Choosing a Defra Approved Wood Burner
If you are looking for a brand new multi fuel or wood burning stove you may notice it's listed as DEFRA approved. It may sound like confusing stove jargon but if you live in an area where smoke is a problem, it's important to have a DEFRA-approved wood burner.
Defra is a government department that oversees agricultural, environmental rural, and other issues. Defra approved wood stoves allow you burn wood legally in smoke control zones (usually UK cities and larger towns).
Clean Burning Technology
Stove manufacturers have been developing their stoves with secondary and tertiary combustion methods to make them more efficient in burning. This allows them meet the stricter emission limits set by DEFRA and ensures that homeowners living in Smoke Control Areas can legally use their stoves. There is typically no distinction between a stove that is Defra-approved and an ordinary wood burner. However, Defra-approved stoves will have passed more rigorous tests and have been subject to a variety of modifications.
Many Defra Approved stoves are designed with Clean Burn technology which helps them to burn wood and other forms of fuel more efficiently and producing less smoke and harmful emissions. This is achieved by introducing a secondary phase of combustion, in which flue gas is recycled and used to enhance the efficiency of the fuel's combustion. This also means that your stove will be more efficient and you will save money by heating your home instead of central heating systems.
DEFRA stoves ratings planning to purchase a new stove ask us whether a particular 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. However, in order to be Defra Exempt the stove must have been tested and have been approved by DEFRA to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
The air vents on a stove that is Defra-approved have been altered so that they cannot be completely closed. This stops the stove from sleeping through the night', which can release unburnt materials such as soot or tar into the air or into the chimney. Stoves that are not exempt from Defra could also "slumber" during the day, which will release more combustibles that are not burned into the air.
Selecting an Defra approved wood burner is a great option to safeguard the environment while keeping your home warm. To maximize the performance of your stove, it is essential to ensure it is maintained regularly by sweeping the flue and checking for obstructions. The more you take care of your stove, it will be able to reward you for many years with warmth and comfort.
Low Emissions
Defra-approved stoves are an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a conscious choice regarding their heating. They come in a variety designs and offer the most efficient and clean burning with less emissions. Stovax has a range of wood burners that are Defra-approved that are suitable for a contemporary or traditional model.
The reason Defra approved appliances are so efficient is that they burn at a high level of efficiency. This means that they produce less dust and harmful particles. These stoves can emit less than 90% of the emissions produced by open fires, and up to 80% fewer than stoves made 10 years ago. The government announced this new law in 2022. It is referred to as Ecodesign. It requires stove manufacturers to adhere to strict environmental standards to be Defra certified.
One of the most important factors is to limit how much oxygen the fire can be cut off of. Stove manufacturers accomplish this by putting vents in to ensure that the stove can be shut down completely that it produces little smoke.
Another reason why Defra approved stoves are superior than other models is that they can burn a wider variety of fuel types, including briquettes and smokeless coal. Other types of stoves on the other hand are only permitted to burn certain types of logs or wood.
If you reside in a smoke-control region, it is recommended that you use a Defra approved gas stove is an excellent choice. You won't have to worry about hefty penalties for using fuel that is not approved.
Remember that the efficiency of a wood burner or multifuel is only dependent on the quality of the fuel used. So, if you are looking for a stove that is Defra-approved, choose the best quality firewood available. Make sure the fuel you're using is dry and has a moisture level of no more than 20 percent prior to burning.
Easy Clean Up
Defra Approved Stoves are an excellent choice for anyone who lives in an UK Smoke Controlled Zone. These stoves are certified as DEFRA smoke exempt appliances, which means that they can be used to burn approved smokeless fuels. They aren't breaking the law by burning wood in them. They produce less soot and black smoke than open fires and traditional log burners.
The stoves that are Defra-approved produce less smoke and soot because they are equipped with secondary and tertiary systems. These systems limit how starved the stove is of air during the burning process. This stops the smoky, dusty combustion that results in dark soot and smoke.
These stoves also come with airwash technology that helps keep the glass clear of smoke stains. It works by drawing in air from the rear of the stove and racing it over the combustion chamber, before dropping to the glass. This keeps the glass looking crystal clean and free of smoke stains if the wood that is being burned is well-seasoned.
Suitable for Smoke Control Areas
Smoke Control Areas are identified in a variety of regions of the UK. These areas have strict rules in place concerning the amount of smoke is released from fireplaces, stoves, and wood burning fires. Non-DEFRA approved appliances are subject to fines for violating the rules and causing excessive pollution. You can avoid this by selecting an DEFRA approved stove for your home.
If you are searching for DEFRA-approved appliances, look for a logo with an icon that is exempt from smoke on it. You can also check the specifications of the manufacturer of the stove to confirm that it is safe for use in Smoke Control Areas. The DEFRA logo has been widely adopted in the industry by both manufacturers and suppliers. Stoves that are suitable for Smoke Control Areas will also typically have SE (Smoke Exempt) following the name on their specification list.
Contact your local council if you are unsure whether your area is considered a Smoke Control Area. You will receive valuable information and advice from them. They might also be able to help you to locate an appropriate stove for your home and the environment.
There are many advantages to choosing a DEFRA-approved stove. They are also much less likely to emit smoke than other stoves. This means that they'll be kinder to your neighbours and are also better for your chimney and flue system.
If you have a stove that is old and is not in compliance with DEFRA regulations you will need to consider purchasing a DEFRA approved smoke control kit or modifying your stove to be in compliance with the regulations. This can be costly and is typically an option for those who are purchasing a new stove anyway.
The fact that you can use wood legally in your home even if it's located in a Smoke Control Area is one of the main advantages of purchasing a defra-approved wood burner. This is a significant benefit, especially for those living in urban areas where the regulations are very strict. There is a wide variety of defra-exempted stoves in hardware and DIY stores and online.