What is a Defra Log Burner?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the emission of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have rules in place that prohibit chimney smoke within Smoke Control Areas in the absence of an exempt appliance and authorised fuel.
The new rules restrict the amount a stove can emit of smoke to 3g per hour. If homeowners do not adhere to the new rules, they could be fined on the spot. To avoid this, make use of Defra approved log burners and only burn kiln dried wood with the "Ready to Burn" mark.
What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A Defra-approved stove is one that has passed the DEFRA test. It is therefore exempted from smoke control laws in areas where wood (and other authorised materials) are allowed to be burned. The
DEFRA lawful stoves logo is well-known and has been embraced by the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved are usually marked with SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name as an easy way to identify them.
The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that have been Defra approved to ensure that they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves provide maximum heat output while generating low levels of smoke emissions. They typically get these low emissions by ensuring that the combustion gases are re-burned during the second burn. This is essential as it allows the burn to continue at a high efficiency while decreasing the amount of partially burned burning combustibles released into the atmosphere.
DEFRA exempt stoves are more eco-friendly than other wood burning stoves since they are less likely to release part-burnt combustibles transported down the chimney. In contrast to stoves that require to close the air vents to allow them to 'slumber' for the night, defra exempt stoves;
see this here, always keep their flue open meaning they are much less likely to release part-burnt combustibles to the chimney where they can hinder its flow.
You can purchase a Defra approved wood burning stove, regardless of whether you live in a smoke controlled area or not. It will keep your neighbors happy, and keep your chimney in good condition for a longer time. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a variety designs and styles, and there are plenty of options that will suit modern and traditional homes.
The sleek, minimalist design is a key aspect when choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. These stoves are ideal for
DEFRA exempt stoves modern living spaces. They can be incorporated into a fireplace chamber, inglenook or free standing. There are a number of modern stoves, like the Aarrow I400 or the minimalist Farringdon that would look great in any room. There are also Defra Exempt Stoves in traditionally styled stoves, such as the Saxon A08E or the Arizona A08E.
What is 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 installed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been developed to create a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emission while also generating the highest degree of heat to your home.
The main reason you need a Defra stove is that if your house is located in a Smoke Control Area then you won't be able to legally install any wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been endorsed by DEFRA. Installing a stove that isn't DEFRA-approved in your house could result in a significant penalty.
Defra approved stoves have been able to have their combustion air system adjusted to limit the amount oxygen that can reach the wood during the burning process. This is done by modifying the top air vent. This means that the stove will still allow a tiny amount of air to flow through, even if you shut the vent all the way. This prevents the firewood from smoldering and
Defra exempt stoves keeps it from becoming depleted of air.
From the outside of the exterior of a Defra stove you will not be able to discern that it's different from any other wood-burning stove. The unnoticed combustion air adjustment is usually hidden beneath the base of the stove or in the top front of the stove.
Most Defra stoves will only be certified 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 certified and can be used to burn a range of different fuels.
There are a variety of reasons why you should consider a Defra stove, regardless if you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra stoves are better for your environment, they release less smoke and they help keep your chimney free of deposits. They are also more efficient since they produce more heat and release less toxic gases into the air.
What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?
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 test focuses on the levels of emissions and the amount of smoke the stove produces throughout the stages of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra test are able to be used within Smoke Control Areas in cities and larger towns.
The test also guarantees that the stove can be used with approved fuels, such as smokeless coal and anthracite. In addition, a Defra log burner is more eco-friendly and will help to prevent neighbors from being upset by smoke emissions.
Wood burners that are approved by Defra have been able to have their combustion air control altered, typically within the firebox or at the top of the stove. This modification stops users from closing the air control completely, because this could dehydrate the stove and make it release excessive amounts of smoke.
To keep a Defra approved stove or one that is exempt from Defra working properly, it should be maintained regularly. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney regularly making sure there aren't any obstructions ensuring that the firebox and grate are clean and ensuring that the airflow through the chimney free from restrictions.
Although it is not an obligation under the law to own a Defra exempt stove, especially in the absence of the Smoke Control Area It is a good idea to purchase one since they are more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will reduce your fuel costs over the long term. In addition, the use of a Defra approved stove can reduce the amount of dust and smoke that gets into your living space and makes it the best choice for your health and your neighbours' health.
Nordpeis offers a range of DEFRA-approved stoves, both in traditional and modern 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 is the way forward for stoves and fires, and gives you a more refined burn. This reduces the amount of dust that is in the air which is healthier for the environment. It also helps save cash on fuel costs since you get more heat out of the same logs. These stoves are so efficient that they have resulted in a reduction in the need for chimney sweeps as minimal amounts of soot are produced. As the top stove manufacturers continue to improve their products, they have added secondary or tertiary burning systems that further reduce emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of their users.
A Defra-approved stove is able to be used not just in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well built, insulated chimney in any home. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves come in a range of designs that will suit your preferences.
