10 Defra Approved Log Burner Tips All Experts Recommend
Defra Approved Log Burner
The Defra approved log burner is one of the most popular stoves used by homeowners. This is due to the fact that they offer a cleaner burn and provide better control of heating costs.
You can also burn wood legally in Smoke Control Areas, which is an enormous benefit because it allows you to avoid fines that are imposed on those who are using stoves that are not regulated. They are available in different styles to fit your home.
Clean Burn Technology
Clean burn technology is used in log burners that have been DEFRA approved wood burning stoves-approved to limit the amount and type of smoke and particles emitted. It has been proven to dramatically reduce the health impacts of poor air quality in urban areas, specifically when the traditional fireplace or wood burning stove is used. The city of Bergen for instance, realised the importance of implementing efficient measures to improve their air quality and, as a result, old non-cleanburn stoves are now banned in the city. This trade-in scheme was a huge success, and Bergen being ranked fifth of 320 European cities for their air quality in 2021.
To achieve this, Defra approved stoves have been designed to ensure that the fire is always fed with sufficient oxygen to ignite and burn the fuel. This is achieved with a secondary air feed or tertiary intake, which allows combustion air to enter the appliance in addition to primary and/or main air intake. A secondary air supply is usually located behind the appliance in the interior or under the fire box.
Modern, Defra exempt stoves have been tested rigorously in order to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas. This is only possible in the event that the stove is used with wood that has been dried and seasoned. dried at a temperature of less than 20% moisture.
A Defra approved stove will have been tested and is capable of emitting no more than 3g of smoke per hour, which is the legal limit for most UK towns and cities. If the stove is found emit excessive emissions, the proprietor will be penalized with a fine of PS300 or more.
A defra burning mdf-approved stove will bear a Defra mark on it, and also an Ecodesign label. This will come into the market in 2022. To be Ecodesign certified, stoves must undergo strict emissions tests and have an efficiency level of 72 percent. Selecting a stove that has a higher efficiency rating will allow you to reduce the amount of air pollution produced by the stove, while also saving money on heating bills.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
The government of the UK has set strict emission limits for fireplaces and stoves. They are designed to keep the country a cleaner and healthier place to live. Smoke Control Areas are found in many cities and towns and where the dark smoke can be a source of irritation for residents. If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and are using an older open fire or wood-burning stove, you should upgrade to an approved log burner from Defra.
These are more efficient and cleaner burning, as well as more green than traditional log burners. Leading manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax continue to develop their products and are currently developing models that have secondary and third-party combustion systems that further reduce emissions. These advanced burners can save you money in the long run on fuel costs.
Defra Recognized Stoves approved or Defra Exempt are terms used to indicate that the stove has passed a test designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in the UK. This test assures that the stove can be used safely in areas with smoke control. Defra Exempt is a term that can be applied to certain models which have passed the test. These models can be used for burning authorised smokeless fuels that are listed in a list supplied by Defra. These fuels are not compatible with wood.
If you own an older stove that is not DEFRA approved and you put it in a smoke-controlled area, you could be fined for violating the law. You can check if you are in a zone of smoke control by visiting the official DEFRA requirements stoves website. To avoid fines, you should only burn dry seasoned wood and Defra approved smokeless fuels and not logs or any other wet woods.
There are a variety of DEFRA Approved Log Burners on the market. The Dovre product pages show this logo when the model is suitable for Smoke Control Areas. Visit the official DEFRA certified stoves site to learn more about DEFRA-approved stoves, fireplaces and fires.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning your log burner is vital to maintain its efficiency and prevent the build-up of harmful creosote, which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning will ensure that the glass of your stove remains clean and clear, so you can enjoy a stunning fire view without obstruction.
There are a number of tools you may need to help with the care of your wood burner, including a cleaning brush as well as a ash vacuum cleaner, and polish for your stove. It is essential to complete the cleaning procedure when your stove is cool, and we suggest wearing gloves that resist heat.
The first step is to sweep away any ash from the bottom of your stove with the grate brush, making sure you reach all crevices and nooks. You can then employ an ash vacuum take out any remaining ashes and dispose of them in metal containers. When your stove is clean, you can apply a stove polish using a soft cloth being careful not to touch the hot surface.
To ensure that you do not produce high levels of particles, it is essential to burn only top quality, seasoned logs on your defra-approved log burner. When choosing your firewood, look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or use a moisture meter to determine if the moisture content is less than 20%. Seasoning your own logs is an option, but it could take up to two years for the moisture to evaporate.
It is best to avoid burning painted, stained or chemically treated wood (this includes pallets, MDF and Medium Density Fibreboard). These types of wood generate dangerous chemicals when burned and are not suitable for burning in the log burner.
It is important to install your log burner correctly in order to ensure its performance and effectiveness. Install it by a professional and in a well-ventilated location, free of drafts. Installing a stove incorrectly could lead to problems with safety, damage and increased costs.
Energy efficient
Defra approved log burners are typically more energy efficient than the alternatives. The reason is that they have been tested and proven to be able to guarantee that the right amount of air is provided to the wood or fuel burning stoves during combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke produced and it also reduces heat loss and emissions from the stove.
You can be assured that a defra-exempted wood burner can be used with your chimney system, since it has a chimney diameter of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra approved stoves have a larger chimney outlet, which could cause issues when installing the chimney liner. The Stove Yard offers a range 5" chimney liners that will fit your wood or multi-fuel defra exempted stove.
The Stove Yard sells a large number of stoves that are Defra-approved and have the most up-to-date clean burning technology. A majority of our models come with secondary and tertiary air intakes to ensure that the fuel is burning effectively. This improves the efficiency of the stove and reduces the amount smoke produced.
Another benefit of a Defra approved log burner is that it permits you to legally use it in a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and large towns are classed as Smoke Control Areas and in order to comply with the law you must use a DEFRA Approved appliance when burning smokeless coal or wood.
You can even buy a defra approved stove that has been certified by clearSkies to show that it meets the latest Ecodesign emissions standards that came into force a year ago. This is the most suitable option when you reside in a region that has Smoke Control. It will make your stove eco-friendly and also comply with the laws. The ESSE 700 Vista, a elegant and efficient Defra Approved Log Burner, offers the option to include the smoke control kit, in the event that it is required.