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 prohibiting chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas in the event that you use an exempt device or
DEFRA Permitted Stoves fuel with a valid license.
The new rules restrict the amount stoves can emit smoke to 3g per hour. If homeowners do not adhere to the new rules, they could be fined immediately. To avoid this, only use log burners that have been approved by Defra and
defra permitted Stoves burn kiln-dried wood that is marked with the 'Ready to Burn" label.
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 permitted to be burned. The Defra logo is well-known in the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved are usually marked with SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name as a quick way to recognise them.
The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that have been Defra approved to ensure they meet strict emissions standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves offer maximum heat output while generating low levels of smoke emissions. The low emissions are typically achieved by ensuring combustion gases are reburned in the second burning. This is important since it allows the combustion to continue in a controlled manner while reducing the amount of part-burned burning combustibles released into the air.
DEFRA exempted stoves are more eco-friendly since they limit the amount of combustibles that are part-burned and sent through the chimney.
Defra Permitted Stoves exempted stoves do not close their air vents during the night to sleep. They keep the flue open all the time, which means they are less likely to send partially burned burning combustibles down the chimney.
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 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 to suit both traditional and contemporary homes.
Many people prefer a Defra approved wood burning stove due to its sleek, minimal design. They are great for contemporary living spaces and can be installed into a fireplace chamber, inglenook or be freestanding. There are a number of modern stoves, like the Aarrow i400 or the minimal Farringdon that look stunning in any room. You can also get Defra Exempt Stoves that come in traditional styled stoves like the Saxon A08E or Arizona A08E.
What is an Defra exempt stove?
A Defra approved or exempt stove is a wood-burning stove that has been approved and tested by the government's DEFRA Department to be used in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to produce the least amount of smoke and harmful emissions whilst also producing a high level of heat for your home.
The main reason you require a
DEFRA stoves price range stove is that if your home is located in the Smoke Control Area then you will not be able to legally install any wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that's not approved by DEFRA in your home could result in a significant penalty.
The combustion air system of Defra-approved stoves has been adjusted to limit the amount of oxygen that can get to the wood during burning. Modifying the top air vent is the way to do this. The stove can still allow air to flow even though the vent is shut all the way. This stops the firewood from being starved of air and stops it from smouldering.
You won't be able to tell from the outside that an Defra wood-burning stove is different. The combustion air adjustment is hidden beneath the base of the wood stove or on the top front.
Most Defra stoves will only be permitted to burn wood and specific kinds of approved smokeless fuels like anthracite and Homefire brand smokeless coal. However there are a few of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel certified and these can be used to burn a variety of different fuels.
There are a variety of reasons why you should consider a Defra stove, whether you live in Smoke Control Area or not. Defra approved stoves are more sustainable for the environment, produce less smoke and keep your chimney clear of any deposits. They are also safer for your home as they offer more heat and less toxins in the air.
What is 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 that has been tested rigorously by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This test measures the amount of smoke and emissions that the stove is able to produce in all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra test can be installed within Smoke Control Areas in cities and larger towns.
The test also guarantees that the stove can be used with approved fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless coal. A log burner that has been certified by Defra is also more environmentally friendly, and helps to keep neighbors from being annoyed by nuisance emissions.
Defra approved wood burners have been given a combustion air control modified, usually 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 cause it to emit excessive amounts smoke.
A Defra approved stove or Defra exempt stove, as it is sometimes referred to, should still be regularly maintained in order to ensure that it is operating correctly. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney on a regular basis and ensuring there are no blockages, making sure the grate and firebox are free of debris, and keeping the airflow through the chimney free of restrictions.
It is not a requirement to own a Defra-exempted stove however it is a smart idea to do so, especially if your home is located outside an area designated as a Smoke Control Area. These models are more efficient and can save you lots of money over the long run. A Defra approved appliance will also reduce the amount of smoke and dust that are released into your home which is better for your health as well as your neighbors.
At Nordpeis we have a variety of DEFRA approved stoves that come in contemporary and traditional designs. To determine if you live in a Smoke Control Area and would like to discuss your options, call 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 means a reduced amount of airborne dust which is beneficial for the environment and can save the cost of fuel since you can receive more heat from the same logs. These stoves are so effective that they have eliminated the necessity for chimney sweeps since there is less soot to be produced. As the leading stove manufacturers develop their products they have incorporated secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that further reduce emissions from the stove and lower the carbon footprint of their users.
A Defra approved stove will not only be able to be used in Smoke Control Areas however, it can also be installed in a well-built, insulation-free chimney system in any home. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves come in a range of designs to suit your taste. There are numerous options for both traditional and contemporary stoves, in a variety of colours and finishes that match your decor. The stoves are also available in a range of sizes, ensuring that you can choose the ideal one to fit your fireplace chamber or inglenook.
