What is a Defra Log Burner?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the emissions of smoke from wood-burning stoves. There are regulations that ban chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas except if you are using an exempt appliance or authorised fuel.
The new regulations limit the amount the stove can emit of smoke to 3g/hour. If homeowners fail to comply, they will be fined on the spot. To avoid this you must make use of Defra approved log burners and only use dried kiln-dried wood that bears the ‘Ready to Burn’ label.
What is a Defra certified stove?
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that has been passed by the DEFRA test and is therefore exempt from laws in zones of smoke control that allow burning wood (and Continue other fuels that are authorised). The Defra logo is well-known in the field. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra are often marked with SE (Smoke-Exempt) to provide a quick and easy way to identify them.
Stoves that are Defra Approved are tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure they meet strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves deliver the highest heat output and have ultra low levels of smoke emissions. They usually get these low emissions by ensuring that combustion gases are burned again during the second burn. This is important because it allows the combustion to continue efficiently while reducing the amount of combustibles released into the atmosphere.
DEFRA exempted stoves are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of combustibles that are part-burned and sent down the chimney. Contrary to some stoves that have to shut off the air vents in order to allow them to rest over the night, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flues open, which means they are less likely to send part-burnt combustibles down the chimney, where they may hinder its flow.
If you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, having a Defra-approved wood burning stove is a good choice because it will keep your neighbors happy and will ensure that your chimney is clean for longer. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a variety designs and styles, and there are plenty of options to suit both modern and traditional homes.
Many people opt for a Defra approved wood burning stove for the minimalist, sleek design. These stoves are ideal for modern living spaces. They can be installed inside a fireplace chamber, inglenooks, or they can be a freestanding. Modern stoves like the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon will look fantastic in any space. There are also Defra Exempt Stoves with traditional styled stoves such as the Saxon A08E and the Arizona A08E.
What is a Defra exempt stove?
A Defra Exempt or Defra Approved Stove is a wood Heater-burning stove that has been tested and approved by the government’s DEFRA department to be used in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to produce less fumes and harmful emissions while providing a high degree of warmth for your home.
You will require a Defra approved stove if you are in Smoke-Control Area. If you don’t you will not be able legally to install any wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has not been approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that’s not approved by DEFRA within your home could lead to a substantial penalty.
Defra approved stoves have had their combustion air system modified to restrict the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the wood burning process. This is done by changing the air vent on top. This means that the stove will allow a tiny amount of air to flow through, even if you shut off the vent completely. This stops the firewood from smoldering and preventing it from being starved for air.
From the outside of an Defra stove you will not be able to tell that there is anything different from any other wood-burning stove. The combustion air adjustment that is not visible is usually hidden beneath the stove’s base or inside the top front of the stove.
Most Defra Stoves are only allowed to burn wood or certain types of smokeless fuels like Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite, etc. However there are a variety of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel approved and are able to burn a range of different fuels.
You may choose a Defra Stove for a variety of reasons regardless of whether you live in a zone of smoke control or not. Defra approved stoves are more sustainable for the environment, create less smoke and keep your chimney clear of deposits. They are also better because they generate more heat and release fewer toxic gases into the air.
What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?
A Defra wood-burning stove, sometimes referred to as a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove, is a stove which has been tested rigorously by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This testing looks at the levels of emissions and the amount of smoke the stove produces throughout the phases of normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the Defra test can be placed within Smoke Control Areas in large cities and towns.
The test also guarantees that the stove is able to operate with approved fuels such as smokeless coke and anthracite. A log burner that has been certified by DEFRA list stoves is also more sustainable and helps prevent neighbors from causing trouble with their emissions.
The combustion air control of wood burners that have been endorsed by Defra has been altered. This is usually carried out inside the firebox or on top of the stove. This modification prevents the user from closing the air control all the way, since this could starve the stove of oxygen and cause it to release excessive amounts of smoke.
To keep a Defra approved or Defra-exempt stove functioning properly, it must be maintained on a regular basis. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney on a regular basis making sure there are no blockages, ensuring that the grate and firebox are free of debris, and keeping the airflow through the chimney unhindered by restrictions.
It’s not a requirement to have a stove that is Defra exempt however it is a good option to get one particularly if your residence is located outside of the Smoke Control Area. These models are more efficient and can save you lots of money in the long term. A Defra approved appliance can also reduce the amount of dust and smoke that you emit in your home and is healthier for your health and your neighbours.
At Nordpeis we offer a wide range of DEFRA approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. To determine if you live in a Smoke Control Area and want to discuss your options, please contact your local Varde retailer.
What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?
Clean Burn Technology offers a superior quality of combustion and is the future of stoves and fireplaces. This reduces the amount of dust in the air which is healthier for the environment. It also saves you money on fuel costs because you can get more heat out of the same logs. These stoves are so effective that they have lowered the need for chimney sweeps since there is less soot to be produced. As the leading stove manufacturers create their products they have added secondary and tertiary combustion systems that further reduce emissions from the stove and lower the carbon footprint of their users.
A Defra approved stove is not only allowed to be used in Smoke Control Areas however, it can also be used in a properly constructed, insulation-free chimney system in any home. These multi fuel stove defra approved-fuel and wood burning stoves are available in a variety of designs to suit your taste. There are modern and traditional options, available in a wide range of colours and finishes that will complement your decor. The stoves are available in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits your fireplace or inglenook.
All Defra approved stoves have been subjected to rigorous tests and examinations to ensure that they are in compliance with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions levels and high efficiency in combustion, so that you are assured that you are burning your fuel in an ecologically responsible manner, and saving money on your heating expenses too. Utilizing only dry kiln-dried wood that is ready to burn will improve the performance of your stove and assist in reducing its emissions.
Buying a Defra Approved stove is a great choice when you live in a smoke controlled area and want to continue to enjoy the cosy warmth that only a true wood burner can provide. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already reaping the advantages of a cleaner environment and have seen savings on their fuel bills. We recommend that your stove is professionally installed by a gas engineer who is certified to do so. This will ensure that it meets all requirements for building. You should have your stove examined and maintained on a regular basis to maintain optimum performance and to avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.