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3 Reasons 3 Reasons Why Your Stove Defra Approved Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people looking for an upgrade to their stove are thinking about a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be placed within smoke-control zones, so long as only Defra-approved fuels are burned.

They are also modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount they are deprived of air. This would result in smoky combustion.

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves

When it comes to wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are lots of different terms. The most significant terms are DEFRA exemption, Ecodesign and clean burn. For the average person, they may appear to be advertising buzzwords that aren't something to be concerned about, but they are important to keep in mind when you are choosing your next stove.

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is able to be used in smoke control zones if it is powered by specific fuels (mostly logs, briquettes and steam coal that is low volatile). Modern stove makers use a special combustion systems that incorporate third and secondary airflows to lower the amount of smoke produced by the stove. They produce less smoke than traditional open fires, or other stoves that aren't Defra-approved.


This is part of the government's efforts to ensure the quality of air in urban areas and it works well. A stove that is Defra-approved will require the least amount of fuel, resulting in a low amount of smoke. However, you'll still experience plenty of flames and heat, however.

You can identify a Defra-approved stove by looking for Defra-exempt terms or Defra badge in the product listing. If you aren't sure then you can always reach the manufacturer directly or go to an expert local retailer who will be able to assist with this.

Stove defra exempt stoves are usually significantly more expensive than standard models but it is important to remember that they've been through rigorous testing to ensure that they are in compliance with strict emission standards. You will save money over the long term as your Defra-certified stove will require fewer logs to generate the same heat.

Ecodesign regulations were put into effect in the year 2000 and all stoves manufactured after the date of their introduction must be fully in compliance. If you live in a Smoke Control Area you will need a stove that is Ecodesign compliant and Defra exempt (or at least an Defra approved model that has passed the strict Defra emissions tests). Charnwood has a variety of Defra exempt stoves which are also marked clearSkies Level 3, which means they have reached a certain standard of pure burning.

Low Emissions

Stove makers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by including secondary and tertiary burn systems that decrease the amount of particulates released. The result is a stove that not only looks beautiful, but also emits very low emissions, which means that you can use it in smoke controlled areas without having to pay a significant fine.

A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has passed the stringent tests set forth by the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum amounts of emissions a stove can produce and also limit how much smoke it can create during normal operation.

These tests also consider how a stove deals with burning fires that are smouldering, this is when the combustible substance in a log burner continues to burn even after the flames have stopped. These fires can produce smoke in large quantities when they are not fully eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves are designed to combat this issue by utilizing an advanced secondary combustion system that efficiently re-burns the particulates that are released during a burn.

Many people live in smoke control zones, where it is unlawful to burn non-Defra-approved stoves and log burners. To avoid paying a substantial fine you need to have a DEFRA approved stove installed. There are many different types of stoves that are Defra-approved that can be purchased. If you require an incredibly small Defra approved wood burner for your inglenook fireplace or a larger freestanding stove that can be incorporated into a room, there is certain to be a stove that will fit your home.

There are also lots of Defra approved stoves that have a modern contemporary design that can be used in smoke-controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors so you can 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 in order to make them DEFRA compliant. This kit changes the air vents on the top of the stove to stop them from being closed all the way down and is referred to as 'slumbering' and can cause the stove to let out combustible material that has not been burned into the atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is designed to emit very little smoke and produce great heat. They are therefore perfect for smoke-controlled areas and can be used with wood or smokeless materials. They also provide high efficiency and are able to burn logs much more cleanly than stoves that are not exempt from Defra. They also have an airwashing feature that keeps your windows' glass clean. This makes them a stylish and efficient choice for your home.

Many wood burning stove shops offer stoves that are Defra-approved. These stoves are referred to by the acronym 'SE' or smoke-free stoves. The reason they are able to be used in smoke control zones is because of their advanced combustion systems which make use of secondary and tertiary burners to reduce harmful emissions. They are also able to be equipped with a 5 inch flue liner instead of the standard 6 inch required by building regulations.

Another great feature of a DEFRA exempt stove is that they come with an adjustment on the top air vent, which prevents it from closing completely. This is a common blunder that people make, and can cause the fire to smoulder. It also produces much more smoke. The stoves are equipped with a limiter to ensure that the smallest amount of air is supplied to the fuel to ensure it doesn't starve and produce excessive smoke.

Manufacturers of stoves have taken this idea and developed Defra Plus stoves. These models have been updated to not only meet, but even exceed the standards that are required. The most notable example is the Charnwood ST2 which not only meets Defra standards but has been given an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is an amazing achievement which proves that the DEFRA exempt stove can be extremely efficient and environmentally friendly. The future is bright for eco-friendly appliances.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Some UK cities and towns have been designated as smoke control zones. If you are in a smoke-control area it is only possible to install the stove if it's approved by DEFRA. This means that the stove is able to be used with wood as well as other fuels that are authorised, without generating excessive levels of smoke. A Defra-exempt stove has an air vent that cannot be completely closed which allows the stove to have an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn much more efficiently, minimising the amount of soot produced and reduces emissions.

You should also look out for stoves that have been inspected by DEFRA as being safe to use with a range 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 confirms the fuel meets the required sulphur levels as well as smoke emissions.

You can enjoy a long time of low-cost heating while also helping to protect the environment and making your neighbours happy. But, you'll have to maintain your fireplace and keep it in good working order by regularly cleaning the chimney and flue system and performing regular inspections by an engineer, and following the instructions of the manufacturer for maintenance and use.

Stoves can be a focal point for any home and can add value and comfort. It's important to choose the right stove to suit your home. There are a myriad of options to choose from in terms of designs of materials, finishes and heat outputs. You should select a DEFRA-approved stove if you reside in a place where smoke is restricted. Otherwise you could face fines and violate the law. Fortunately, we have a fantastic selection of high-quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves for you to browse.

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