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. While it may seem like confusing stove jargon, owning a DEFRA approved wood burner is crucial if you reside in a smoke-free zone.
Defra is the government department that oversees the regulations for environmental, agricultural and rural 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 make them cleaner burning. This allows them meet the stricter emission limits set by DEFRA which means 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 regular wood burner. However, stoves that are Defra-approved have been subjected to more rigorous tests and have undergone several modifications.
Many Defra Approved Stoves are designed with Clean Burn Technology which helps them burn wood and other types fuel more efficiently, while producing less smoke. This is accomplished by introducing a secondary phase of combustion in which flue gas is recycled and used to enhance the burn of the fuel. This also means that your stove will be more efficient which means you’ll save money by heating your home, rather than central heating systems.
Many people looking to purchase a new stove ask us whether a specific model is exempt from the Defra regulations. Many stoves, even those that are not Defra approved, can be used within Smoke Control Areas as long they use the correct fuel. This includes anthracite coal or low volatile steam. To be Defra-Exempted, the stove must have passed a rigorous test and be endorsed by DEFRA to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
A DEFRA legislation stoves approved stove will have been fitted with air vents to ensure that they cannot be closed completely. This prevents the stove’s’slumbering over night’, which could release unburnt materials such as soot or tar into the air or chimney. Stoves that are not exempt from Defra can also “slumber” during the day, which can emit more unburned combustibles into the air.
Picking an Defra approved wood burner is a fantastic 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 obstructions. The more you look after your stove and maintain it, the more it will give you years of warmth and comfort.
Low Emissions
Defra-approved stoves are a great option for anyone who wants to make a wise choice about their heating. They provide clean, efficient combustion with reduced emissions and potential cost savings, and are available in a broad variety of styles that will fit any style of home. If you’re looking for a traditional or contemporary Defra approved wood burner, you can find the perfect model for your space at Stovax.
The reason Defra approved appliances are so efficient is that they burn at a high level of efficiency. This means they emit less smoke and harmful particles. They can generate 90% less carbon dioxide than open fires and more than 80% less than stoves made 10 years ago. This new regulation, known as Ecodesign was introduced by the government in 2022 and requires stove makers to meet strict environmental criteria to be Defra certified.
One of the most important criteria is limiting how much the stove can be shut down by how starved the fire is of oxygen. Stove manufacturers accomplish this by putting vents in so that the stove cannot be closed completely, resulting in minimal smoke.
DEFRA stoves disadvantages-approved stoves are also better than other stoves because they can burn a wider variety of fuels, such as briquettes and smokeless coal. Other stoves, on the other hand, are only allowed to burn certain types of logs or wood.
A DEFRA approved clean Burning stoves approved stove is an ideal choice for those who reside in a smoke-free area since it means they don’t have to worry 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 only as good as the quality of fuel that is used. So, when you are shopping for a stove that is Defra approved make sure you choose the highest quality firewood available. Check that the fuel you’re using is dry and has a moisture content that is not more than 20 percent before burning.
Easy Clean Up
Defra Approved Stoves are an excellent option for those who live in an UK Smoke Controlled Area. These stoves are declared DEFRA smoke exempt appliances, Defra Approved Clean Burning Stoves meaning they can be used to burn approved smokeless fuels. You will not violate the law by burning wood in these stoves. In turn, these stoves produce less soot and black smoke than traditional open fires and log burners.
The reason that Defra Approved stoves produce less soot and smoke is because they are equipped with secondary and DEFRA approved clean Burning Stoves tertiary systems of combustion within them. These systems limit the amount of air the stove is not deprived of during the burning process. This prevents the dusty, dark smoke and soot generated by a smokey combustion.
These stoves feature airwash technology that keeps the glass clear of smoke stains. It works by drawing air into the stove from a low down in the rear and bringing it upwards over the combustion chamber, before dropping back to the front of the stoves glass in the form of a curtain. This will keep the glass of the stove crystal clear and free of smoke stains for as long as the wood is well-seasoned.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Smoke Control Areas are designated in many areas of the UK. In these areas, strict regulations are in place for the amount of smoke emitted by stoves, fireplaces, and wood burning fires. Appliances that are not DEFRA-approved could be penalized for breaking the regulations and causing excessive pollution. To avoid this, it is important to choose a DEFRA-approved stove for your home.
You can locate DEFRA-approved stoves by looking for a logo with an exempted symbol for smoke on it, or by looking up the specifications of the manufacturer to confirm that the stove is safe to be used in a Smoke Control Area. The DEFRA logo is easily recognized and is widely accepted by both suppliers and manufacturers in the industry. Stoves that are suitable for Smoke Control Areas will also often have SE (Smoke Exempt) after the name on their specification list.
If you are not sure whether your area is a Smoke Control Area, check with your local council. They can give you valuable information and guidance on the subject. They could be able help you find a stove suitable for your home or environment.
The choice of a DEFRA approved stove comes with many benefits. They are also less likely to produce smoke than other stoves. This means that they will be more considerate to your neighbors and are also more beneficial for your chimney and flue system.
If you have a kitchen appliance that is older and does not meet DEFRA regulations, you’ll 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 usually only an option for people who are planning to purchase an entirely new stove.
The fact that you can burn wood in your home legally even if you live located in a Smoke Control Area, is one of the main advantages of purchasing a defra-approved wood burner. This is a major benefit, particularly for those living in urban areas where the regulations are strict. There is a broad selection of defra exempt stoves online as well as in DIY and hardware stores.