10 Quick Tips To Defra Approved Wood Burner
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. While it may seem like confusing stove jargon, having a DEFRA approved wood burner is vital for those who live in a smoke control area.
Defra is a department of the government that regulates environmental, agricultural rural, and agricultural issues. Defra approved wood stoves allow you burn wood legally in smoke zones for control (usually UK cities and larger towns).
Clean Burning Technology
Stove manufacturers have been working on their stoves with secondary and tertiary combustion methods to make them cleaner burning. This allows them to meet the stricter emissions limits set by DEFRA so that homeowners living in Smoke Control Areas are legally able to use their stoves. In most cases, there's no difference between the Defra approved stove and a regular wood burner, however Defra approved stoves have undergone numerous other modifications made to them and will be subject to more rigorous tests to ensure they're creating more clean air.
Many stoves that are Defra Approved are built with Clean Burn technology which helps them to burn wood and other types of fuel more efficiently and producing less smoke and harmful emissions. DEFRA approved stoves is done by introducing a second phase of combustion, where flue gas is recycled and utilized to enhance the efficiency of the fuel's combustion. This can also make your stove more energy efficient, meaning you'll save money on heating your home by using it instead of a central heating system.
Many people who are planning to purchase a new stove 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 within Smoke Control Areas as long they are burning the right fuel. This includes anthracite coal or low volatile steam. To be Defra Exempt, the stove must have been tested and have been approved by DEFRA for use in Smoke Control Areas.
A Defra approved stove has had its air vents modified to ensure that they cannot be closed completely. This prevents the stove's'slumbering over night' which can send unburnt substances like soot or tar to the air or down the chimney. Stoves that aren't exempt from Defra could also "slumber" during the day, which can send more unburned combustibles in the air.
Choosing an Defra approved wood burner is a great option to help protect the environment while keeping your home warm. To get the most value out of your stove, it's important that you maintain it by cleaning the flue and examining it for blockages. The more you look after your stove, the more it will provide you with years of warmth and comfort.
Low Emissions
Defra-approved stoves are a good choice for anyone looking to make a smart choice about their heating. They are available in many styles and offer a clean, efficient combustion with less emissions. If you're looking to purchase a traditional or contemporary Defra approved wood burner, you can find the perfect model for your home at Stovax.
The reason Defra approved appliances are so efficient is because they burn at a high level of efficiency. This means they emit very little dust and harmful particles. These stoves can produce 90% less carbon dioxide than open fires and more than 80% less than stoves that were manufactured 10 years ago. This new regulation, known as Ecodesign was enacted by the government in 2022. It requires stove manufacturers to adhere to strict environmental standards to be Defra approved.
One of the most important requirements is to limit the amount of oxygen the fire can be cut off of. Stove manufacturers achieve this by installing vents to ensure that the stove can't be closed to the extent that it is. This causes a decrease in smoke.
The Defra-approved stoves are superior than other models because they are able to burn a larger variety of fuels, including briquettes or smokeless coal. Other types of stoves, on the other hand, are only allowed to burn certain kinds of logs or wood.
A Defra approved stove is a good choice for those who reside in a smoke control area as it means that they don't have to fret about paying hefty fines should they make use of a fuel that is not approved.
Be aware that the effectiveness of a wood burner or multifuel is dependent on the quality of fuel used. So, if you are shopping for a Defra-approved stove pick the highest-quality firewood available. Check that the fuel you're using is dry and has a moisture content that is not greater than 20 percent prior to burning.
Easy Clean Up
Defra Approved Stoves are a great option for those living in a UK Smoke Controlled area. They are declared DEFRA smoke exempt appliances, which means that they can be used to burn approved smokeless fuels. You won't break the law if burning wood in these stoves. In turn, these stoves emit less soot and black smoke than traditional log burners and open fires.
Defra approved stoves produce less smoke and soot since they are equipped with secondary and third-party systems. These systems restrict the amount of air the stove is deprived of during the combustion process. This prevents the dark, dusty smoke and soot that is created by a smokey fire.
The airwash feature of these stoves that helps keep the glass free of stains from smoke. It works by drawing air into the stove from a low to the rear and racing it up over the combustion chamber before dropping back down in front of the stove's glass in the form of a curtain. This keeps the glass of the stove looking crystal clear, and free from smoke stains for as long as the wood is well-seasoned.
Ideal for Smoke Control Areas
In the UK, there are many cities and towns that are classified as Smoke Control Areas. In these areas, strict rules are in place regarding the amount of smoke produced by fireplaces, stoves and wood burning fires. Non-DEFRA approved appliances could be penalized for breaking the rules and causing excessive pollution. You can avoid this by selecting the DEFRA approved stove for your home.
If you are searching for DEFRA-approved appliances, search for a logo with a smoke exempt icon on it. You can also check the specifications of the manufacturer of the stove to ensure it is safe to use in Smoke Control Zones. The DEFRA logo is easily recognized and has been widely adopted by manufacturers and suppliers in the field. Stoves that are suitable for Smoke Control Areas will also typically have SE (Smoke Exempt) following the name on their list of specifications.
If you're unsure whether your area is a Smoke Control Area, check with your local council. They will be able to give you valuable information and advice regarding the subject. They may be able to help you find a stove suitable for your home or environment.
The option of a DEFRA approved stove comes with many advantages. Apart from the fact that they are legally permitted to use in Smoke Control Areas, they also produce less smoke than other stoves. This means that they will be kinder to your neighbors and are also more beneficial for your chimney and flue system.
If you have an older stove that does not conform to DEFRA regulations, you'll need to consider getting a DEFRA-approved smoke alarm or adjusting your stove to comply with the regulations. This can be costly and is typically an option for those who are planning to purchase a new stove anyway.
The fact that you can use wood legally in your home even if you live in a Smoke-Control Area, is among the top reasons to purchase a defra-approved wood burner. This is an important benefit, particularly for those living in urban areas where the regulations are very strict. There is a wide range of defra-exempt stoves at DIY and hardware shops and online.