What is a Defra Log Burner?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the emissions of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have rules in place that prohibit chimney smoke within Smoke Control Areas except when using an exempt appliance and authorised fuel.
The new rules limit amount of smoke a stove can emit to 3g an hour and homeowners are subject to hefty on-the-spot fines in the event of non-compliance. To avoid this, you must only use log burners that have been approved by Defra and burn kiln dried wood marked with the 'Ready to Burn" label.
What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A Defra approved stove is a stove that has been passed by the DEFRA test and is exempt from the laws of smoke control areas to burn wood (and other fuels that are approved by DEFRA). The Defra logo is widely used within the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved are usually marked with SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name, as a quick way to recognise them.
Stoves that are Defra Approved must be tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure that they meet strict emission standards. These tests are intended for stoves that can produce the highest heat with ultra-low levels of smoke emissions. The low emissions are typically attained by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned in the second combustion. This is important as it allows the combustion to continue at a high rate while reducing the amount combustibles released into the atmospheric 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 exempted stoves don't close their air vents during the night to sleep. They keep the flue open all time, making them less likely to release part burned combustion products down the chimney.
No matter if you reside in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, a Defra Approved wood burning stove is a great idea because it will keep your neighbors happy and will ensure that your chimney remains clean for longer. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a variety of styles and there are lots of options to suit both traditional and contemporary homes.
Many people choose a Defra approved wood burning stove for the minimalist, sleek design. These stoves are great for contemporary living spaces. They can be put in inside a fireplace chamber, inglenook, or be free-standing. Modern stoves like the Aarrow I400 and the minimalist Farringdon will look fantastic in any space. There are also stoves that are Defra exempt like the Saxon A08E as well as the Arizona A08E.
What is what is a 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 less smoke and harmful emissions whilst also generating a high amount of warmth for your home.
You will require a Defra approved stove if you live in a Smoke-Control Area. If you don't you will not be allowed to legally 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 in your house could lead to a substantial penalty.
Defra approved stoves have had their combustion air system adjusted to restrict the amount of oxygen that can get to the wood burning process. defra burning mdf is done by changing the top air vent. The stove can still allow air to flow even though the vent is shut all the way. This prevents the firewood from burning and also prevents it from becoming depleted of air.
From the outside of an Defra stove you will not be able to tell that it is different from any other wood-burning stove. The unseen combustion air adjustment is usually hidden under the base of the stove or inside the top of the front of the stove.
The majority of Defra Stoves are only allowed to burn wood or certain types of smokeless fuels, such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite etc. Defra stoves can burn a wide range of fuels.
You may choose a Defra Stove for various reasons, regardless whether you reside in a smoke-free zone or not. Defra approved stoves are better for the environment, create less smoke and help to keep your chimney clear of accumulated. They are also better for your home since they provide more heat and fewer toxins in the air.
What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?
A Defra wood-burning stove, also known as a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove, is a stove which has passed a rigorous test designed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This test focuses on the levels of emissions and the amount of smoke a stove produces throughout the phases of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra tests can be placed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in cities and large town.
The test also guarantees that the stove can be used with authorised fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless coal. A log burner that has been certified by Defra is also more eco-friendly and can help prevent neighbors from causing trouble with their emissions.
The control of combustion air on wood burners that have been approved by Defra has been modified. This is usually carried out 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 cause it to emit excessive amounts smoke.
A Defra approved stove, or Defra exempt stove, as it is sometimes called must be regularly maintained in order to ensure it's functioning properly. This includes cleaning your flue and chimney regularly. It is also important to make sure there aren't any obstructions and that the firebox is clean, and that the grate is free of debris.
It is not required to have a stove that is Defra exempt, 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 stoves are more efficient and will save you lots of money in the long run. A Defra approved appliance will also reduce the amount of smoke and dust that is emitted in your home and is healthier for your health as well as your neighbours.
At Nordpeis we offer a variety of DEFRA approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. Varde retailers can assist you in determining whether your home is in a Smoke Control Area.
What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?
Clean Burn Technology offers a superior quality of combustion and is the future of fireplaces and stoves. This reduces the amount of dust in the air, which is better for the environment. It also helps save cash on fuel costs since you can get more heat from the same logs. They are so efficient that they have resulted in an easing of the necessity for chimney sweeps because minimal amounts of soot are produced. As the top stove manufacturers continue to develop their products, they have also incorporated secondary or tertiary burning systems which further reduce emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of their customers.
A Defra approved stove is not only allowed to be used in Smoke Control Areas however, it can also be installed in a solid, well-built and lined chimney system for any home. These wood burning stoves and multi-fuel models come in different styles to match your taste. There are contemporary and traditional options, available in a wide range of colours and finishes that will complement your interior. They are available in different sizes, so you can choose one that fits your fireplace chamber or inglenook.
All Defra approved wood stoves have been subjected to rigorous tests and examinations in order to ensure that they meet the Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and a high efficiency of combustion. This means you can be confident that you are using your fuel responsibly while saving money at the same time. Only using dry, kiln-dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will enhance the efficiency of your stove.
If you live in a smoke-free zone and you still want to enjoy the warmth of a wood burning stove and a Defra Approved Stove is a great option. Our customers who bought a Defra Stove are already enjoying the benefits of a cleaner environment and saving on their energy bills. We suggest that your stove be professionally installed by a gas engineer who is licensed to do the job. This will ensure that it is compliant with all building regulations. Regularly checking and servicing your stove will ensure it performs at its best and will avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.