Defra Approved Back Boiler Stoves
When selecting a new stove, there are many factors to consider. From the enticing appeal of dual function to the practical aspects of installation, compliance and safety.
Back boiler stoves that are approved by DEFRA are a great solution to these issues. This is due to the fact that they use the smallest amount of combustion air, meaning very little smoke.
Clean Burn Technology
A defra-approved back boiler stove is a great option for those who want a stove that is clean burning and can warm your home and provide hot water to radiators. The stoves come with an integrated steel boiler that is capable of heating your central heating system as the fire burns inside the stove, which means it's a more efficient method of using a wood burner.
Most of our defra-approved rear boiler stoves have a pre heated, airwash system to keep the glass doors clear of soot and ash. The secondary combustion system burns any particles that were not burned during the initial burning. This helps keep the flue gas clean, which leads to a more efficient burning process and lower fuel costs.
DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews of our stoves have been independently tested and deemed Defra SE (Smoke Exempt). The stoves do this by having an air vent at the top that prevents you from closing it all the way, which would cut off oxygen flow to the flame. This causes the fire to smoulder instead of burning properly and release more pollutants into the atmosphere.
Another crucial aspect is the moisture content of your fuel which could be a major contributor to the amount of smoke produced by an electric stove. We recommend burning only dried, seasoned wood with at least 20 percent to ensure your stove burns as cleanly and efficiently as possible. The majority of our Defra approved stoves have a built in moisture sensor that will adjust the rate of combustion accordingly when using damp or wet wood.
Some manufacturers have gone one step further to improve efficiency by incorporating a second clean burn system. This is controlled by a chrome lever at the lower part of the stove. It opens and closes an air vent that draws air over the fire, while reburning smoke that was created by the initial combustion process. Our Defra SE approved ranges are now even more efficient. You can save money on your energy bills.
Easy to Clean
A defra-approved back boiler allows you to run your central heating as well as hot water off the same system. This can be achieved by running a loop through the other taps on the back boiler (there typically are two) to the hot water tank, then using thermosyphoning to get the warmth into the home. This will ensure that your boiler never runs out of hot water as it will be supplied from the tank.
To ensure that your stove is operating at its peak performance you need to keep it clean regularly. Begin by making sure that the stove is cold to the touch. Then, clean the main body of the stove and the door with a clean, dry cloth. We would recommend using a microfiber towel, as these are far less rough than cotton ones.
It is a good idea after you've cleaned the interior of your stove, to clean the glass. Glass cleaners can assist in removing any stubborn stains and marks, and can be purchased from most hardware stores. Glass cleaner is best used sparingly since too much of it can cause damage to glass surfaces.
As time passes the seals that cover the doors of your stove and the glass can begin to deteriorate. This can lead to gaps which can leak heat and cause heat loss, which is why it is essential to replace the seals at least once each year. This can be done using stove rope, which is available in a majority of hardware stores.
If you have a defra approved stove that has an Eco Design 2022 compliant back boiler that means the combustion process is more efficient than traditional wood burning stoves. Modern technology has made it possible to decrease the amount of combustibles released into the air. The stoves that comply with the regulations are more eco efficient and are also less expensive to operate.
Another thing to remember with a back boiler stove is that it will always be a bit more expensive than a typical multifuel stove, because it will generate more hot water than a normal multifuel stove. It is still an economical way to heat your home and can be used for both central heating and hot water.
Easy to Install
Boiler stoves are fashionable and efficient option that can provide heat and hot water for your central heating system. A wood burner with back boiler is distinct from other multi-fuel stoves that need to be connected to gas boilers. It can connect directly to central heating and hot water of your home, eliminating the need for a second heating system.
A wood-burning stove with a back boiler can also be used to run your heating system entirely by renewable sources, making them a more environmentally conscious choice than other types of stoves. In addition, because they burn pellets and logs produce less emissions than oil or gas heating systems, which makes them a great option for those concerned about the impact their energy use is having on global warming.
Installing a wood-burning fireplace with an electric boiler is relatively simple. It's important to ensure the stove is correctly installed and connected to your heating system. This is best accomplished by a trained heating technician. They can make sure that your stove is set up correctly and is connected to the appropriate systems. They can also make sure that all safety devices are installed.
Defra Approved stoves or Defra Exempt Stoves as they are sometimes referred to they have met the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) requirements for smoke emission levels. They are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and have been tested and modified to produce a very clean burn that can be easily used with wood as well as smokeless fuels.
As as such, DEFRA approved stoves, such as the Defra Exempt Dunsley Yorkshire and our best selling Hi-Flame Aidan, are able to offer high efficiency and very low harmful emissions. They have been tested in accordance with the new Eco-Design regulations which imposes limits on the amount particulate matter (PM) and CO2 NOx and organic gases that a stove releases in normal operation.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Most UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas and burning logs on older stoves or open fires could result in a fine for emitting smoke that is considered to be nuisance. The good part is that Defra-approved back boiler stoves are not subject to these restrictions if you choose the correct appliance for your home.
The Defra exempted wood burners are engineered to make use of Clean Burn technology which ensures that any fuel burnt efficiently and with minimal smoke production. You can still enjoy a beautiful fireplace if you live in an area that is smoke-free, however logs must be limited to mineral fuels that are smoke-free.
These stoves meet Defra standards due to their airtight chambers controlled by airflow. They also employ triple airflow systems, which ensure that combustion byproducts will be burned up before they escape the chimney. This not only helps to prevent any nuisance smoke but also helps to reduce the buildup of soot that can cause obstruction to the flue and decrease the efficiency of gas.
It is essential that you purchase your Defra approved stove from an Expert Local Retailer who can make sure that the appropriate size stove is chosen for your room to give the highest efficiency in heating and that it is fitted correctly by a HETAS certified installer. They can also help you with choosing the most suitable chimney liner to ensure a safe and efficient installation. They will also advise on whether your house needs any additional ventilation.
Modern DEFRA approved stoves are superior to traditional open fires or wood burning stoves. They provide a minimum 75 percent efficiency, which is does not only lessen your carbon footprint but also helps you save money. Defra approved back boiler stoves can be used in smoke controlled areas and will require at least 6mm of stainless twin-wall chimney liner made of steel. This is less expensive than the more substantial 12mm liners required for Ecodesign stoves.
If you're in any doubt about whether your property is in a smoke-free zone, contact your local council, who can give you the most current information. Most reliable stove manufacturers have a dedicated Defra exempt section of their range so that you are able to easily identify the appliances you are looking for when shopping.