A Help Guide To Defra Log Burner From Start To Finish

What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for defra approved energy-efficient stoves Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the emission of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have rules in place that prohibit chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas in the absence of an exempt device and authorized fuel.

These new rules limit the amount of smoke a stove could emit to 3g/hour and homeowners will be subject to severe on-the-spot fines if they do not comply. To avoid this, you must only use log burners approved by DEFRA accredited stoves and burn kiln-dried wood marked with the 'Ready To Burn" label.

What is a Defra approved stove?

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that has passed the DEFRA test and is exempt from laws in smoke control areas to burn wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra logo is well-known and is widely used by the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved usually have SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name as a quick way to recognise them.

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that are Defra approved to ensure they meet the strict standards for emissions. These tests are intended for stoves that can produce the highest heat while generating extremely 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 in a controlled manner while reducing the amount of combustibles emitted into air.

DEFRA exempted stoves are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount part-burned combustibles sent down the chimney. Unlike some stoves that need to shut the vents for air to allow them to 'slumber' over the night, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open meaning they are far less likely to discharge part-burnt combustibles into the chimney, where they may stop it from getting there.

You can purchase an approved Defra wood burning stove whether you reside in a smoke-free area or not. It will keep your neighbors satisfied, and help keep your chimney clean for a longer time. Defra exempt stoves for wood burning are available in a broad selection of designs and designs, and there are plenty of options that will suit traditional and contemporary homes.

Many people opt for a Defra approved wood burning stove due to its minimalist, sleek design. These stoves are great for modern living spaces. They can be placed inside a fireplace chamber, inglenook, or be freestanding. Modern stoves such as the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon would look great in any space. You can also get DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves Exempt Stoves with traditional styled stoves like the Saxon A08E or 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 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 an extremely high level of heat to your home.

The main reason you require a Defra stove is that if your home is located in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then you won't be allowed to legally install any wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that isn't approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that's not approved by DEFRA within your home could result in a significant penalty.

The combustion air system in stoves that are Defra-approved has been modified to limit the amount oxygen that can be absorbed by the firewood during the process of burning. Modifying the air vent on top is the method used to achieve this. This means that the stove will allow a tiny amount of air to flow through, even if you shut the vent completely. This stops the firewood from smoldering and keeps it from becoming thirsty for air.

You will not be able tell from the outside that a Defra wood-burning stove is different. The unseen combustion air adjustment is usually hidden beneath the base of the stove or in the top 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 and so on. However there are a few of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel-approved and can be used to burn a variety of different fuels.

There are a variety of reasons why you might want to choose a Defra stove, regardless if you reside in a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra approved stoves are more sustainable for the environment, create less smoke and keep your chimney clear of any deposits. They are also better for your home since they offer more heat and less toxins in the air.

What is an Smoke Control Exempt Stove?

A Defra stove, also referred to as a Defra exempt stove or Defra smoke control approved wood burning stove is a stove that has passed a rigorous test designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra). This testing looks at the levels of emissions and the amount of smoke a stove is able to produce during all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the Defra test can be installed within Smoke Control Areas in large cities and towns.

The test also guarantees that the stove can be used with authorised fuels, such as smokeless coal and anthracite. A Defra-certified log burner is also more environmentally friendly and can help keep neighbors from being annoyed by nuisance emissions.

Defra approved wood burners have been given a combustion air control modified, often 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 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 on a regular basis. This includes cleaning the chimney and flue regularly, ensuring that there aren't any obstructions making sure the grate and firebox are clean and the flow of air through the chimney unhindered by restrictions.

Although it's not a legal requirement to have a defra approved energy-efficient stoves exempt stove, particularly in the absence of a Smoke Control Area, it is a good idea to get one as they are more efficient than non-Defra models and will help you save money on fuel costs over the long term. A Defra approved appliance will also reduce the amount of dust and smoke that you emit in your home and is healthier for your health as well as your neighbours.

At Nordpeis we offer an extensive selection of DEFRA approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. To see if you live in a Smoke Control Area and want to discuss your options, contact your local Varde retailer.

What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?

Clean Burn Technology is the way forward for stoves and fires, and offers a better quality of burn. This means a reduced amount of dust from the air which is beneficial for the environment and can save money on your fuel bills since you can receive more heating from the same logs. These stoves are so efficient that they have eliminated the need for chimney sweeps as little soot is produced. As the top stove manufacturers develop their products they have incorporated secondary and tertiary combustion systems that further reduce emissions from the stove and reduce their users carbon footprint.

A stove that is approved by Defra can be used in Smoke Control Areas but as well in a properly constructed, insulated chimney in any home. These wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel models come in a variety of styles to meet your preferences. There are contemporary and traditional options, available in many different colors and finishes to match your interior. The stoves are also available in a range of sizes, so that you can find the ideal one for your fireplace's inglenook or fireplace chamber.

All Defra approved stoves have gone through rigorous testing and examination to ensure they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions levels and a high efficiency of combustion, so that you are assured that you are making use of your fuel in an environmentally sustainable manner and saving money on your heating costs too. Making sure you use only dry kiln dried wood that is ready to burn will improve the performance of your stove and help to reduce its emissions.

The purchase of a Defra Approved stove is a great choice if you live in a smoke controlled zone and want to experience the cozy warmth that only a real wood burner can offer. Our customers who purchased a Defra Stove are already enjoying the benefits of a cleaner environment and a reduction in energy bills. We would recommend that you get your stove installed by a licensed gas engineer to ensure that the installation meets building regulations. It is important to have your stove inspected and maintained on a regular basis to maintain optimum performance and to avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.