Choosing a Defra Approved Wood Burner
When looking for a new wood burning or multi fuel stove, you might notice that it's listed as DEFRA approved. Although it might seem like confusing stove jargon, owning a DEFRA approved wood burner is vital for those who live in a smoke control area.
Defra is the department of government that handles regulations surrounding environmental, agricultural and rural issues. Defra approved wood stoves allow you to burn wood legally within smoke control zones (usually UK cities and larger towns).
Clean Burning Technology
Stove manufacturers are developing their stoves with secondary and tertiary combustion mechanisms to ensure they are more efficient in burning. This lets them meet the stricter emission limits set by DEFRA to ensure that homeowners living in Smoke Control Areas are able to legally use their stoves. In many cases there is no difference between the Defra approved stove and a standard wood burner, however Defra approved stoves have had numerous other modifications made to them and have passed more rigorous tests to ensure they're creating better air quality.
Many Stoves that are Defra Approved are built with Clean Burn Technology which helps to burn wood and other kinds of fuel more efficiently, while producing less smoke. This is accomplished by introducing a second phase of combustion, where flue gases are recycled and utilized to help the fuel to burn more efficiently. This can also make your stove more energy-efficient, so you can save on heating your home by using it instead of central heating systems.
A lot of people who want to buy a new stove will inquire whether a specific model is exempt from Defra. Many stoves, even those that aren't Defra approved, can still be used in Smoke Control Areas as long they are burning the right fuel. This includes anthracite coal and low volatile steam. To be Defra-Exempted, the stove must have passed a rigorous test and be approved by DEFRA to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
A Defra approved stove will have had its air vents modified so that they are not shut completely. This prevents the stove from slumbering during night', which can release unburnt substances like soot or tar into the air or down the chimney. Stoves that are not exempt from Defra may also "slumber" during the day, which could emit more unburned combustibles into the air.
Selecting a 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 is essential to maintain it by cleaning the flue and checking it for blockages. The more you take care of your stove, the more it will give you years of warmth and comfort.
Low Emissions
Defra approved stoves are a great choice for anyone looking to make a deliberate choice about the heating they use. They are available in many styles and offer an efficient, clean combustion, with reduced emissions. If you're looking for an old-fashioned or modern Defra approved wood burner, you can find the perfect model for your living space at Stovax.
The reason Defra approved stoves are so effective is that they burn at a high level of efficiency and produce very little emissions of harmful particles and smoke. These stoves can produce 90% less emissions than open fires and 80% less than stoves made 10 years ago. This new regulation, known as Ecodesign was introduced by the government in 2022 and requires stove manufacturers to meet strict environmental standards in order to be Defra certified.
One of the most important requirements is to limit the amount of oxygen the fire is cut off of. Stove manufacturers achieve this by installing vents to ensure that the stove isn't closed to the extent that it is. This results in minimal smoke.
Defra-approved stoves are also better than other stoves because they can burn a greater variety of fuels, such as briquettes or smokeless coal. DEFRA stoves near me are only permitted to burn a specific type of wood or logs.
If you live in a smoke-control area and you are in a smoke-control zone, a Defra approved gas stove is a great choice. You don't have to worry about hefty penalties when you use fuel that isn't approved.
Be aware that the effectiveness of a wood burner or multifuel is only as good the quality of fuel used. So, when you're looking for a Defra-approved stove pick the highest-quality firewood available. It is also important to ensure 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 a great option for those living in an UK Smoke Controlled area. They are categorized 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 use wood in them. As a result, these stoves emit less black smoke and soot than traditional open fires and log burners.
The stoves that are Defra-approved produce less smoke and soot because they have secondary and tertiary systems. These systems restrict the amount of air that the stove is deprived of during the burning process. This stops the dusty, dark smoke and soot created by a smokey fire.
The airwash feature of these stoves which keeps the glass clean of smoke stains. It works by drawing air into the stove from a low to the rear, and then bringing it upwards over the combustion chamber, before returning to the front of the stoves glass in the form of curtains. 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
In the UK There are a variety of areas of city and town that are classified as Smoke Control Areas. These areas have strict regulations in place regarding how much smoke is emitted from fireplaces, stoves and wood burning fires. Non-approved stoves may be fined if they are found to be violating the regulations and causing too much air pollution. You can avoid this by choosing a DEFRA approved stove for your home.
If you are searching for DEFRA-approved appliances, search for a logo that has an icon that is exempt from smoke on it. You can also check the specifications of the manufacturer for the stove to make sure it is safe for use in Smoke Control Zones. The DEFRA logo has been widely adopted in the industry by manufacturers and suppliers. On the list of specifications of stoves that are suitable for Smoke Control Areas, SE (Smoke-Exempt) will usually be listed after their name.
Contact your local council if you are unsure whether your area is a Smoke Control Area. You'll get valuable advice and information from them. They could be able help you find a stove suitable to your home or for the surrounding.
There are numerous advantages to choosing a DEFRA-approved stove. Besides the fact that they are legal to use in Smoke Control Areas, they also produce far less smoke than other stoves. They are also safer for your chimney and your neighbours.
If you have a kitchen appliance that is older and doesn't meet DEFRA regulations, you'll need to consider getting a DEFRA approved smoke control kit or modifying your stove to comply with the regulations. This can be costly and is usually only an option for those who are buying a new stove anyway.
The fact that you can use wood in your home legally even if you live in a Smoke-Control Area is among the top advantages of purchasing a defra-approved wood burner. This is a significant benefit, particularly for those living in urban areas where the regulations are very strict. There is a large choice of defra exempt stoves online and in DIY and hardware stores.