What Is It That Makes DEFRA Stoves Approved So Popular?
Why Buying a DEFRA Stove is Important If You Live in a Smoke Control Area
There are many aspects you need to consider when buying a wood-burning stove. If you live in a Smoke Control Area then it is vital to have a DEFRA approved stove.
DEFRA approved stoves or smoke exempt stoves are multi fuel wood-burning appliances that have been independently tested and proved to produce ultra-low levels of emissions. This permits them to burn approved fuels such as lekto at night or heat logs in Smoke Control Areas.
Cleaner Burning
The use of wood burners to heat homes is becoming more popular than ever before, as people realise that it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on electric bills. It is good news for the environment. However it is essential to use only clean, dried logs in your stove. This will ensure that emission levels are kept at a minimum. You can enjoy your fire and not worry about the impact it has on the environment when you purchase a DEFRA-approved stove.
A Defra approved appliance (also known as a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance) has been tested to make sure that it meets strict government standards regarding the amount of smoke it produces. They can be used in smoke-controlled areas where burning fuel that is not approved is prohibited, and they are also compatible with a wider range of fuels than other non-Defra approved models.
You can recognise a DEFRA stove by the Defra logo that is frequently displayed on the product pages. The UK government department DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs), has very strict rules on what can be burnt in smoke control zones. Using an unapproved stove could result in a fine. The Defra approval means that you are able to be sure that your stove will be safe to use with authorised fuels in smoke control zones, and it is recommended to verify whether your property is in a Smoke Control Area prior to buying the stove.
One of the most impressive things about a DEFRA woodburner is the extent to which it lowers particle emission levels in comparison to older stoves. As a result of the cleaner combustion technology that is built into these stoves, they have been found to cut particulate emissions by as much as 80%. This improves the quality of indoor air and lessens the health risks posed by polluted air, especially in households with low incomes that rely on traditional wood stoves for heating.
Better Heat Output
DEFRA stoves are subjected to rigorous testing in order to ensure they comply with the UK government's strict rules. They have low emissions levels and a high efficiency of combustion which helps cut down on waste. This is not only eco friendly but also means you'll receive more heat from your stove and need less wood.
The stoves that are Defra-approved are also suitable for use in areas with smoke control and are able to be used with authorized fuels such as peat and wood. They have been tested by an independent party and it has been proved that they burn wood so efficiently that there is no smoke. They also come with an air wash system which helps to clean the glass and eliminate any tar deposits that build up.
They are so effective in reducing smoke, that the UK government introduced laws to prevent burning unauthorised fuel at home. It is illegal to emit dark smoke from a chimney unless it is exempted or burning authorised fuel like wood. This is why you need a DEFRA approved stove or Ecodesign-ready wood burner if you live in the Smoke Control Area.
Stovax Edge is one of our most sought-after DEFRA approved stoves. This stunning multi-fuel burner has an output of 5kW in heat. It is designed to be energy efficient and has been awarded with the highest environmental standard the ClearSkies 5.
It is important to note that DEFRA approval doesn't mean your stove will be efficient. However it is important to look for an appliance with a high efficiency rating. DEFRA stoves ratings rating the higher the amount of fuel it can convert to heat and reduce your heating costs.
Look for wood burning stoves that are Defra-approved. These models will allow you to use 5" liner. This is an excellent option for those who are installing a stove on an existing chimney stack that can't accommodate an 6" liner, and can help you save money on the expense of installing. The Stove Yard installed a number approved wood stoves with Defra approval that have 5" outlets as a result and was able to make the customers satisfied since they didn't have to pay the additional expense of upgrading to an even larger chimney liner.
Reduced Emissions
It is important that you make use of a DEFRA-approved stove when you live in a region that has smoke control in place. These stoves will be able to burn coal, wood and other kinds of smokeless fuels without generating any smoke. They have been tested for conformity with the strict rules set by the government. In the end, DEFRA multi-fuel stoves are extremely popular. You can find these stoves in a wide range of online retailers and in stores across the UK.
The term DEFRA approved stove is often confused with the more formal name of the DEFRA exempt stove, but they are two distinct things. The term"DEFRA exempt" signifies that the stove is pre-approved by DEFRA so that you're permitted to burn certain types of fuel legally within your home. If you live in an area that is smoke-free and you don't possess a DEFRA exempt stove, you could be fined PS1000.
Stoves endorsed by DEFRA have met the stringent requirements of the Ecodesign Directive. The directive imposes an upper limit of 40 micrograms for each cubic metre the amount of airborne particulates that could be released by the flue gases of a stove during normal operation. Modern stoves that burn clean, such as the ones from Arada are able to produce lower levels of particulates. In fact, switching an old stove for a brand new one can cut your emissions of particulates by as much as 90%!!
A Defra approved stove will be able to burn a variety of fuels such as smokeless coal, logs and brquettes. The stove will produce plenty of light, heat and flames depending on the fuel you choose. It will also offer you the best level of combustion so that you get the most heat out of your fuel as you can.
The main pollutant emitted by solid fuels such as wood is ultra-fine particulate matter more commonly known as PM2.5. It can enter the respiratory system of a person and cause a variety of symptoms, from irritated eyes to worsening asthma symptoms. Swapping an older stove for an DEFRA approved stove can reduce particulate emissions by 80%, while replacing an open flame could result in a reduction of up to 90%!
Easy Maintenance
When you are choosing a stove to use in the home, there are numerous things to take into account. It is important to think about the design, material as well as the heat output. If you reside in an area which is in a Smoke Control Area (SCA), it's important to get a DEFRA-approved stove.
Defra approved stoves are able to burn various fuels, including smokeless and wood, without creating nuisance smoke. They have been thoroughly examined to ensure they meet the government's strict requirements for emissions and smoke levels.
A Defra-approved stove is also more environmentally friendly than earlier models of stoves. This is because the latest models are made with clean burning technology, which means that they emit less harmful emissions when you use them. Many stove manufacturers, such as Arada, Stovax, and Hi-Flame have created secondary and tertiary-burning systems to further reduce the emissions of their stoves. This has decreased the amount of smoke they release.
A Defra stove will also be more easy to maintain. You won't have to clean your stove or flue frequently since they burn more efficiently. This will extend the lifespan of your stove and allow it to run efficiently for a longer period of time.
You might have heard of a DEFRA wood stove, but you're not sure what it is. A Defra Stove is a wood stove that has been deemed suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. If you have a wood-burning stove in your home, but it's not Defra-approved or registered, you could be breaking law by using it.
Defra stoves are not only the best way to stay clear of violating the law, but also to save money on fuel and make your neighbors happy. There are a myriad of reasons why an Defra stove is the ideal option for your home and don't hesitate to contact us at Choice Stoves if you have any questions.