What is a Defra Log Burner?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the emission 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 authorised fuel.
These new rules limit the amount of smoke a stove can emit to 3g an hour and homeowners will be subject to severe penalties on-the-spot for not complying. To avoid this you must make use of 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 certified stove?
A Defra-approved stove is one that has passed the DEFRA test. It is therefore exempted from the smoke control laws in areas where wood (and other authorised materials) are allowed to be burned. The Defra logo is widely used in the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved will often have SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name, as a quick way to recognise them.
Stoves that are Defra Approved must be tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure they meet strict emission standards. These tests are designed for stoves that generate maximum heat with ultra-low levels of smoke emissions. They typically achieve this by ensuring that combustion gases are burned again during the second burn. This is crucial because it allows the combustion to continue in a controlled manner while reducing the amount combustibles emitted into air.
DEFRA exempt stoves are also more environmentally friendly than other wood burners as they reduce the amount of part-burnt combustibles that are released into the chimney. Defra exempted stoves don’t shut their air vents at night to sleep. They keep the flue open all the time, which means they are less likely to release part burned combustibles down the chimney.
If you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, having a Defra-approved wood burning Portable 5KW Stove – MultiFuel Iron Fireplace NRG (Highly recommended Reading) is a good choice because it will keep your neighbours happy and will ensure that your chimney stays clean for longer. You can purchase Defra exempt stoves in a range of designs and styles, and there are plenty of options to suit both traditional and contemporary homes.
The sleek minimalist design is a major factor when selecting a Defra approved wood burning stove. These stoves are perfect for contemporary living spaces and can be incorporated into a fireplace chamber, inglenook or can be free standing. There are a variety of modern stoves, like the Aarrow I400 or the minimalist Farringdon that will look fantastic in any room. You can also get Defra Exempt Stoves in traditionally styled stoves like the Saxon A08E and the Arizona A08E.
What is what is a Defra exempt stove?
A Defra Exempt or Defra Approved Stove is a wood burning stove that has been approved and tested by the government’s DEFRA department to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been designed to create a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emissions while also generating the highest degree of heat for your home.
You must have an Defra approved stove if you are in Smoke-Control Area. In the event that you don’t, you won’t be able legally to install a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove which has not been approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that isn’t DEFRA-approved in your house could lead to a substantial penalty.
The combustion air system in Defra-approved stoves has been adjusted to limit the amount of oxygen that can reach the firewood during the process of burning. This is done by changing the top air vent. The stove will allow air to flow even when the vent is closed all the way. This stops the firewood from being deprived of air and stops it from smouldering.
From the outside of a Defra stove, you won’t be able to discern that there is anything different from any other wood-burning stove. The unnoticed combustion air adjustment is usually hidden beneath the base of the stove or inside the top of the front of the stove.
Most Defra stoves are permitted to burn wood and specific kinds of smokeless fuels that are authorised, such as anthracite or Homefire brand smokeless coal. Defra stoves can burn a variety of fuels.
You can choose a Defra Stove for a variety of reasons regardless of whether you live in a zone of smoke control or not. Defra approved stoves are more sustainable for the environment, create less smoke and keep your chimney free of any deposits. They also benefit because they generate more heat and release fewer pollutants into the air.
What is an 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 a stove that has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK government’s Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra). The test focuses on the amount of smoke and emissions that the stove produces throughout its normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the Defra test are able to be used within Smoke Control Areas in cities and large towns.
The test also guarantees that the stove is able to operate with approved fuels such as anthracite and smokeless coal. In addition the Defra log burner is more sustainable and can help you keep neighbors from being disturbed by nuisance smoke emissions.
Defra approved wood burners have been able to have their combustion air control modified, often inside the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification stops the user from closing the air control all the way, as it could reduce the amount of oxygen in the stove and cause it to release excessive amounts of smoke.
To keep a Defra approved or Defra-exempt stove operating properly, it must be maintained on a regular basis. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney on a regular basis and ensuring there aren’t any obstructions, making sure the firebox and grate are free of debris and ensuring that the airflow through the chimney free of restrictions.
It is not a requirement to own a Defra-exempt stove, but it is a smart idea to do so particularly if your residence is outside an area designated as a Smoke Control Area. These models are more Efficient 5KW Eco Stove MultiFuel Cast Iron and can save you lots of money in the long term. A Defra approved appliance will also decrease the amount of dust and smoke that you emit in your home and is healthier for your health as well as your neighbours.
Nordpeis offers a range of DEFRA-approved stoves, both in traditional and modern designs. Varde retailers can assist you in determining whether your home is located in an area of smoke Control Area.
What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?
Clean Burn Technology is the way forward for stoves and fireplaces and offers a better quality of burn. This reduces the amount of dust that is in the air, which is better for the environment. It also helps save money on fuel bills because you get more heat from the same logs. These stoves are so effective that they have lowered the need for chimney sweeps because there is a minimal amount of soot produced. As top stove manufacturers continue to innovate their products, they have added secondary or tertiary burning systems which further reduce emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of their users.
A stove that is approved by Defra is able to be used not just in Smoke Control Areas but as well in a properly constructed chimney that is insulated and built to last in any home. These wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves come in a range of designs to suit your personal preferences. There are contemporary and traditional options in many different colors and finishes that will complement your decor. These stoves come in different sizes, so you can choose one that will fit in the space of your fireplace or inglenook.
All Defra approved wood stoves have been subjected to rigorous tests and examinations in order to ensure that they are in compliance with Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and high efficiency in combustion. This means that you can be confident that you are using your fuel in a responsible manner and making money while doing so. Only using dry, kiln-dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will enhance the performance of your stove.
Buying a Defra Approved stove is a ideal choice when you live in a smoke controlled area and want to continue to enjoy the cosy warmth that only a real wood stove can offer. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already experiencing the benefits of a healthier environment and have seen savings on their fuel bills. We recommend that your stove be professionally installed by an engineer in gas who is certified to install it. This will ensure that it meets all requirements for building. You should have your stove checked and serviced regularly to maintain optimum performance and to avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.
