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 ban chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas in the event that you are using an exempt appliance or fuel with a valid license.
The new rules limit the amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g/hour and homeowners are subject to hefty penalties on-the-spot if they do not comply. To avoid this, only use log burners that have been approved by Defra and burn kiln-dried wood marked with the 'Ready to Burn" label.
What is a Defra-approved stove?
A Defra approved stove is a stove that has passed the DEFRA test and is exempt from the laws of smoke control areas to burn wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra logo is well-known and has been adopted by the industry. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will often be identified by SE (Smoke-Exempt) to provide 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 comply with strict emission standards. These tests are intended for stoves that generate maximum heat with ultra-low levels of smoke emissions. They usually achieve this by ensuring that the combustion gases are burned again during the second burn. This is important as it allows the burn to continue in a controlled manner while reducing the amount of part-burned combustion gases that are released into the air.
DEFRA exempt stoves are also more eco-friendly than other wood burning stoves since they are less likely to release part-burnt combustibles being released into the chimney. Defra exempted stoves are not required to close their air vents during the night to sleep. They keep the flue open all time, making them less likely to release part burned burning combustibles down the chimney.
If you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, an approved Defra wood burning stove is a great idea as it will keep your neighbours content and ensure that your chimney is free of dust for a longer period of time. Defra exempt stoves for wood burning are available in a broad selection of designs and styles, and there are a variety of options that will suit traditional and contemporary homes.
The sleek, minimalist design is a key factor in choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. These stoves are great for modern living spaces. They can be installed in a fireplace chamber or inglenooks, or they can be free-standing. There are many modern stoves, like the Aarrow i400 or the minimal Farringdon that would look great in any room. You can also purchase Defra Exempt Stoves in traditionally styled stoves such as the Saxon A08E or Arizona A08E.
What is an Defra exempt stove?
A Defra approved or exempt stove is a stove that burns wood 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 generating an extremely high level of heat to your home.
You must have a Defra approved stove if you live in Smoke-Control Area. If you don't you will not be able legally to install any wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove which has not been approved by DEFRA. You could face severe penalties for installing a non-Defra approved stove in your home.
Defra approved stoves have had their combustion air system adjusted to limit the amount of oxygen that can reach the wood burning process. This is accomplished by altering the air vent on top. The stove can still let air in even if the vent is closed completely. This stops the firewood from smouldering and also prevents it from becoming thirsty for air.
From the outside of an 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 under the stove's base or inside the top front of the stove.
Most Defra Stoves are permitted to burn wood or certain types of smokeless fuels like Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite, etc. However there are multi fuel stove defra approved of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel approved and can be used to burn a variety of different fuels.
There are a myriad of reasons you should consider a Defra stove, regardless if you live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra approved stoves are better for the environment, generate less smoke and help to keep your chimney free of any deposits. They are also more efficient because they generate more heat and emit fewer toxins into the air.
What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?
A Defra wood burning stove also known as a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove, is a stove which has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This testing looks at the levels of emissions and the amount of smoke the stove is able to produce during all stages of 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 smokeless coke and anthracite. A Defra-certified log burner is also more sustainable, and helps to avoid annoying neighbours with nuisance emissions.
Defra approved wood burners have been given a combustion air control modified, often within the firebox or at the top of the stove. This modification stops the user from closing the air control completely way, as this can starve the stove of oxygen and cause it to emit excessive amounts of smoke.
A Defra approved stove or Defra exempt stove, as it is sometimes referred to must be regularly maintained in order to ensure it's functioning efficiently. This includes cleaning your flue and chimney regularly. Also, you should make sure that there aren't any obstructions and that the firebox is clean and the grate is free of any debris.
Although it's not a legal requirement to have a Defra exempt stove, particularly in the absence of an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, it is recommended to get one as they are more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will save you money on fuel costs in the long run. In addition the fact that the use of a Defra approved stove can reduce the amount of smoke and dust that is emitted into your living space which makes it a better option for your health and the health of your neighbors.
At Nordpeis we have a wide range of DEFRA approved stoves that come in contemporary and traditional designs. To determine 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 offers a superior quality of combustion and is the future of stoves and fireplaces. This means less amount of airborne dust which is good for the environment and can save the cost of fuel as you are able to get more heating from the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have reduced the need for chimney sweeps since there is less soot to be produced. As the top stove manufacturers create their products they have integrated secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that further reduce emissions from the stove and reduce the carbon footprint of their users.
A stove that is approved by Defra can be used in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well-constructed chimney that is insulated and built to last 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 complement your decor. These stoves are also available in a range of sizes, so that you can choose the ideal one for your fireplace's inglenook or fireplace chamber.
All Defra approved stoves have undergone rigorous testing and examination to ensure they abide by the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions levels and a high efficiency of combustion, so that you can be assured you are using your fuel in an environmentally sustainable manner and saving money on your heating bills as well. Using only dry kiln-dried wood that is ready to burn will improve the performance of your stove and assist in reducing its emissions.
Buying a Defra Approved stove is a great choice for those who live in a smoke controlled zone and want to experience the cozy warmth only a genuine wood burner can provide. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already experiencing the benefits of a cleaner atmosphere and have seen savings on their fuel bills. We suggest that you get your stove installed by a licensed gas engineer to ensure that the installation meets the necessary building regulations. It is important to have your stove inspected and serviced regularly to ensure optimal performance and to avoid having to make costly repairs in the future.