What is a Defra Log Burner?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emission of smoke from wood-burning stoves. There are regulations that ban chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas in the event that you use an exempt appliance or authorised fuel.
The new rules limit the amount of smoke a stove could emit to 3g an hour and homeowners will be subject to severe fines on the spot in the event of non-compliance. To avoid this, you must use Defra approved log burners and only use dry wood that has been kiln-dried and has the “Ready to Burn” label.
What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that has passed the DEFRA test and is therefore exempt from laws in areas of smoke control to burn wood (and other fuels that are authorised). The Defra logo is well-known and has been embraced by the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved usually have SE (Smoke Exempt) in their name as an easy way to recognize them.
The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that are Defra approved to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves offer maximum heat output with ultra low levels of smoke emissions. These low emissions are usually attained by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned during the second burning. This is important as it allows the combustion to continue efficiently while reducing the amount of combustibles emitted into atmosphere.
DEFRA exempted stoves are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of combustibles that are part-burned and sent down the chimney. In contrast to stoves that require to shut off the vents for air to allow them to ‘slumber’ overnight, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open meaning they are less likely to discharge part-burnt combustibles down the chimney, where they could block it.
If you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, a Defra Approved wood-burning stove is a great idea as it will keep your neighbours content and ensure that your chimney stays clean for longer. Defra exempt stoves for wood burning are available in a broad range of designs and styles, and there are a variety of options to suit both traditional and modern homes.
The sleek minimalist design is a key factor in choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. These stoves are perfect for modern living spaces. They can be installed inside a fireplace chamber, inglenook, or they can be a freestanding. Modern stoves such as the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon would look great in any space. There are also stoves that are Defra-exempt in traditional styles such as the Saxon A08E and Arizona A08E.
What is a Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra Exempt or Defra Approved Stove is a wood-burning stove that has been tested and approved by the government’s DEFRA department to be used in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been developed to create a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emission while also generating an extremely high level of heat to your home.
The main reason you require a Defra stove is that if your house is located in a Smoke Control Area then you won’t be able to legally install a wood burning or multi fuel stove that hasn’t been approved by DEFRA. Installing a non-Defra stove in your house could lead to a substantial penalty.
Defra approved stoves have been able to have their combustion air system modified to limit the amount oxygen that can get to the wood burning process. This is done by changing the top air vent. This means that the stove will still allow a tiny amount of air to pass through even if you close the vent all the way. This stops the firewood from being depriving of air and stops it from smouldering.
From the outside of a Defra stove you will not be able to discern that there is anything different from any other wood burning stove. The adjustment for the combustion air is hidden under the base of the wood stove or on the top of the front.
The majority of Defra stoves will be certified to burn wood and certain types of authorised smokeless fuels like anthracite or Homefire brand smokeless coal. Defra stoves can burn a wide range of fuels.
There are many reasons why you should consider a Defra stove, regardless of whether you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra approved stoves are better for the environment, produce less smoke and keep your chimney clear of deposits. They also benefit because they produce more heat and emit fewer toxic gases into the air.
What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?
A DEFRA approved wood burning stoves stove, also referred to as a Defra exempt stove or Defra smoke control approved wood burning stove is a stove that has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK government’s Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra). The test focuses on the amount of smoke and emissions that the stove is able to produce throughout its normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the Defra test can be installed within Smoke Control Areas in cities and larger towns.
The test also ensures that the stove is able to be used with authorized fuels, such as smokeless coal and anthracite. A log burner that is Defra-certified is also more sustainable and helps avoid annoying neighbours with nuisance emissions.
Wood burners that are approved by Defra have had their combustion air control modified, often inside the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification prevents the user from closing the air control completely way, as this can cause the stove to be depleted of oxygen and cause it to release excessive amounts of smoke.
A Defra approved stove, or Defra exempt stove, as it’s sometimes referred to, should still be maintained regularly to keep it working efficiently. This includes cleaning the chimney and flue regularly making sure there are no blockages, making sure that the firebox and grate are clean and ensuring that the airflow through the chimney free of restrictions.
It is not a requirement to own a Defra-exempt stove, but it is a smart option to get one, especially if your home is located outside of an area designated as a Smoke Control Area. These models are more efficient and can help you save money in the long term. In addition, an Defra approved stove can reduce the amount of smoke and dust that enters your living space, making it an ideal option for your health and the health of your neighbors.
At Nordpeis we offer an extensive selection of DEFRA approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. Varde retailers can assist you in determining whether your home is located in a Smoke Control Area.
What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?
Clean Burn Technology offers a higher quality of burn and is the future of Fireplaces And Stove and stoves. This means less amount of dust that is blown into the air, which is good for the environment and can save money on fuel costs because you will get more heat from the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have lowered the need for chimney sweeps, since there is less soot to be produced. As the top stove manufacturers continue to improve their products, they have also incorporated secondary or tertiary burning systems which further reduce emissions and lower the carbon footprint of their customers.
A Defra approved stove is not just able to be used in Smoke Control Areas, but can also be used in a solid, well-built and lined chimney system for any home. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are available in a variety of styles to match your personal preferences. There are both contemporary and traditional options available in an array of colors and finishes to complement your decor. These stoves come in different sizes, so you can find one that will fit in the space of your fireplace or inglenook.
All Defra approved stoves have gone through stringent testing and examination to ensure they abide by the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emission levels and high combustion efficiency, so that you can be assured you are making use of your fuel in an ecologically responsible manner, and saving money on heating costs as well. Utilizing only dry kiln-dried wood that is ready to burn will further improve the efficiency of your stove, and also help to reduce the emissions it produces.
The purchase of a Defra Approved stove is a great choice when you live in a smoke controlled area and want to continue to experience the cozy warmth that only a true wood burner can offer. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already enjoying the benefits of a healthier environment and have noticed savings on their fuel bills. We recommend that your stove be professionally installed by an engineer in gas who is certified to do so. This will ensure that it is compliant with all building regulations. It is important to have your stove inspected and maintained regularly to ensure optimal performance and to avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.