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 in Smoke Control Areas except if you are using an exempt appliance or authorised fuel.
The new rules limit the amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g/hour and homeowners are subject to hefty penalties on-the-spot in the event of non-compliance. To avoid this you must make sure you use Defra approved log burners and only burn 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 the laws of zones of smoke control that allow burning wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra Logo is well-known in the field. Stoves that are Defra approved are usually marked with SE (Smoke Exempt) after 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 that they meet strict emissions standards. These tests are designed for stoves that generate maximum heat while generating extremely low levels of smoke emissions. They typically get these low emissions by ensuring that combustion gases are re-burned during the secondary burn. This is crucial because it allows the burning to continue in a controlled manner while decreasing the amount of partially burned combustibles that are emitted into the air.
DEFRA exempt stoves are more environmentally friendly than other wood burners as they reduce the amount of part-burnt combustibles transported down the chimney. Contrary to some stoves that have to shut off the air vents in order to allow them to rest overnight, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open, meaning they are far less likely to send part-burnt combustibles down the chimney where they can stop it from getting there.
You can buy a Defra approved wood burning stove whether you live in a smoke controlled area or not. It will make your neighbors happy and will keep your chimney clean for a longer time. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a variety of styles and there are a lot of options that will suit modern and traditional homes.
The sleek minimalist design is a major factor in choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. They are great for contemporary living spaces and can be installed into an inglenook, fireplace chamber or be freestanding. Modern stoves like the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon will look fantastic in any space. You can also purchase Defra Exempt Stoves in traditionally styled stoves such as the Saxon A08E or the Arizona A08E.
What is a Defra exempt stove?
A Defra approved or exempt stove is a wood-burning stove that has been tested and approved by the government's DEFRA Department to be placed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to produce a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emission as well as an extremely high level of heat to your home.
You must have a Defra approved stove if you live in Smoke-Control Area. If you don't you won't be allowed to legally install any wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA. You could face a hefty fine when you install an unapproved stove inside your home.
The combustion air system of Defra-approved stoves has been adjusted to limit the amount oxygen that can get to the wood while it is burning. This is done by modifying the air vent on top. The stove will still allow air to flow even when the vent is closed completely. This prevents the firewood from being starved of air and stops it from burning.
You won't be able to discern from the outside that a Defra wood-burning stove is different. The combustion air adjustment that is not visible is usually hidden beneath the base of the stove or inside the top of the front of the stove.
Most Defra stoves are approved to burn wood and specific kinds of approved smokeless fuels, such as anthracite or Homefire brand smokeless coal. However, there are a number of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel-approved and these can be used to burn a range of different fuels.
There are many reasons why you should consider a Defra stove, whether you live in Smoke Control Area or not. Defra stoves are better for the environment, they produce less smoke and they help keep your chimney free of ash. They also benefit since they produce more heat and release fewer toxins into the air.
What is what is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?
A Defra wood-burning stove, also called a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove is a stove that has passed a rigorous test designed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This testing looks at the levels of emissions and the amount of smoke that the stove can produce throughout all stages of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra test can be placed within Smoke Control Areas in cities and large towns.
The test also guarantees that the stove can be used with approved fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless coal. A log burner that is Defra-certified is also more eco-friendly, and helps to keep neighbors from being annoyed by nuisance emissions.
The combustion air control of wood burners that have been approved by Defra has been changed. This is typically done inside the firebox, or on the top of the stove. This modification stops users from closing the air control completely since this could cause the stove and make it produce excessive amounts of smoke.
To keep a Defra approved stove or one that is exempt from Defra functioning properly, it must be maintained regularly. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney on a regular basis and ensuring there are no blockages, ensuring that the grate and firebox are clean and ensuring that the airflow through the chimney unhindered by restrictions.
While it isn't a legal requirement to have a Defra exempt stove, particularly if you live outside of a Smoke Control Area it is a good idea to purchase one since they are more efficient than non-Defra models and will reduce your fuel costs in the long run. In addition, an Defra approved stove will reduce the amount of dust and smoke that enters your living space and makes it the best choice for your health and your neighbors' health.
At Nordpeis we offer a wide range of DEFRA approved stoves in traditional and contemporary designs. Varde retailers can help you determine if your home is located in an area of 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 stoves. This reduces the amount of dust in the air, which is healthier for the environment. It also saves you cash on fuel costs since you can get more heat out of the same logs. These 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 combustion systems which further reduce emissions and decrease the carbon footprint of their users.
5kw defra multifuel stove that is approved by Defra can be used not only in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well built, insulated chimney in any home. These wood burning stoves and multi-fuel models are available in various styles to meet your preferences. There are a variety of options for traditional and contemporary stoves in various colours and finishes that match your style. The stoves are available in a variety of sizes so you can find one that will fit in the space of your fireplace or inglenook.
All Defra approved stoves have undergone stringent testing and examination to ensure they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emission levels and high efficiency in combustion So that you can be assured you are making use of your fuel in a environmentally responsible way and saving money on heating expenses too. Only using dry, kiln-dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will enhance the performance of your stove.
Buying a Defra Approved stove is a ideal choice if you reside in a smoke-free area and want to continue to enjoy the cosy warmth only a genuine wood burner can provide. Our customers who bought a Defra Stove are already enjoying the benefits of a cleaner environment and saving money on costs for fuel. We recommend that you have your stove professionally installed by a licensed gas engineer to ensure the installation is in compliance with building regulations. Regularly checking and servicing your stove will ensure that it is operating at its peak and prevents the need for expensive repairs in the future.