12 Facts About Defra Approved Back Boiler Stoves To Make You Look Smart Around Other People

· 6 min read
12 Facts About Defra Approved Back Boiler Stoves To Make You Look Smart Around Other People

Defra Approved Back Boiler Stoves

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a new stove. The appeal of dual function is only one of many factors to consider.

DEFRA approved back boiler stoves are an excellent solution to these problems. They produce very little smoke since they use the absolute minimum amount of combustion air.

Clean Burn Technology

If you're looking for a clean burning stove with a huge firebox that can be used to warm your home and provide hot water for your radiators then a defra approved back boiler stove might be just what you are looking for. These stoves have an integrated steel boiler that is capable of heating your central heating system while the fire burns within the stove, which means it's a far more efficient method of using wood burning stoves.

The majority of our defra certified back boiler stoves feature an airwash system that is pre heated which helps keep the glass doors clear of ash and soot deposits. They also come with a secondary combustion system that operates by reburning any unburned particulates produced during the initial combustion. This keeps the flue gas clear, which leads to an efficient burn and lower fuel costs, which can save you money on your energy bills.

Some of our stoves have been tested independently and deemed Defra SE (Smoke Exempt). The stoves accomplish this by having an air vent on the top that stops you from closing it all the way that would shut off oxygen flow to the flame. This causes the fire to smoulder instead of burning efficiently and release more pollutants into the atmosphere.

Another important aspect is the moisture content of your fuel. This could be a major contributor to the amount of smoke produced by a stove. We recommend that you only burn dry, seasoned wood with a moisture content of less than 20% to ensure your stove is burning as efficiently and cleanly as possible. Most of our Defra-approved stoves have a built-in moisture sensor, which can be adjusted to alter the rate of combustion when you use wet wood.

Some manufacturers have gone one step further to enhance the efficiency of their stoves by incorporating an advanced clean burn system, which is controlled by the chrome pull lever located at the base of the stove. This lever opens and closes an air vent that draws air over the fire reburning the initial smoke created in the initial process of burning. 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 both your central heating and hot water from the same system. This is done by connecting a loop between other taps on your back-boiler (there usually are two) and your hot water tank. You can then use thermosyphoning in order to bring heat into your home. This also means that your boiler will never run out of hot water, as it will be fed from the tank.

To ensure that your stove is operating at its peak performance, you must keep it clean regularly. Begin by making sure that the stove is not hot to the touch, then wipe down the main body of the stove and the door with a clean cloth. We suggest using a microfiber towel since they are less rough.

After wiping down the stove's interior, it is recommended to wash the glass. A glass cleaner can assist in removing any marks or stains that are stubborn and is available at most hardware stores. It is recommended 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 doors of your stove and the glass can begin to deteriorate. This can cause gaps which can leak heat and therefore it is crucial to replace these seals every annually. This can be done by using stove rope that is available at most hardware stores.

If you own an approved defra stove with an Eco Design 2022 compliant back boiler that means the combustion process is more efficient than traditional wood burning stoves. This is because the latest technologies have reduced the amount of combustibles part-burned that are released into the atmosphere. Stoves that are compliant are more environment efficient and are also less expensive to operate.

Another thing to remember with a back boiler stove is that it is always a more expensive than a standard multi fuel stove, as it produces more hot water than a standard multifuel stove. But, it's a very economical way to heat your home, as you can run both your central heating and hot water from the same system.

Easy to Install

Boiler stoves are a stylish and efficient option that can provide both heat and hot water for your central heating system. Contrary to other multi-fuel stoves that require connection to an existing gas boiler wood burners with a back boiler can be connected directly to your main hot water supply and central heating system, eliminating the need for a secondary heating system.

Wood burning stoves that have a back boiler are also a great choice for those who want to be environmentally friendly. In addition, since they burn pellets and logs they produce less carbon dioxide than oil or gas heating systems, making them an excellent choice for those concerned with the impact their energy use is having on global warming.



Many people are confused about how a wood burning stove with a back boiler works installation of one is quite simple. It is crucial to ensure that the stove is properly installed and connected to your heating system, so it is best to have the installation done by a certified heating engineer. They can help you make sure that your stove has been properly installed and connected to the right systems, as well as checking that all of the safety devices are installed.

Defra Approved Stoves, also known as Defra exempt stoves, as they are sometimes referred to, have met the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) standards for smoke emission levels. They can be used in Smoke Control Areas and have been tested and modified to ensure that they produce a very clean burn that is able to be used with wood as well as smokeless fuels.

As such, DEFRA approved stoves, like the Defra Exempt Dunsley Yorkshire and our most popular Hi-Flame Aidan, can provide high efficiency and very low harmful emissions. They have been tested in accordance with the new Eco Design regulations, which impose limits on the amount of particulate matter, CO2, NOx and organic gases that the stove produces in normal operation.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Smoke Control Areas are in place in all UK cities and towns. The burning of logs on older stoves or open fireplaces can result in a fine if 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 choose the correct equipment for your home.

Defra exempt wood burners are made to utilize Clean Burn technology which ensures that the fuel used is burnt efficiently with minimal smoke production. You can still enjoy a beautiful fireplace if you live within a smoke-controlled area, but logs must be limited to mineral fuels that are smoke-free.

To be in compliance with Defra requirements, these stoves feature airtight chambers for precisely controlled airflow. They typically employ triple airflow systems to ensure that any combustion byproducts are burnt up before they are able to escape the chimney. This not only helps to prevent any nuisance smoke but also helps to reduce soot build up which can hinder the flue's flow and reduce gas efficiency.

It is crucial to purchase a Defra-approved stove from an Expert Local retailer that can ensure that the correct size stove is selected for your area to ensure the most efficient heating performance and is installed correctly by a registered HETAS installer.  DEFRA approved contemporary stoves  can also help you select the most suitable chimney liner for safe installation, and also provide guidance on whether your house requires additional ventilation.

Modern DEFRA approved back boiler stoves are a world away from open fires of the past and traditional wood burners and you are guaranteed a minimum of 75% heat efficiency which not only saves you money but also reduces the environmental impact. 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 larger 12mm liners required for Ecodesign stoves.

If you are in any doubt as to whether your home is located in a smoke control zone, contact your local council. They will be able to provide you with the most recent information. Most reliable stove makers have a Defra exempt section of their range so that you can easily recognize the appliances you are looking for when shopping.