What is a Defra Log Burner?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the release of smoke from wood-burning stoves. There are regulations that ban chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas in the event that you use an exempt device or authorised fuel.
The new rules limit the amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g/hour and homeowners will be subject to severe on-the-spot fines in the event of non-compliance. To keep this from happening, only use a log burner that has been approved by Defra and burn kiln-dried wood marked with the 'Ready to Burn" label.
What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A stove that is Defra-approved that has passed the DEFRA test. It is therefore exempted from smoke control laws in areas where wood (and other materials that are authorised) are allowed to be burned. The Defra logo is well-known and has been adopted by the industry. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra will often be marked with SE (Smoke-Exempt) as a quick and easy way to identify them.
Stoves that are Defra Approved are tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure that they meet strict emission standards. These tests are designed to test stoves that generate maximum heat with ultra-low levels of smoke emissions. These emissions are typically attained by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned in the secondary burning. This is important because it allows the burning to continue at a high efficiency while reducing the amount of part-burned combustibles that are emitted into the atmosphere.
DEFRA exempt stoves are also more eco-friendly than other wood burning stoves since they are less likely to release part-burnt combustibles being transported down the chimney. In contrast to stoves that require to shut the air vents to allow them to sleep overnight, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open, meaning they are much less likely to discharge part-burnt combustibles to the chimney where they can hinder its flow.
If you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, an approved Defra wood burning stove is a good idea as it will keep your neighbors happy and will ensure that your chimney stays clean for longer. Defra exempt wood burning stoves are available in a wide variety of designs and styles, and there are a variety of options to suit both traditional and modern homes.
Many people prefer a Defra approved wood burning stove for the minimalist, sleek design. These stoves are ideal for contemporary living spaces. They can be put in in a fireplace chamber or inglenooks, or they can be free-standing. Modern stoves like the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon would look great in any space. There are also stoves that are Defra-exempt in traditional styles such as the Saxon A08E as well as the Arizona A08E.
What is a Defra exempt stove?
A Defra Exempt or Defra Approved Stove is a wood burning stove that has been inspected and approved by the government's DEFRA department to be fitted in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to produce less smoke and harmful emissions while also producing a high level of warmth for your home.
You need an Defra approved stove if you reside in Smoke-Control Area. In the event that you don't you won't be allowed to legally install a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has not been approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that isn't DEFRA-approved within your home could result in a hefty penalty.
Defra approved stoves have been able to have their combustion air system modified to limit the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the firewood during the burn process. Modifying the top air vent is how this is done. 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 burning and also prevents it from becoming starved for air.
It is difficult to discern from the outside that the Defra wood-burning stove is different. The adjustment for the combustion air is hidden under the base of the wood stove or in the top front.
Most Defra Stoves are allowed to burn wood or certain kinds of smokeless fuels such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite and so on. Defra stoves can be used to burn a wide variety of fuels.
There are a variety of reasons why you should consider a Defra stove, regardless of whether you live in Smoke Control Area or not. Defra approved stoves are more sustainable for the environment, generate less smoke and keep your chimney clear of accumulated. They are also better for your home because they are more efficient in heating and less toxins in your air.
What is what is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?
A Defra wood burning stove, also called a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove is a stove that has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This test evaluates the amount of smoke and emissions that the stove can produce in all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that pass Defra testing can be installed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in cities and large town.
The test also ensures the stove is able to operate using approved fuels like smokeless coke and anthracite. A Defra-certified log burner is also more eco-friendly and helps avoid annoying neighbours with nuisance emissions.
Defra approved wood burners have had their combustion air control modified, usually inside the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification prevents users from closing the air control completely, since this could cause the stove and cause it to produce excessive amounts of smoke.
To keep a Defra approved or Defra-exempt stove functioning properly, it must be maintained regularly. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney on a regular basis making sure there aren't any obstructions, ensuring that the firebox and grate are clean, and keeping the airflow through the chimney free of restrictions.
While it isn't a legal requirement to have a Defra exempt stove, particularly when you are not in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area it is a good idea to purchase one since they are more efficient than non-Defra models and will save you money on fuel costs over the long term. 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 and your neighbours.
Nordpeis offers a variety of DEFRA-approved cooktops, both in modern and traditional designs. To determine if you reside in a Smoke Control Area and would like to discuss your options, contact your local Varde retailer.
What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?
Clean Burn Technology offers a better burn quality 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 saves you money on fuel bills because you get more heat from the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have reduced the necessity for chimney sweeps since there is less soot to be produced. As leading stove manufacturers continue to innovate their products, they have incorporated secondary or tertiary burners that further reduce emissions and lower 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 insulation-free chimney system in any home. These wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel models come in various styles to match your taste. There are a variety of choices for traditional and contemporary stoves that come in various colors and finishes that will match your decor. defra stoves are also available in a range of sizes, so that you can find the ideal one to fit your fireplace or inglenook.
All Defra approved stoves have gone through rigorous testing and examination to ensure that they are in compliance with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emission levels and a high efficiency of combustion, so that you can be assured you are making use of your fuel in an environmentally sustainable manner and saving money on heating costs too. Only using the kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will improve the performance of your stove.
The purchase of a Defra Approved stove is a ideal choice for those who reside in a smoke-free area and wish to enjoy the cosy warmth that only a real wood burner can provide. Our customers who have purchased a Defra Stove are already reaping the benefits of a healthier environment and saving on their costs for fuel. We would recommend that you get your stove installed by a qualified gas engineer to ensure the installation is in compliance with building regulations. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your stove will ensure it operates at its best and avoids the need for costly repairs in the future.