10 Healthy Defra Log Burner Habits
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 rules in place that prohibit chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas unless using an exempt appliance and authorised fuel.
The new rules limit amount of smoke a stove can emit to 3g per hour and homeowners face hefty fines on the spot for not complying. To keep this from happening, only use log burners that have 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 a stove 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 are Defra approved are usually marked with SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name as an easy way to recognize 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 to test stoves that produce maximum heat with ultra-low levels of smoke emissions. These low emissions are usually 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 combustibles emitted into atmosphere.
DEFRA exempt stoves are also more eco-friendly than other wood burners because they reduce the amount of part-burnt combustibles released into the chimney. Defra exempted stoves do not close their air vents during the night to'sleep'. DEFRA approved contemporary stoves keep the flue open all the time, making them less likely to send part burned burning combustibles down the chimney.
You can buy a Defra approved wood burning stove whether you live in a smoke controlled area or not. It will make your neighbors satisfied, and help keep your chimney clean for longer. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a variety designs and styles, and there are plenty of options to suit both modern and traditional homes.
The sleek minimalist design is a major aspect when choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. These stoves are perfect for contemporary living spaces. They can be put in in a fireplace chamber or inglenooks, or they can be a freestanding. Modern stoves like the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon will look fantastic in any space. There are also stoves that are Defra-exempt in traditional styles such as 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 inspected and 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 emissions as well as a high degree of heat for your house.
The main reason that you require a Defra stove is that if your residence is located in a Smoke Control Area then you won't be able to legally install a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that isn't DEFRA-approved in your house could result in a significant penalty.
The combustion air system of stoves that are Defra-approved has been modified to limit the amount of oxygen that can be absorbed by the firewood during the process of burning. This is accomplished by altering the air vent on top. The stove will still allow air to flow even though the vent is shut all the way. This prevents the firewood from burning and keeps it from becoming starved for air.
From the outside of an Defra stove you will not be able to tell there is anything different from any other wood-burning stove. The unseen combustion air adjustment is usually hidden underneath the stove's base or in the top front of the stove.
The majority of Defra stoves are 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-approved and can be used to burn a range of different fuels.
You can pick a Defra Stove for many reasons regardless of whether you live in a smoke control area or not. Defra approved stoves are more sustainable for the environment, generate less smoke and keep your chimney free of any deposits. They are also safer for your home as they offer more heat and less toxins in your air.
What is what is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?
A Defra stove, also referred to as a Defra exempt stove or Defra smoke control-approved wood burning stove, is one that has passed a rigorous test designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra). The test examines 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 confirms that the stove can be used with authorised fuels like smokeless coal and anthracite. In addition to that, a Defra log burner is more eco-friendly and can help prevent neighbors from being upset by smoke emissions.
The control of the combustion air for wood burners that have been endorsed by Defra has been changed. This is typically done inside the firebox, or on 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 emit excessive amounts of smoke.
To keep a Defra approved or Defra-exempt stove functioning properly, it must be maintained regularly. This includes cleaning the chimney and flue regularly and ensuring there aren't any obstructions making sure the grate and firebox are clean and ensuring that the airflow through the chimney unhindered by restrictions.
It's not a requirement to own a Defra-exempted stove however it is a good option to get one especially if your house is located outside of the Smoke Control Area. These stoves are more efficient and will help you save money in the long run. A Defra approved appliance can also reduce the amount of dust and smoke that are released into your home which is better for your health as well as your neighbors.
At Nordpeis we have an extensive selection of DEFRA approved stoves that come in contemporary and traditional designs. Varde retailers can help you determine if your home is in an area of smoke Control Area.
What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?
Clean Burn Technology offers a better burn quality and is the future of fireplaces and stoves. This means a reduced amount of dust from the air which is beneficial for the environment and saves money on your fuel bills as you receive more heating from the same logs. They are efficient enough that they have led to less necessity for chimney sweeps because less soot is produced. As the leading stove manufacturers develop their products they have integrated secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that further reduce emissions from the stove, and decrease 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 also in a well built chimney that is well-insulated and insulated in any home. These wood burning stoves as well as multi-fuel models are available in a variety of styles to meet your preferences. There are many options for both traditional and contemporary stoves that come in a variety of colours and finishes that will match your style. They are also available in a range of sizes, so that you can find the perfect one for your fireplace chamber or inglenook.
All Defra approved stoves have been subjected to rigorous tests and examinations to ensure that they are in compliance with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions levels and high efficiency in combustion So that you can be sure that you are making use of your fuel in a environmentally sustainable manner and saving money on your heating costs as well. Only using dry, kiln-dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will improve the efficiency of your stove.
A Defra Approved stove is a ideal choice when you live in a smoke controlled area and want to continue to enjoy the warm, cozy warmth only a genuine wood burner can offer. Many of our customers who have bought a Defra stove are already experiencing the benefits of a cleaner atmosphere and have seen savings on their fuel bills. We suggest that your stove is professionally installed by an engineer in gas who is certified to do so. This will ensure that it is compliant with all building regulations. It is recommended that your stove be checked and maintained regularly to maintain optimum performance and to avoid having to make costly repairs in the future.