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 prohibiting chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas except if you use an exempt appliance or authorised fuel.
The new rules limit amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g/hour and homeowners face hefty penalties on-the-spot if they do not comply. To avoid this, you must only use log burners 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 an appliance that has passed the DEFRA test and is exempt from the laws of areas of smoke control to burn wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra logo is well-known in the field. Stoves that are Defra approved usually have SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name, as an easy way to recognize them.
Stoves that are Defra Approved are tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure 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. The low emissions are typically accomplished by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned during the second combustion. This is crucial as it allows the burn to continue efficiently whilst lessening the amount of part-burned combustion gases that are released into the air.
fireplacesandstove exempted stoves are eco-friendly since they limit the amount of part-burned combustibles thrown through the chimney. In contrast to stoves that require to shut off the air vents to allow them to 'slumber' for the night, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open, meaning they are less likely to discharge part-burnt combustibles into the chimney where they can block it.
No matter if you reside in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, a Defra Approved wood burning stove is a great idea because it will keep your neighbours satisfied and ensure that your chimney is clean for longer. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a variety of styles and there are lots of options for traditional and contemporary homes.
The sleek minimalist design is a major factor in choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. They are great for contemporary living spaces and can be fitted into an inglenook, fireplace chamber or can be free standing. There are a number of modern stoves such as the Aarrow i400 or the minimal Farringdon that will look fantastic in any room. There are also Defra Exempt Stoves in traditionally styled stoves like the Saxon A08E or Arizona A08E.
What is an Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra approved or exempt stove is a wood-burning stove that has been tested and approved by the government's DEFRA Department to be used in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been developed to create a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emission as well as the highest degree of heat to your home.
The primary reason you need a Defra stove is that if your house is located in a Smoke Control Area then you will not be able to legally install a wood-burning or multifuel stove that isn't approved by DEFRA. You could be facing severe penalties for installing an unapproved stove in your home.
Defra approved stoves have had their combustion air system adjusted to limit the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the wood burning process. Modifying the air vent on top is the way to do this. The stove will let air in even when the vent is shut completely. This prevents the firewood from being depriving of air and stops it from smouldering.
You will not be able discern from the outside that an Defra wood-burning stove is different. The combustion air adjustment that is not visible is usually hidden underneath the stove's base or in the top front of the stove.
The majority of Defra Stoves are allowed to burn wood or certain kinds of smokeless fuels such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite etc. However, there are a number of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel certified and these can be used to burn a range of different fuels.
You may choose a Defra Stove for a variety of reasons, regardless of whether you live in a zone of smoke control or not. Defra stoves are more sustainable for the environment, they produce less smoke and help keep your chimney free of ash. They are also more efficient since they produce more heat and release fewer pollutants into the air.
What is what is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?
A Defra wood burning stove, sometimes referred to 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 emission levels and the amount of smoke that the stove produces throughout the phases of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra test can be placed within Smoke Control Areas in large cities and towns.
The test also guarantees that the stove can be operated with approved fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless coke. Additionally the Defra log burner is more environmentally friendly and will help to avoid upsetting neighbours with nuisance smoke emissions.
Defra approved wood burners have had their combustion air control altered, typically in the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification stops the user from closing the air control completely way, as it could starve the stove of oxygen and cause it to release excessive quantities of smoke.
To keep a Defra approved stove or one that is exempt from Defra functioning properly, it must be maintained on a regular basis. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue on a regular basis. Also, you should make sure that there aren't any obstructions, that the firebox is clean and the flue is free of any debris.
It is not required to own a Defra-exempt stove, but it is a smart option to get one particularly if your residence is outside an area designated as a Smoke Control Area. These models are more efficient and will help you save money over the long run. 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 and your neighbors.
At Nordpeis we have a variety of DEFRA approved stoves in traditional and contemporary designs. To determine if you live in a Smoke Control Area and want 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 reduces the amount of dust in the air which is better for the environment. It also helps save money on fuel costs because you get more heat from the same logs. They are so efficient that they have led to less need for chimney sweeps since less soot is produced. As the top stove manufacturers design 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 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 various styles to suit your tastes. There are contemporary and traditional options, available in an array of colors and finishes to match your decor. The stoves are available in various sizes, so you can find one that will fit in the space of your fireplace or inglenook.
All Defra approved wood stoves have been put through rigorous tests and examinations to ensure that they meet the Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and a high efficiency of combustion. This means you can be confident that you are burning your fuel responsibly while you are saving money at the same time. Utilizing only dry kiln-dried wood that is ready to burn will further enhance the performance of your stove and help to reduce the emissions it produces.
A Defra Approved stove is a excellent option for those who reside in a smoke-free area and wish to experience the cozy warmth that only a real wood stove can offer. Many of our customers who have bought a Defra stove are already experiencing the benefits of a cleaner atmosphere and have experienced savings on their energy bills. We suggest 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. Regularly examining and maintaining your stove will ensure that it operates at its best and prevents the need for costly repairs in the near future.