Choosing a Defra Approved Wood Burner
If you are in the market for a new wood burning or multi fuel stove, you might see it's listed as DEFRA approved. Although it might seem like confusing stove jargon, owning a DEFRA approved wood burner is crucial for those who live in a smoke control zone.
Defra is a department of the government that regulates environmental, agricultural, and rural issues. Defra approved stoves allow you to legally burn wood in smoke control areas (usually UK cities and large towns).
Clean Burning Technology
Stove manufacturers have been developing their stoves with secondary and tertiary combustion mechanisms to make them cleaner burning. This allows them to meet the stricter emission limits set by DEFRA and ensures homeowners who live in Smoke Control Areas can 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 made to them and have passed more rigorous tests to ensure that they are creating more clean air.
Many Defra Approved stoves are designed with Clean Burn technology which helps them to burn wood and other kinds of fuel more efficiently and producing less smoke and harmful emissions. This is accomplished by introducing a second phase of combustion where flue gases are reused and used to make the fuel to burn more efficiently. This can also make your stove more energy efficient, which means you will save on heating your home by using it instead of central heating systems.
Many people planning to purchase a new stove will ask us if a certain model is exempt from Defra. Many stoves, even those that are not Defra approved, can still be used in Smoke Control Areas as long as they burn the right fuel. This includes anthracite or low volatile steam. However, to be Defra Exempt, the stove has to be tested and been cleared by DEFRA for use in Smoke Control Areas.
A Defra approved stove will have been fitted with air vents so that they are not shut completely. This prevents the stove from slumbering during night' which can send unburnt materials such as soot or tar into the air or into the chimney. Stoves that aren't Defra exempt could also sleep during the day and this can release more unburned combustibles into the atmosphere.
Picking an Defra approved wood burner is a fantastic option to help protect the environment while keeping your home warm. But, to get the most from your stove, you need to ensure it is maintained regularly by cleaning the flue regularly and examining it for obstructions. The more you take care of your stove, the more it will give you years of warmth and comfort.
Low Emissions
Defra-approved stoves are an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a smart choice about their heating. They provide efficient, clean combustion with reduced emissions and the potential for cost savings and are available in a broad selection of styles to fit any home. Stovax offers a selection of wood burners that are Defra-approved regardless of whether you are looking for a modern or traditional design.
The reason Defra approved appliances are so efficient is due to the fact that they burn at a high level of efficiency. This means they emit very little smoke and harmful particles. These models can produce less than 90% of the emissions produced by open fires, and 80 percent less than stoves manufactured 10 years ago. The government will introduce this new law in 2022, dubbed Ecodesign. It requires that stove manufacturers to adhere to stringent environmental standards to be Defra approved.
One of the most important criteria is to limit the amount of oxygen the fire can be depleted of. Stove manufacturers achieve this by installing vents so that the stove cannot be closed to the extent that it is. This results in minimal smoke.
Defra-approved stoves are better than other models because they can burn a wider range of fuels, like briquettes and smokeless coal. Other stoves, on the other hand are only permitted to burn certain types of wood or logs.
If you reside in a smoke-control zone then a Defra approved gas stove is an excellent choice. You don't have to worry about hefty penalties when you use fuel that isn't approved.
It's important to remember that the efficiency of a stove is dependent on the quality of the fuel it is burning in the purchase of a Defra approved wood burner or multifuel stove, it is vital to choose the best quality firewood that you can find. Check that the fuel you're using is dry and has a moisture level of not more than 20 percent before burning.
Easy Clean Up
Defra Approved Stoves are an excellent option for anyone who lives in the UK Smoke Controlled Area. These stoves are categorized as DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliances. This means they can be used with approved smokeless fuels and you won't violate the law by burning wood in them. These stoves produce less black and soot smoke than traditional open fires and log burners.
The reason Defra Approved stoves produce less soot and smoke is because they have secondary and tertiary systems of combustion within their combustion systems. These systems limit the amount of starved the stove is of air during the combustion process. This stops the dark, dusty smoke and soot that is generated by a smokey combustion.
They also have airwash technology which helps to keep the glass clear of smoke staining. This is accomplished by drawing air into the stove, bringing it low down in the rear, and then bringing it over the combustion chamber, before dropping back to the front of the stoves glass like a curtain. This keeps the glass of the stove sparkling clear, and free from smoke stains, as long as the wood is well-seasoned.
Ideal for Smoke Control Areas
In the UK there are a number of cities and towns that are classified as Smoke Control Areas. These areas have strict rules in place for how much smoke is released by fireplaces, stoves, and wood burning fires. Stoves that are not DEFRA-approved can be penalized if found to be in violation of these rules and causing excessive air pollution. To avoid this, you must choose a DEFRA approved stove for your home.
You can locate DEFRA-approved cooktops by searching for a logo that has an exempted symbol for smoke on it or by examining the specifications of the manufacturer to confirm that the stove is safe for use in a Smoke Control Area. The DEFRA logo has been widely adopted in the industry by both manufacturers and suppliers. On the specification list of stoves suitable for Smoke Control Areas, SE (Smoke-Exempt) is often listed after their name.
If you're not sure whether your area is a Smoke Control Area, check with your local council. You will receive valuable advice and information from them. DEFRA lawful stoves might also be able to help you to locate an appropriate stove for your home and environment.
The option of a DEFRA approved stove comes with many benefits. They are also less likely to produce smoke than other stoves. This means they will be kinder to your neighbours and are also better for your chimney and flue system.
If you have a kitchen appliance that is old and is not in compliance with DEFRA regulations, you'll need to think about purchasing a DEFRA approved smoke control kit or modifying your stove to comply with the rules. This can be expensive and is usually only an option for people who are buying a new stove anyway.
One of the primary reasons to buy a defra approved wood burner is that it will allow you to legally burn wood inside your home, even in Smoke Control Area. This is an excellent benefit, especially if you reside in an urban location where regulations are very strict. You can find a large selection of defra-exempt stoves in DIY and hardware shops as well as online.