoves that have modern, contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors that allow you to take in the warmth and fire from the comfort of your living room.
Some Defra approved stoves can be modified with an approved manufacturer's kit to make them more DEFRA compatible. This kit prevents the air vents on the top of the stove from being closed completely. This is known as "slumbering" and can cause unburned combustible materials to escape into the air.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is constructed to create minimal smoke and deliver high heat. They are therefore ideal for areas with smoke control and can be used with smokeless or wood materials. They are also more efficient and burn logs cleaner than non-Defra stoves. In addition, they have an airwash system which keeps the glass window clean, which makes them a stylish and efficient option for your home.
Stoves that have been Defra approved are often known as "SE" or smoke exempt stoves that are available from a variety of specialist wood-burning stove stores. The reason they are able to be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems that employ secondary and tertiary burners 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.
A DEFRA exempted stove comes with an adjustable top air vent which stops it from being completely closed. This is a frequent error that people make and can cut off oxygen flow to the fire, causing it to ignite and create lots of smoke. These stoves are equipped with an inbuilt limiter that ensures that a minimum amount of air is pumped to the fuel so that it won't become starved and cause excessive smoke.
The stove manufacturers have taken this idea a little further by creating Defra Plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to not only meet but exceed the standards that are required. Charnwood ST2 is the best example. It not only meets Defra requirements, but it also has an A+ energy rating. It is also clearSkies Level 5 compatible. This is an incredible feat which proves that the DEFRA exempt stove can still be extremely efficient and eco green. The future looks bright for eco-friendly appliances.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Certain UK towns and cities have been designated as smoke control zones. If you are in a smoke-control area where you are allowed to install a stove if it is approved by DEFRA. The stove is able to burn wood or other fuels that have been approved without generating excessive smoke. DEFRA regulations stoves will typically have an air vent that cannot be shut off completely, allowing it to keep a constant supply of oxygen. This makes it possible for firewood to burn much more efficiently, reducing the amount of soot produced and reducing emissions.
Find stoves that are DEFRA-certified as ready to burn a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels such as lignite and anthracite Granules. These fuels have been specially formulated to allow the stove to burn cleanly, and they should be marked with the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which indicates that the fuel is within the required levels of smoke emission and sulphur.
You can enjoy many years of low-cost heating while also conserving the environment and making your neighbors happy. You will still need to keep your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it examined by an engineer frequently, and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stoves are the central feature of any home, and can bring value and comfort to your home. It is essential to select the right stove to suit your home. There are a variety of choices to pick from, including designs of materials, finishes and heat outputs. You must choose a DEFRA-approved stove if you live in an area where smoking is controlled. Otherwise, you could be fined and break the law. We have a large selection of affordable and high-quality DEFRA exempted stoves.