Choosing a Defra Approved Wood Burner
If you are looking for a brand new multi fuel or wood burning stove, you might see it's described as DEFRA approved. It could seem like confusing stove jargon but should you reside in an region where smoke is a concern it is essential to have a DEFRA-approved wood burner.
Defra is a government department which regulates environmental, agricultural rural, and agricultural issues. Defra approved stoves allow you to legally burn wood in areas that are smoke-control zones (usually UK cities and large towns).
Clean Burning Technology
Stove manufacturers have been developing their stoves with secondary and tertiary combustion mechanisms to ensure that they are more efficient in burning. This helps them 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 many cases there is no distinction between the Defra Approved stove and a standard wood burner, however Defra approved stoves have been through many other modifications that were made to them. They also have passed more rigorous tests to ensure that they are producing better air quality.
Many stoves 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 accomplished by introducing a new phase of combustion, where flue gases are reused and used to help the fuel to burn more efficiently. This makes your stove more energy-efficient, which means you will save on heating your home by using it instead of central heating systems.
A lot of people who want to buy a new stove will ask us whether or not a certain model is Defra Exempt. This is because many stoves that aren't Defra approved can still be used in Smoke Control Areas provided they only burn the right fuel, which includes anthracite, semi-anthracite or low volatile steam coal. However, in order to be Defra Exempt, the stove must be tested and have been cleared by DEFRA to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
A Defra approved stove has had its air vents modified to ensure that they cannot be shut completely. This prevents the stove from'slumbering at night, which could emit unburned combustibles, such as soot and tar to the chimney or the air. Stoves that are not Defra exempt may also'slumber' during the day. This will send more part unburned combustibles to the air.
Selecting a wood burner that is Defra-approved is a excellent option to keep your home warm and to protect the environment. To get DEFRA approved stoves of your stove, it's crucial to maintain it by cleaning the flue and checking it for obstructions. If you take good care of your stove, it will reward you over the years with warmth and comfort.
Low Emissions
Defra approved stoves are a great option for anyone looking to make a conscious choice about the heating they use. They come in a variety designs and offer the most efficient and clean burning and lower emissions. Stovax offers a selection of wood burners that have been approved by Defra, whether you are looking for a modern or traditional model.
The reason that Defra approved stoves are so effective is that they burn at an extremely efficient level, meaning that they produce very little dust and harmful particles. These models can produce 90% fewer 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. It requires stove manufacturers to comply with strict environmental standards in order to become Defra certified.
One of the most important requirements is to limit how much oxygen the fire is depleted of. Stove manufacturers achieve this by putting in vents so that the stove is unable to be shut down completely that it produces little smoke.
Another reason Defra approved stoves are better than other models is that they can burn a wider range of fuel types, including smokeless coal and briquettes. Some stoves are only allowed to burn a certain type of wood or logs.
A Defra approved stove is also an ideal choice for those who reside in a smoke-free area since it means they won't have to worry about hefty fines if they choose to use a fuel that isn't approved.
Remember that the efficiency of a wood burner or multifuel is as good the quality of fuel used. So, when you're looking for a Defra-approved stove make sure you choose the highest quality firewood available. Also, make sure that any fuel you are using is dry and has an average moisture content of more than 20% prior to burning.
Easy Clean Up
Defra Approved Stoves are an excellent choice for anyone who lives in an UK Smoke Controlled Area. These stoves are registered as DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliances which means that they can be used with approved smokeless fuels, and you won't violate the law if you burn wood in these stoves. As a result, they produce less black smoke and soot than traditional open fires and log burners.
The reason Defra-approved stoves don't produce soot or smoke is due to the fact that they have secondary and tertiary combustion systems within them. These systems restrict the amount of air the stove is devoid of during the burning process. This stops the dusty, dark smoke and soot that is generated by a smokey combustion.
These stoves also come with airwash technology, which helps keep the glass clear of smoke staining. This works by drawing air in from the rear of the stove, and then accelerating it through the combustion chamber, before dropping to the glass. This keeps the glass looking clear and free of smoke stains if the wood being burned is well seasoned.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Smoke Control Areas are identified in a variety of parts of the UK. In these areas, strict rules are in place to limit the amount of smoke released from fireplaces, stoves, and wood burning fires. Stoves that are not DEFRA-approved can be penalized if found to be violating these rules and causing excessive air pollution. To avoid this, you need to select a DEFRA-approved kitchen for your home.
If you're looking for DEFRA-approved appliances, search for a logo that has an exempted smoke icon on it. You can also check the manufacturer's specifications for the stove to confirm that it is safe to use in Smoke Control Zones. 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) is often mentioned after their name.
If you're not sure if your area is a Smoke Control Area, check with your local council. They will be able to provide you with useful information and guidance on the subject. They might be able to assist you in finding the right stove for your home or environment.
There are numerous advantages to choosing a DEFRA-approved cooking 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 system as well as your neighbours.
If you own an older stove that does not meet the DEFRA regulations, you'll need to consider getting a DEFRA-approved smoke control kit or adjusting your stove to comply with the regulations. This can be costly and is usually only an option for those who are planning to purchase a new stove.
The fact that you can use wood in your home legally even if it is located in a Smoke Control Area is one of the main reasons to purchase a defra-approved wood burner. This is an excellent advantage, particularly if you live in an urban area where regulations are extremely strict. You can find a vast range of defra-exempt stoves at DIY and hardware shops as well as on the internet.