What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emission of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have regulations in place that ban chimney smoke within Smoke Control Areas in the absence of an exempt appliance and authorised fuel.

The new rules limit the amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g an hour and homeowners will be subject to severe fines on the spot for not complying. To avoid this you must use Defra approved log burners and only use kiln dried wood 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 zones of smoke control that allow burning wood (and other fuels that are approved by DEFRA). The Defra logo is well-known in the industry. Stoves that have been endorsed by DEFRA stoves features will usually be identified with SE (Smoke-Exempt) to provide a quick and easy way to identify them.

Stoves that are DEFRA approved wood burning stoves Approved must be tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure they meet strict emission standards. These tests are designed to test stoves that generate maximum heat while generating extremely low levels of smoke emissions. These low emissions are usually attained by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned during the second burning. This is crucial because it allows the burning to continue efficiently whilst decreasing the amount of partially burned burning combustibles released into the atmosphere.

DEFRA exempt stoves are also more environmentally friendly than other wood burning stoves since they reduce the amount of part-burnt combustibles being released into the chimney. In contrast to stoves that require to close the air vents in order to allow them to sleep overnight, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flues open, which means they are far less likely to discharge part-burnt combustibles into the chimney, where they could block it.

No matter if you reside in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, an approved Defra wood burning stove is a good idea because it will keep your neighbors content and ensure that your chimney remains free of dust for a longer period of time. Defra exempt stoves for wood burning are available in a wide range of styles and designs, and there are plenty of options to fit modern and traditional homes.

Many people opt for a Defra approved wood burning stove for the minimalist, sleek design. These stoves are ideal for modern living spaces. They can be installed in a fireplace chamber or inglenook, or they can be freestanding. There are many modern stoves such as the Aarrow i400 or the minimal Farringdon that will look fantastic in any room. There are also Defra Exempt Stoves with traditional styled stoves such as the Saxon A08E or the Arizona A08E.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt or Defra Approved Stove is a wood-burning stove that has been tested and log burner approved by the government's DEFRA department to be fitted in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been developed to create a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emission as well as a high degree of heat for your house.

You need a Defra approved stove if you reside in Smoke-Control Area. Otherwise you won't be legally able to install a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that's not approved by DEFRA in your home could result in a hefty penalty.

Defra approved stoves have been able to have their combustion air system adjusted to restrict the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the firewood during the burn process. This is done by changing the air vent on top. The stove can still allow air to flow even if the vent is closed completely. This prevents the firewood from burning and keeps it from becoming starved for air.

From the outside of a Defra stove you will not be able to tell it is different from any other wood burning stove. The unseen combustion air adjustment is usually hidden under the base of the stove or inside the top of the front of the stove.

The majority of Defra Stoves are only permitted to burn wood or certain kinds of smokeless fuels such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite, etc. Defra stoves can be used to burn a wide variety of fuels.

You can choose a Defra Stove for various reasons regardless whether you reside in a smoke-free zone or not. Defra approved stoves are more sustainable for the environment, produce less smoke and help to keep your chimney clear of accumulated. They are also better since they produce more heat and release less toxic gases into the air.

What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?

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 designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra). This testing looks at emissions levels and the amount of smoke that the stove can produce throughout all stages of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra tests can be placed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in towns and cities.

The test also guarantees that the stove can be operated with approved fuels such as smokeless coke and anthracite. Additionally to that, a Defra log burner is more eco-friendly and will help to prevent neighbors from being upset by smoke emissions.

The control of combustion air on wood burners that have been approved by Defra has been changed. This is typically carried out inside the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification stops the user from closing the air control completely way, since this could starve the stove of oxygen and cause it to release 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 efficiently. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue regularly. You should also make sure that there aren't any obstructions or obstructions in the firebox. Also, ensure that it is clean and the flue is free of any debris.

It is not a requirement to own a Defra-exempted stove, but it is a good idea to do so especially if your house is outside the Smoke Control Area. These models are more efficient and can save you a lot of money in the long run. A Defra approved appliance will also decrease the amount of dust and smoke that you emit in your home which is better for your health and your neighbors.

At Nordpeis, we have a wide range of DEFRA approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. To determine if you reside 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 better burn quality and is the future of stoves and fireplaces. This reduces the amount of dust that is in the air which is better for the environment. It also saves you cash on fuel costs since you get more heat from the same logs. These stoves are so efficient that they have lowered the need for chimney sweeps as little soot is produced. As the leading stove manufacturers develop their products they have added secondary and tertiary combustion systems that further reduce emissions from the stove and lower the carbon footprint of their customers.

A Defra approved stove is not just able to be used in Smoke Control Areas, but can also be installed in a well-built, lined chimney system for any home. These wood burning stoves and multi-fuel models are available in a variety of styles to meet your preferences. There are many options for traditional and contemporary stoves that come in various colors and finishes that will match your decor. They are available in various sizes, so you can choose one that is suitable for the space of your fireplace or inglenook.

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

If you live in a smoke-free area and want to experience the warmth of a wood burning stove and a Defra Approved Stove is a great option. Our customers who have purchased a Defra Stove are already enjoying the benefits of a cleaner environment and a reduction in fuel bills. We recommend that your stove is professionally installed by an engineer in gas who is qualified to do the job. This will ensure that it is compliant with all requirements for building. You should have your stove inspected and serviced regularly to maintain optimum performance and to avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.