Defra Approved Back Boiler Stoves
When selecting a new stove, there are many factors to consider. The attraction of dual-functionality is only one of the many things to think about.
DEFRA approved back boiler stoves provide the ideal solution to these problems. This is due to the fact that they use the most minimal amount of combustion air, meaning the smoke is very low.
Clean Burn Technology
A back boiler stove that is defra-approved is an excellent choice for those who want an efficient and clean burning stove that can heat your home as well as provide hot water to radiators. DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have an integrated steel boiler that is capable of heating your central heating system as the fire burns within the stove, meaning it's a more efficient way to use wood burning stoves.
The majority of our defra certified back boiler stoves come with a pre heated airwash system that keeps the glass doors free of soot and ash deposits. They also have a secondary combustion system that works by reburning any unburnt particulates that were produced during the initial burn. This helps to keep the flue gas clear, which leads to a more efficient burning process and lower fuel costs.
Some of our stoves have been independently tested and certified as Defra SE (Smoke Exempt). They achieve this by using an adjustment on the top vent that prevents you from closing it completely that would shut off the oxygen supply to the fire. This can cause it to smolder rather than burn cleanly and result in more harmful gases being released into the atmosphere.
Another important factor is the moisture content of your fuel which could be a major contributor to the amount of smoke emitted by a stove. We recommend burning only dried, seasoned wood with a minimum moisture content of 20 percent to ensure that your stove burns as cleanly and efficiently as possible. Most of our Defra-approved stoves come with a built-in moisture sensor that can alter the amount of heat burned when you use wet wood.
Some manufacturers have even gone one step further to improve the efficiency of their stoves by including an advanced clean burn system which is controlled by the chrome pull lever located at the base of the stove that opens and closes an air vent that draws air over the fire, re-burning the initial smoke created during the initial combustion process. This makes our Defra SE approved stoves even more efficient, which means you could save even more money on your energy bills.
Easy to Clean
A defra-approved back boiler stove lets you run both your central heating and hot water from the same system. This is accomplished by running a loop from the other taps on the back boiler (there are typically two) to your hot water tank, and then using thermosyphoning in order to get the heat into your home. This will also ensure that your boiler will never run out of hot water because it will be supplied from the tank.
To keep your stove operating at its best performance, you should clean it frequently. First, ensure that the stove is ice cold. Then wipe down the main body and the door of the stove using a clean, dry cloth. We recommend using a microfiber cloth, as they are less abrasive.
It is a good idea after wiping down the interior of your stove to wash the glass. Glass cleaners are readily available in a variety of hardware stores and will help remove stubborn stains and marks. It is best to apply the glass cleaner only sparingly, as too much can cause damage to the surface of the glass.
Over time, the seals around the glass of your stove's and doors may begin to perish. This can cause gaps that can let heat out and cause heat loss, which is why it is essential to replace these seals once each year. Depending on the model you choose it is possible to do this easily with stove rope, which is available at the majority of hardware stores.
If you own an Eco Design 2022-compliant back boiler that is installed on an approved defra stove, the combustion process will be much more efficient than traditional wood-burning stoves. This is because the latest technologies have reduced the amount of part-burned combustibles that release into the atmosphere. The stoves that comply with the regulations are more eco sustainable and also more affordable to run.
Another thing to consider when using a back boiler stove is that it is always a more expensive than a standard multifuel stove, because it will generate more hot water than a normal multifuel stove. It's still a cheap way to heat your home because it is able to be used for central heating as well as hot-water.
Easy to Install
Boiler stoves can be used to provide heat for the room as well as hot water to your central heating system, which makes them a stylish work horse that is an efficient and cost-effective solution. A wood burner with back boiler is distinct from other multi-fuel stoves, which must be connected to a gas boiler. It is able to connect directly to the central heating and hot water of your home, removing the need for a second heating system.
Wood burning stoves that include a back boiler are also an excellent option for those who want to be green. In addition, since they burn wood and pellets produce less emissions than gas or oil heating systems, which makes an ideal option for those concerned about the impact their energy use is having on global warming.
While many people may be confused about how a wood-burning stove with a back boiler works installing one is fairly straightforward. It is crucial to ensure that the stove is installed correctly and is connected to your heating system. This is best accomplished by a trained heating technician. They can assist you in making sure that the stove is correctly installed and connected to the correct systems, as well as making sure that all safety devices are in place.
Defra Approved Stoves, or Defra exempt stoves as they are sometimes referred to and have been approved by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) requirements regarding smoke emission levels. They are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and have been tested and modified to ensure that they have a clean and efficient combustion which can be used with both wood and smokeless fuels.
As as such, DEFRA approved stoves, like the Defra Exempt Dunsley Yorkshire and our most popular Hi-Flame Aidan are able to provide high efficiency and very low harmful emissions. They have been tested to the latest Eco Design regulations, which limit the amount of particulate matter, CO2, NOx and organic gases the stove will produce in normal operation.
Suitable for Smoke Control Areas
Smoke Control Areas are in place in most UK cities and towns. Burning logs on old fireplaces or stoves could result in a fine if the smoke is deemed to be an annoyance. The good news is that Defra Approved back boiler stoves are not subject to these restrictions if you select the right appliance for your home.
Wood burners exempt from Defra are built with Clean Burn technology, which ensures that fuel is burned efficiently and produces little smoke. You can still enjoy a beautiful fireplace if you live within an area that is smoke-free, however logs are restricted to smokeless mineral fuels.
To be in compliance with Defra requirements the stoves are airtight chambers for precisely controlled airflow. They usually use triple airflow systems to ensure that combustion byproducts are able to be burned before they are able to escape the chimney. This not only helps to prevent any nuisance smoke but it also minimises soot build up which can hinder the flue's flow and reduce gas efficiency.
It is vital to purchase your Defra approved stove from an Expert Local Retailer who will ensure that the appropriate size of stove is chosen for your room to give maximum heating efficiency and that it is installed correctly by an HETAS certified installer. They can also help in selecting the most suitable type of chimney liner to ensure a secure and efficient installation. They can also help you decide if your home requires additional ventilation.
Modern DEFRA approved back boiler stoves are a world away from old open fires and traditional wood burners, and you are guaranteed a minimum of 75% efficiency in heating that will not only save your money, but also reduce environmental impact. In addition to this Defra approved stoves can be used in a smoke-controlled area, and require a minimum of 6mm stainless steel twin wall chimney liner which is much less expensive than the more expensive 12mm liners required for Ecodesign stoves.
If you are in any doubt whether your property is within a smoke control area, check with your local council, who can provide you with the latest information. The majority of reputable stove manufacturers have a dedicated Defra exempt category of their product line so that you can easily recognize these appliances when you shop.