14 Questions You re Insecure To Ask About Stove Defra Approved
Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner
Many people searching for a new stove will look at a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove. They can be put in in smoke-control areas, as they are only allowed to burn fuels that have been approved by DEFRA. are used.
They are also modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount they can be starved of air. This would result in an odorless combustion.
Clean Burn Technology
There are many different terms that are discussed when it comes to wood burning and multi fuel stoves. The most important ones are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. These might seem like marketing buzzwords to the average consumer but they are crucial to consider when choosing your new stove.
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that can be used in smoke control zones if it is using specific types of fuels (mostly logs, briquettes and steam coal with low volatile). Modern stove makers use special combustion systems that have secondary and tertiary airflows to reduce their stove's emissions. They produce less smoke as a result than traditional open fires, or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
This is all part of the government's attempts to ensure clean air in urban areas, and it's working very well. A stove that is approved by Defra will require the least amount of fuel, resulting in minimal smoke. However, you'll still experience lots of heat and flames, though.
You can determine if you have a DEFRA approved eco design stoves-approved version of a stove by examining the Defra-exempt designation or the Defra badge on the product listing. If you're not sure about the authenticity of the stove, you can always contact the manufacturer directly or visit an knowledgeable local retailer who can help with this.
Stove defra exempt stoves typically cost more than standard models, however it is important to keep in mind that they've been through extensive testing to ensure they are in compliance with strict emission standards. You will save money over the long term because your stove that is certified by Defra will require fewer logs to produce equal heat.
Ecodesign regulations were made public in the year 2000, and all stoves made after the date were required to comply with the regulations. If you live in a zone of smoke control you'll need a stove which is both Ecodesign compliant and DEFRA legislation stoves-exempt (or a Defra-approved model that has passed the strict Defra emission tests). Charnwood for instance, offers a variety of Defra exempt stoves that are also classified as clearSkies level 3 which signifies they have reached an extremely high standard of clean burning.
Low Emissions
Stove makers like Arada & Stovax are continuously making their stoves more efficient by incorporating secondary and tertiary combustion systems which help reduce the amount of particles released. The result is a stove that not only looks great but also emits very low emissions, meaning you can use it in smoke-free areas without fearing a huge fine.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has been through the rigorous tests conducted by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum amount of emissions and smoke that the stove is permitted to produce.
These tests also look at how a stove deals with flames that smolder which is when the combustible material in the log burner continues to burn even after the flames have stopped. These types of fires release a huge amount of smoke when they're not fully extinguished. DEFRA approved stoves employ a secondary combustion system to re-burn the particulates that result from the course of a fire.
Many people live in smoke control zones, where it is not legal to burn stoves that are not DEFRA approved and log burners. To avoid paying a substantial fine you must have a DEFRA legislation stoves approved stove installed. There are many different types of Defra-approved stoves that you can purchase. Whether you need the smallest Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace or a bigger freestanding stove to fill a room, there is certain to be a model that will suit your home.
There are also lots of Defra approved stoves that feature modern, contemporary designs that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors that allow you to enjoy the heat and fire from the comfort of your living room.
A kit supplied by the manufacturer can be used to modify some Defra approved appliances to make them DEFRA conforming. This kit prevents the air vents on the top of the stove from closing completely. This is referred to as "slumbering" and can cause unburned combustible material to escape into the atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency
A Defra exempted stove is constructed to create very little smoke and provide high heat. As a result, they are perfect for use in smoke controlled areas and can be used with smokeless or wood fuels. They are also more efficient and burn logs with less smoke than stoves that are not Defra. They also have an airwashing feature which keeps your windows' glass clear. This makes them a stylish and efficient option for the home.
Many wood-burning stove shops sell stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves are called by the acronym 'SE', or smoke-free stoves. They can be used within smoke control zones because they feature advanced combustion systems that employ secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce harmful emission. They are also able to be fitted with an encapsulated flue liner that is 5 inches instead of the standard 6 inches required by the building regulations.
A DEFRA stoves for sale exempted stove has an adjustable top air vent which prevents it being closed completely. This is a very common mistake made by people and can cut off the oxygen supply to the fire and cause it to ignite and create a lot of smoke. These stoves are equipped with a limiter that ensures the smallest amount of air is supplied to the fuel to ensure that it doesn't get starved and produces excessive smoke.
Manufacturers of stoves have taken this idea to the next level by introducing Defra Plus stoves. These models have been improved so that they not only comply with the standards set by the government however, they exceed them. The best example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with DEFRA lawful stoves standards, but also has been awarded an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is an amazing achievement that proves that the DEFRA exempt stove can be extremely efficient and environmentally sustainable. The future looks bright for eco-friendly appliances.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
In the UK certain towns and cities are classified as smoke control zones. If you reside in one of these areas, you will be able to fit a stove only if it is approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This means that the stove can be used with wood as well as other approved fuels without generating excessive levels of smoke. A Defra exempt stove will usually have an air vent that can't be closed off completely, allowing it to keep an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, reducing emissions and soot.
It is also advisable to look for stoves that have been inspected by DEFRA as being safe to use with a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels, such as anthracite and lignite as well as granules. These fuels have been specifically designed to assist the stove in burning efficiently. They should be marked with a 'Ready to burn" logo, which indicates that the fuel is in compliance with the required sulphur levels and smoke emissions.
If you choose to buy a DEFRA approved stove and fireplace, you'll be able to enjoy many years of low cost heat whilst helping to safeguard the local environment and keeping your neighbours satisfied by not disturbing them with nuisance smoke. It is still necessary to maintain your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it inspected by an engineer regularly and following the manufacturer's instructions.
Stoves can be the focal point of any home, and they can add value and comfort. With a myriad of designs, materials, finishes and heat outputs to consider, it's important to select the right stove for your home. You must choose a DEFRA-approved stove if you live in an area where smoke is restricted. Otherwise you could be fined and violate the law. We're fortunate to have a huge selection of high quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves to browse.