The Good And Bad About Defra Log Burner
What is a Defra Log Burner?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emissions of smoke from wood-burning stoves. There are regulations that prohibit chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas except if you use an exempt appliance or fuel that is authorised.
These new rules limit the amount of smoke a stove could emit to 3g an hour and homeowners face hefty on-the-spot fines for not complying. To avoid this, you must make use of 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 been passed by the DEFRA test and is therefore exempt from the laws of areas of smoke control to burn wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra logo is well-known in the field. Stoves that are Defra approved will often have SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name, as an easy way to identify them.
Stoves that are Defra Approved are tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (recommended DEFRA stoves) to ensure they meet strict emission standards. These tests are designed to test stoves that can produce the highest heat, while producing extremely low levels of smoke emissions. The low emissions are typically achieved by ensuring combustion gases are reburned in the secondary burning. This is important because it allows the burning to continue efficiently whilst decreasing the amount of partially burned burning combustibles released into the atmosphere.
DEFRA exempt stoves are more environmentally friendly than other wood burning stoves since they are less likely to release part-burnt combustibles released into the chimney. In contrast to stoves that require to shut the air vents to allow them to 'slumber' overnight, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open meaning they are much less likely to send part-burnt combustibles down the chimney, where they may block it.
You can purchase a Defra approved wood burning stove, regardless of whether you reside in a smoke-free area or not. It will make your neighbors happy, and keep your chimney clean for a longer time. You can purchase DEFRA stoves cost - More Material, exempt stoves in a variety of styles and there are a lot of options for traditional and contemporary homes.
Many people choose a Defra approved wood burning stove due to its minimalist and sleek design. They are great for contemporary living spaces and can be fitted into a fireplace chamber, inglenook or be freestanding. Modern stoves like the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon are perfect for any space. You can also purchase DEFRA regulations stoves Exempt Stoves with traditional styled stoves, such as the Saxon A08E or Arizona A08E.
What is an Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra approved or exempt stove is one 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 emit a minimal amount of smoke and harmful emissions while also producing a high level of heat for your home.
You need a Defra approved stove if you reside in a Smoke-Control Area. Otherwise you won't be allowed to legally install any wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that's not approved by DEFRA in your house could result in a hefty penalty.
The combustion air system in stoves that are approved by Defra has been modified to limit the amount of oxygen that can get to the wood while it is burning. Modifying the air vent on top is how this is done. The stove will still let air in even when the vent is shut all the way. This stops the firewood from smoldering and preventing it from being depleted of air.
You will not be able discern from the outside that the Defra wood burning stove is different. The combustion air adjustment is concealed under the base of the wood stove, or in the top front.
Most Defra stoves will be approved to burn wood and certain types of authorised smokeless fuels like anthracite and Homefire brand smokeless coal. Defra stoves can be used to burn a wide variety of fuels.
You can choose a Defra Stove for many reasons regardless of whether you live in a smoke control area or not. Defra stoves are better for your surroundings, they produce less smoke and help keep your chimney free of accumulated. They also benefit because they generate more heat and release fewer pollutants into the air.
What is 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. The test focuses on the amount of smoke and emission levels that the stove produces throughout its normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra testing can be installed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in cities and towns.
The test also ensures the stove is able to operate using approved fuels like smokeless coke and anthracite. Additionally, a Defra log burner is more environmentally friendly and can help you prevent neighbors from being upset by smoke emissions.
Wood burners that are Defra-approved have been given a combustion air control modified, usually in the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification prevents the user from closing the air control all the way, as this can cause the stove to be depleted of oxygen and cause it to release excessive amounts of smoke.
A Defra approved stove, or Defra exempt stove, as it is sometimes called it, must be maintained regularly to keep it working properly. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue on a regular basis. It is also important to make sure there aren't any obstructions and that the firebox is clean and the grate is free of debris.
It's not a requirement to own a Defra-exempt stove, but it is a good idea to do so particularly if your residence is located outside a Smoke Control Area. These models are more efficient and will save you a lot of money over the long run. A Defra approved appliance will also decrease the amount of smoke and dust that you emit in your home which is better for your health and your neighbours.
At Nordpeis we offer a wide range of DEFRA approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. To see if you live in a Smoke Control Area and would like to discuss your options, please contact your local Varde retailer.
What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?
Clean Burn Technology is the best DEFRA stoves option for stoves and fires, and provides a higher quality burn. This reduces the amount of dust that is in the air which is healthier for the environment. It also saves cash on fuel costs since you can get more heat from 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 develop their products, they have also incorporated secondary or tertiary combustion systems which further reduce emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of their customers.
A Defra-approved stove can be used not only in Smoke Control Areas but as well in a properly constructed chimney that is well-insulated and insulated in any home. These wood burning and multi-fuel stoves come in a range of designs that will suit your preferences. There are contemporary and traditional options available in a wide range of colours and finishes to complement your decor. The stoves are also available in a range of sizes, ensuring that you can choose the ideal one to fit your fireplace's inglenook or fireplace chamber.
All Defra approved stoves have been subjected to rigorous tests and examinations to ensure they abide by the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions levels and high combustion efficiency to ensure you can be sure that you are making use of your fuel in an ecologically responsible manner, and saving money on heating bills too. Only using the kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will improve the efficiency of your stove.
If you live in a smoke-controlled area and still want to experience the warmth of a wood burner, then a Defra Approved Stove is a excellent choice. Many of our customers who have bought a Defra stove are already reaping the advantages of a cleaner environment and have experienced savings on their energy bills. We suggest that you have your stove professionally installed by a licensed gas engineer to ensure that the installation meets building regulations. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your stove will ensure it is operating at its peak and prevents the need for expensive repairs in the future.