Choosing a Defra Approved Wood Burner

If you are in the market for a new multi fuel or wood burning stove you may notice it is described as Defra Permitted stoves approved. Although it might seem like confusing stove jargon, owning a DEFRA approved wood burner is crucial if you live in a smoke control area.

Defra is the government department that oversees the regulations for rural, agricultural, and environmental issues. Defra approved stoves allow you legally burn wood in areas that are smoke-control zones (usually UK cities and large towns).

Clean Burning Technology

The stove manufacturers have designed their stoves to be cleaner by incorporating secondary and third-party systems. This allows them to meet the stricter emission limits set by DEFRA, so homeowners living in Smoke Control Areas can legally use their stoves. There is usually no distinction between a stove that is Defra-approved and a regular wood burner. However, Defra-approved stoves have been subjected to more rigorous tests and have undergone several modifications.

Many Defra Approved Stoves are designed with Clean Burn Technology which helps to burn wood and other types fuels more efficiently, and producing less smoke. This is achieved by introducing a new phase of combustion where flue gases are reused and DEFRA permitted stoves utilized to help the fuel 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.

Many people seeking to buy a new stove ask us whether a particular model is exempt from the Defra regulations. Many stoves even those that aren't Defra approved, can be used in Smoke Control Areas as long they are burning the right fuel. This includes anthracite or low volatile steam. To be Defra-Exempted, the stove must have passed a test and been approved by DEFRA to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

A Defra approved stove will have been modified in its air vents so that they are not shut completely. This prevents the stove from'slumbering' over night which can send unburnt combustibles such as soot and tar into the chimney or the air. Stoves that are not exempt from Defra could also "slumber" during the day, which can release more combustibles that are not burned into the air.

Selecting a wood burner that is Defra-approved can be a ideal choice to keep your home warm and to protect the environment. But, to get the most from your stove, you need to ensure it is maintained regularly by cleaning the flue regularly and examining it for blockages. The more you look after your stove the more it will give you years of warmth and comfort.

Low Emissions

Defra-approved stoves are a good option for those looking to make a smart choice about their heating. They come in a variety of designs and offer a clean, efficient combustion and lower emissions. Whether you're looking for an old-fashioned or modern Defra approved wood burner, you can find the ideal model for your home at Stovax.

The reason Defra approved appliances are so efficient is that they burn at a high efficiency. This means they produce less smoke and harmful particles. These stoves can produce 90% less emissions 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. It requires stove manufacturers to adhere to strict environmental criteria to be Defra certified.

One of the most important 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 in vents so that the stove cannot be shut down completely which results in a minimal amount of smoke.

Another reason Defra approved stoves are superior than other models is that they are able to burn a larger variety of fuel types, including smokeless coal and briquettes. Other stoves however, are only allowed to burn certain kinds of logs or wood.

If you live in a smoke-control area, you should consider a Defra approved gas stove is a good choice. You won't have to worry about costly penalties if you use unauthorised fuel.

Remember that the efficiency of a wood burner or multifuel is as good as the quality of fuel that is used. Therefore, if you are looking for a stove that is Defra approved, choose the best quality firewood available. You should also check whether the fuel you are using is dry and has an average moisture content of greater than 20% prior to burning.

Easy Clean Up

Defra Approved Stoves are an excellent choice for those who live in a UK Smoke Controlled Area. These stoves are registered as DEFRA smoke-free appliances, which means that they can be used to burn approved smokeless fuels. You will not violate the law by burning wood in them. These stoves produce less black and soot smoke than open fires and traditional log burners.

The reason Defra-approved stoves do not produce as much soot and smoke is because they are equipped with secondary and tertiary combustion systems within their combustion systems. These systems reduce the amount of air that the stove is devoid of during the process of burning. This prevents the dusty, dark smoke and soot created by a smokey fire.

These stoves also come with airwash technology that helps keep the glass clean and clear of smoke staining. This is accomplished by drawing air in from the rear of the stove and racing it over the combustion chamber, and then dropping down to the glass. This keeps the glass of the stove looking crystal clear and free of smoke stains for as long as the wood is well-seasoned.

Perfect for Smoke Control Areas

In the UK, there are many 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 penalized if found to be in violation of these rules and causing excessive air pollution. You can avoid this by choosing a DEFRA approved stove for your home.

You can locate DEFRA-approved stoves by looking for a logo that has an exempted symbol for smoke on it, or by looking up the specifications of the manufacturer to ensure that the stove is safe for use in a Smoke Control Area. The DEFRA logo is very recognisable and is widely accepted by both suppliers and manufacturers in the industry. On the list of specifications for stoves that are suitable for Smoke Control Areas, SE (Smoke-Exempt) will often be mentioned after their name.

If you're not sure whether your area is a Smoke Control Area, check with your local council. You'll get valuable information and guidance from them. They may be able to 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 cooking stove. They are also much less likely to produce smoke than other stoves. This means they will be kinder to your neighbors and will also be more beneficial for your chimney and flue system.

If you own an older stove that does not comply with DEFRA approved traditional stoves regulations, you'll have to consider purchasing a DEFRA-approved smoke control kit or adjusting your stove to make it meet the requirements. This can be costly and is usually only an option for those who are planning to purchase an entirely new stove.

The fact that you can use wood legally in your home even if you live in a Smoke-Control Area, is one of the main reasons to purchase a defra-approved wood burner. This is a significant advantage, especially for people living in urban areas where the regulations are strict. You can find a wide choice of defra exempt stoves online and in DIY and hardware stores.