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 prohibiting chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas in the event that you are using an exempt appliance or authorised fuel.
These new rules limit the amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g per hour and homeowners will be subject to severe on-the-spot fines in the event of non-compliance. To avoid this, make sure you use Defra approved log burners and only use dry wood that has been kiln-dried and has the "Ready to Burn" mark.
What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A Defra approved stove is a stove that has passed the DEFRA test and is exempt from laws in zones of smoke control that allow burning wood (and other fuels that are approved by DEFRA). The Defra logo is well-known and is widely used by the industry. Stoves that have been approved by Defra are often identified by SE (Smoke-Exempt) as an easy and quick method to identify them.
The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that have been Defra approved to ensure that they meet strict emissions standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves provide maximum heat output while generating low levels of smoke emissions. The low emissions are typically achieved by ensuring combustion gases are reburned during the secondary burning. This is important as it allows the combustion to continue at a high rate while reducing the amount combustibles emitted into atmosphere.
DEFRA exempted stoves are green as they cut down on the amount of combustibles that are part-burned and sent down the chimney. Unlike some stoves that need to close the vents for air to allow them to rest over the night, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open meaning they are much less likely to send part-burnt combustibles to the chimney, where they may hinder its flow.
Whether you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, having a Defra-approved wood burning stove is a good idea because it will keep your neighbors happy and will ensure that your chimney remains clean for longer. Defra exempt wood burning stoves are available in a broad range of designs and designs, and there are plenty of options to fit modern and traditional homes.
The sleek, minimalist design is an important aspect when choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. These stoves are perfect for modern living spaces. They can be incorporated into an inglenook, fireplace chamber or can be free standing. There are a number of contemporary stoves like the Aarrow i400 or the minimal Farringdon that look stunning in any room. You can also purchase Defra Exempt Stoves in traditionally styled stoves such as the Saxon A08E or Arizona A08E.
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 placed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to emit a minimal amount of fumes and harmful emissions while providing a high degree of heat for your home.
You need an Defra approved stove if you are in Smoke-Control Area. Otherwise you won't be able legally to install any wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove which has not been approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that isn't DEFRA-approved in your home could lead to a substantial penalty.
The combustion air system in Defra-approved stoves has been adjusted to limit the amount oxygen that can get to the wood during burning. This is done by modifying the top air vent. This means that the stove will allow a tiny amount of air to pass through even if you close the vent all the way. This stops the firewood from smouldering and preventing it from being depleted of air.
From the outside of a Defra stove you will not be able to tell that it is different from any other wood-burning stove. The unnoticed combustion air adjustment is usually hidden underneath the stove's base or inside the top of the front of the stove.
Most Defra Stoves are allowed to burn wood or certain kinds of smokeless fuels, such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite etc. Learn Even more Here can be used to burn a wide variety of fuels.
There are a myriad of reasons you should consider a Defra stove, whether you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra stoves are better for the environment, they produce less smoke and help keep your chimney free of deposits. They also benefit since they produce more heat and release less toxins into the air.
What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?
A Defra stove, also referred to as a Defra exempt stove or Defra smoke control certified wood burning stove, is one that has passed a stringent test designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra). This test measures the amount of smoke and emission levels that the stove produces throughout its normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra test are able to be used within Smoke Control Areas in cities and large towns.
The test also ensures the stove is able to operate with approved fuels such as anthracite and smokeless coke. Additionally, a Defra log burner is more eco-friendly and can help keep neighbors from being disturbed by nuisance smoke emissions.
The control of combustion air on wood burners that have been endorsed by Defra has been changed. This is usually carried out inside the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification stops the user from closing the air control all the way, as this can starve the stove of oxygen and cause it to release excessive quantities of smoke.
To keep a Defra approved or Defra-exempt stove working properly, it should be maintained on a regular basis. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney regularly, ensuring that there are no blockages, making sure the grate and firebox are free of debris and ensuring that the airflow through the chimney free of restrictions.
It is not required to own a Defra-exempt stove, but it is a good idea to do so especially if your house is located outside of an area designated as a Smoke Control Area. These models are more efficient and will help you save money in the long run. A Defra approved appliance will also decrease the amount of dust and smoke that is emitted in your home and is healthier for your health as well as your neighbors.
Nordpeis offers a variety of DEFRA-approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. To determine if you reside in a Smoke Control Area and want to discuss your options, please contact your local Varde retailer.
What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?
Clean Burn Technology is the best option for stoves and fireplaces and offers a better quality of burn. This means a lesser amount of dust that is blown into the air which is good for the environment and saves money on your fuel bills as you get more heat from the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have led to an easing of the need for chimney sweeps since less soot is produced. As leading stove manufacturers continue to improve their products, they have incorporated secondary or tertiary burners which further reduce emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of their users.
A Defra approved stove is not just suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas however, it can also be installed in a solid, well-built and insulated chimney system in any home. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves come in a range of designs that will suit your preferences. There are numerous options for both traditional and contemporary stoves in a variety of colours and finishes that match your decor. They are available in various sizes, so you can choose one that is suitable for your fireplace or inglenook.
All Defra approved wood stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing and examinations to ensure they are in compliance with Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and high combustion efficiency. This means you can be confident that you are using your fuel responsibly and saving money while doing so. Only using kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will improve the performance of your stove.
If you live in a smoke-free area and still want to enjoy the warmth of a wood burner and a Defra Approved Stove is a good choice. Our customers who bought a Defra Stove are already enjoying the benefits of a healthier environment and saving on their costs for fuel. We would recommend that you install your stove professionally by a qualified gas engineer to ensure the installation meets the necessary building regulations. Regularly checking and maintaining your stove will ensure that it is operating at its peak and will avoid the need for costly repairs in the near future.