Choosing a Defra Approved Wood Burner
When looking for a new wood burning or multi fuel stove, you might see it is described as DEFRA approved. It may sound like confusing stove jargon but if you live in an region where smoke is a concern it is essential to use a DEFRA-approved wood burner.
Defra is the department of government that oversees the regulations for rural, agricultural and environmental 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 ensure they are more efficient in burning. This allows them meet the stricter emission limits set by DEFRA, so homeowners who live in Smoke Control Areas can legally use their stoves. There is often no difference between a stove that is Defra-approved and a standard wood burner. However, stoves that are Defra-approved will have passed more rigorous tests and have undergone a number of modifications.
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 and producing less smoke and harmful emissions. This is accomplished by introducing a secondary stage of combustion, in which flue gas is reused and used to improve the fuel's burn. This also means that your stove will be more efficient which means you'll save money by using it to heat your home, rather than central heating systems.
Many people who are planning to purchase a new stove inquire whether a specific model is exempt from Defra. Many stoves, even those that aren't 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-Exempted, the stove must have passed a test and be endorsed by DEFRA to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
The vents for air in a Defra-approved stove have been altered to prevent them from being completely shut. This stops the stove from sleeping through the night', which can release unburnt materials like soot and tar into the air or down the chimney. Stoves not exempt from Defra could also "slumber" during the day, which can release more combustibles that are not burned into the air.
Picking the Defra approved wood burner is a fantastic option to safeguard the environment while keeping your home warm. But, to maximize the performance of your stove, you need to maintain it regularly by cleaning the flue regularly and examining for obstructions. If you take good care of your stove, it will reward you for many years of warmth and comfort.
multi fuel stove defra approved
Defra approved stoves are a great choice for anyone looking to make a deliberate choice regarding their heating. They provide clean, efficient combustion with lower emissions and the potential for cost savings and are available in a broad variety of styles that will fit any home. If you're looking for an old-fashioned or modern Defra approved wood burner, you can find the perfect model for your home at Stovax.
The reason Defra approved appliances are so efficient is due to the fact that they burn at a high efficiency. This means that they produce less dust and harmful particles. These stoves can emit less emissions than open fires, and up to 80 percent less than stoves manufactured 10 years ago. The government announced this new law in 2022, dubbed Ecodesign. It requires stove manufacturers adhere to strict environmental standards to be Defra certified.
One of the main requirements is to limit the amount the stove can be closed down', which refers to how deficient the flame is of oxygen. Stove manufacturers achieve this by putting vents in the stove so that the stove can't be closed to the extent that it is. This results in minimal smoke.
Another reason Defra approved stoves are better than other models is that they can burn a greater range of fuel types including briquettes and smokeless coal. Other types of stoves however are only permitted to burn certain kinds of logs or wood.
If you reside in a smoke-control zone, you should consider a Defra approved gas stove is a great choice. You won't need to worry about costly penalties if you use unauthorised fuel.
It is crucial to remember that the performance of a stove is only as good as the quality of the fuel used and, therefore, when you are shopping for a Defra approved wood burner or multifuel stove, it is crucial to choose the best quality firewood that you can find. You should also check whether the fuel you're using is dry, and has an average moisture content of more than 20% before burning.
Easy Clean Up
Defra Approved Stoves are an excellent choice for those who live in an UK Smoke Controlled Zone. They are registered as DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliances, which means they can be used with approved smokeless fuels and you won't be breaking the law if you burn wood in these stoves. They produce less soot and black 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 them. These systems limit how depleted the stove is of air during the burning process. This prevents the smoky, dusty combustion that produces dark smoke and soot.
These stoves feature airwash technology that keeps the glass clear of smoke stains. This works by drawing air into the stove from a low down in the rear and racing it upwards over the combustion chamber before dropping back to the front of the stove's glass, forming a curtain. This keeps the glass looking clear 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 regulations in place regarding how much smoke is emitted from fireplaces, stoves and wood burning fires. Non-DEFRA approved stoves can be fined if they are found to be violating these regulations and causing excessive air pollution. To avoid this, it is important to select a DEFRA-approved kitchen for your home.
You can locate DEFRA-approved cooktops by looking for a logo with a smoke exempt symbol on it or by examining the specifications of the manufacturer to confirm that the stove is suitable to be used in a Smoke Control Area. The DEFRA logo is widely used in the industry by both manufacturers and suppliers. Stoves that are suitable for Smoke Control Areas will also often have SE (Smoke Exempt) following the name on their specifications list.
If you're not sure whether your location is a Smoke Control Area, check with your local council. They can give you valuable information and advice on the subject. They could be able help you find an appropriate stove for your home or the environment in which you live.
There are numerous advantages to choosing a DEFRA-approved stove. In addition to the fact that they are legally permitted to use in Smoke Control Areas, they also produce less smoke than other stoves. They are also safer for your chimney system and your neighbors.
If you have a kitchen appliance that is old and doesn't meet DEFRA standards, you'll have to think about purchasing a DEFRA approved smoke control kit, or modifying your stove to meet the rules. This can be costly and is typically an option for people who are purchasing a new stove anyway.
One of the most important reasons to purchase a certified defra wood burner is that it will allow you to legally burn wood in your home even in a Smoke Control Area. This is an important benefit, particularly for those living in urban areas where the regulations are strict. There is a large selection of defra exempt stoves on the internet and in DIY and hardware stores.