What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs 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 that is authorised.

The new rules limit the amount the stove can emit of smoke to 3g per hour. If homeowners do not adhere to the new rules, they could be fined on the spot. To avoid this, you must use Defra approved log burners and only burn dry wood that has been kiln-dried and has the 'Ready to Burn' label.

What is a Defra certified stove?

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that has been passed by the DEFRA test and is therefore exempt from the laws of areas of smoke control to burn wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra Logo is well-known within the industry. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will usually be marked with SE (Smoke-Exempt) to provide 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 they meet the strict standards for emissions. These tests are designed for stoves that produce maximum heat while generating extremely low levels of smoke emissions. The low emissions are typically accomplished by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned during the second burning. This is crucial because it allows the combustion to continue at a high rate while reducing the amount of combustibles released into the atmosphere.

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 are not required to close their air vents overnight to sleep. They keep the flue open all time, making them less likely to send part burned combustibles down the chimney.

If you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, a Defra Approved wood burning stove is a good idea because it will keep your neighbours satisfied and ensure that your chimney stays free of dust for a longer period of time. Defra exempt wood burning stoves are available in a wide variety of styles and designs, and there are plenty of options that will suit modern and traditional homes.

The sleek, minimalist design is an important factor when selecting a Defra approved wood burning stove. They are great for contemporary living spaces and can be installed into a fireplace chamber, inglenook or be freestanding. There are a variety of modern stoves such as the Aarrow i400 or the minimal Farringdon that look stunning in any room. There are also stoves that are Defra-exempt in traditional styles like the Saxon A08E as well as 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 used in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been developed to produce a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emissions while also producing the highest degree of heat to your home.

The main reason you need a Defra stove is that if your residence is located in the Smoke Control Area then you will not be allowed to legally install a wood-burning or multifuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA. You could be facing severe penalties for installing an unapproved stove inside your home.

Defra approved stoves have had their combustion air system modified to limit the amount 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 still allow a tiny amount of air to pass through even if you close the vent completely. This stops the firewood from burning and also prevents it from becoming depleted of air.

It is difficult to tell from the outside that the Defra wood burning stove is different. The combustion air adjustment that is not visible is usually hidden beneath the stove's base or inside the top of the front of the stove.

Most Defra stoves will be approved to burn wood and specific types of authorised smokeless fuels, such as anthracite or Homefire brand smokeless coal. However there are a few of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel-approved and are able to burn a range of different fuels.

You can pick a Defra Stove for many reasons, regardless whether you reside in a zone of smoke control or not. Defra stoves are more sustainable for the surroundings, they produce less smoke and they help keep your chimney free of deposits. They also are better for your home since they offer more heat and less toxins in the air.

What is an 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 that has been tested rigorously by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This test measures the amount of smoke and emissions that the stove is able to produce throughout its normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra tests can be placed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in towns and cities.

The test also confirms that the stove can be used with approved fuels, including smokeless coal and anthracite. In addition, a Defra log burner is more sustainable and can help avoid upsetting neighbours with nuisance smoke emissions.

The control of combustion air on wood burners that have been endorsed by Defra has been modified. This is typically carried out inside the firebox or on top of the stove. This modification prevents users from closing the air control completely since this could cause the stove and cause it produce excessive amounts of smoke.

A Defra approved stove or Defra exempt stove, as it is sometimes called, should still be maintained regularly to ensure that it is operating correctly. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney regularly and ensuring there aren't any obstructions ensuring that the firebox and grate are free of debris and the flow of air through the chimney free from restrictions.

Although it's not an obligation under the law to own a Defra exempt stove, particularly in the absence of the Smoke Control Area It is recommended to get one as they are much more Efficient 8KW Black Cast Iron Eco Wood Stove than models that are not Defra approved 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 neighbors.

Nordpeis offers a range of DEFRA-approved cooktops, both in traditional and modern 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 higher quality of burn and is the future of Fireplaces And Stove and stoves. This means a reduced amount of airborne dust which is beneficial for the environment and can save the cost of fuel as you are able to get more heat from the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have eliminated the need for chimney sweeps, as little soot is produced. As the top stove manufacturers continue to develop their products, they have added secondary or tertiary combustion systems that further reduce emissions and decrease the carbon footprint of their users.

A stove that is Defra-approved is able to be used not just in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well built chimney that is insulated and built to last in any home. These wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel models come in different styles to meet your preferences. There are a variety of options for traditional and contemporary stoves that come in various colours and finishes that match your style. These stoves come in a variety of sizes so you can find one that fits your fireplace or inglenook.

All Defra approved wood stoves have been put through rigorous testing and examinations to ensure that they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and high efficiency in combustion. This means that you can rest assured that you are burning your fuel in a responsible manner and you are saving money while doing it. Only using kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will enhance the performance of your stove.