What is a Defra Log Burner?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the emission of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have rules in place that prohibit chimney smoke within Smoke Control Areas unless using an exempt appliance and authorised fuel.
These new rules limit the amount of smoke a stove could emit to 3g/hour and homeowners are subject to hefty penalties on-the-spot for not complying. 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 Defra-approved stove is one that has passed the DEFRA test. Therefore, it is exempt from smoke-control laws in areas where wood (and other authorised materials) are permitted to be burned. The Defra logo is widely used in the field. Stoves that are Defra approved usually have SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name as an easy way to identify them.
DEFRA approved sustainable 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 intended for stoves that can produce the highest heat, while producing extremely low levels of smoke emissions. These emissions are typically accomplished by ensuring that 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 of combustibles released into the atmospheric air.
DEFRA exempt stoves are also more environmentally friendly than other wood burners as they are less likely to release part-burnt combustibles that are released into the chimney. In contrast to stoves that require to shut off the air vents in order to allow them to sleep overnight, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flues open, which means they are much less likely to send part-burnt combustibles into the chimney, where they could hinder its flow.
You can purchase a Defra approved wood burning stove, regardless of whether you reside in a smoke-free area or not. It will keep your neighbors satisfied, and help keep your chimney in good condition for a longer time. Defra exempt stoves for wood burning are available in a broad range of designs and styles, and there are a variety of options that will suit modern and traditional homes.
Many people opt for a Defra approved wood burning stove for the sleek, minimal design. These stoves are perfect for modern living spaces and can be installed into an inglenook, fireplace chamber or free standing. There are a number of contemporary stoves like the Aarrow I400 or the minimalist Farringdon that look stunning in any room. There are also Defra Exempt Stoves with traditional styled stoves, such as the Saxon A08E and the Arizona A08E.
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 emission while also producing a high degree of heat for your home.
You need an Defra approved stove if you live in a Smoke-Control Area. If you don't 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 non-Defra stove in your house could result in a hefty penalty.
The combustion air system in stoves that are approved by Defra has been modified to limit the amount of oxygen that can reach the firewood during burning. This is accomplished by altering the top air vent. 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 smoldering and keeps it from becoming starved for air.
It is difficult to see from the outside that the Defra wood-burning stove is different. The combustion air adjustment is concealed under the base of the wood stove or on the top of the front.
The majority of Defra stoves will be permitted to burn wood, and certain types of authorised smokeless fuels like anthracite and Homefire brand smokeless coal. However there are a few of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel certified and are able to burn a variety of different fuels.
There are a myriad of reasons you might want to choose a Defra stove, regardless of whether you reside in a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra stoves are more sustainable for the surroundings, they produce less smoke and help keep your chimney free of deposits. They are also safer for your home because they are more efficient in heating and less toxins in the air.
What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?
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 emissions levels and the amount of smoke that the stove produces throughout the stages of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra test can be installed 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 smokeless coke and anthracite. A Defra-certified log burner is also more sustainable and can help avoid annoying neighbours with nuisance emissions.
The control of the combustion air for wood burners that have been approved by Defra has been altered. This is typically carried out inside the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification prevents users from closing the air control completely as this could starve the stove and cause it to emit excessive amounts 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 chimney and flue on a regular basis. It is also important to make sure that there aren't any obstructions or obstructions in the firebox. Also, ensure that it is clean and that the flue is free of debris.
While it isn't an obligation under the law to own a Defra exempt stove, particularly when you are not in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area It is recommended to purchase one since they are more efficient than non-Defra models and will save you money on fuel costs over the long term. In addition the fact that an Defra approved stove will decrease the amount of smoke and dust that gets into your living space which makes it a better choice for your health and the health of your neighbors.
Nordpeis offers a range of DEFRA-approved stoves, both in traditional and modern designs. To determine if you reside in a Smoke Control Area and want 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 stoves and fireplaces. This reduces dust levels in the air which is better for the environment. It also helps save money on fuel costs because you can get more heat out of the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have eliminated the need for chimney sweeps, because there is a minimal amount of soot produced. As the top stove manufacturers develop their products they have added secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that reduce the emissions of the stove, and decrease the carbon footprint of their customers.
A Defra-approved stove can be used in Smoke Control Areas but as well in a properly constructed, insulated chimney in any home. These wood burning stoves and multi-fuel models are available in various styles to suit your tastes. There are contemporary and traditional options in a wide range of colours and finishes that will complement your interior. These stoves are also available in a variety of sizes, ensuring that you can choose the ideal one for your fireplace chamber or inglenook.
All Defra approved stoves have been subjected to rigorous tests and examinations to ensure they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emission levels and high combustion efficiency to ensure you can be assured you are making use of your fuel in a ecologically responsible manner, and saving money on your heating costs too. Utilizing only dry kiln-dried wood that is ready to burn will enhance the efficiency of your stove, and also help to reduce its emissions.
If you live in a smoke-controlled area and still desire the warmth of a wood burning stove then a Defra Approved Stove is a good choice. Our customers who bought a Defra Stove are already reaping the benefits of a healthier environment and saving money on energy bills. We suggest that you get your stove installed by a licensed gas engineer to ensure that the installation is in compliance with building regulations. It is important to have your stove examined and maintained on a regular basis to ensure optimal performance and to avoid having to make costly repairs in the future.