Defra Approved Log Burner Tips That Will Transform Your Life
Defra Approved Log Burner
The Defra approved log burner is one of the most popular stoves for homeowners. This is due to the fact that they provide a cleaner burn and provide better control of heating costs.
They also permit you to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas which is an advantage since it will not incur the penalties imposed against people using unapproved stoves. They come in different styles to suit your home.
Clean Burn Technology
The clean burn technology in log burners that are certified by defra works to reduce the amount of smoke and particulate matter released during combustion. It has been demonstrated to dramatically reduce the negative health effects of poor air quality in urban areas, especially when the traditional fireplace or wood burning stove is being used. The city of Bergen for instance recognized the importance of taking effective measures to improve their air quality and, as a result older stoves that are not cleanburn are now illegal in the city. The trade-in scheme was a huge success, and Bergen placed fifth among 332 European cities for their air quality in 2021.
To accomplish this, stoves that are Defra-approved have been designed to ensure that the flame receives enough oxygen to ignite and burn fuel. This is achieved by having a secondary or tertiary air intake that allows additional combustion air to be injected into the appliance in addition to the primary and/or the main air intake. A typical secondary feed is located at the back of the stove, underneath or inside the fire box while a tertiary intake will be situated in the centre.
These modern, Defra exempt stoves have been through rigorous tests to be able to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas. This is when the right type of wood, that is seasoned and dried to less than 20% moisture content is used in conjunction with the Defra approved stove.
A Defra approved stove has been tested and is capable of emitting less than 3g of smoke per hour, which is the legal limit for most UK towns and cities. If the stove is found be emitting excess emissions, the proprietor will be fined a sum of PS300 or more.
A Defra-approved stove will have the Defra mark on it, as well as an Ecodesign label. The Ecodesign label will take the market in 2022. Ecodesign-compliant stoves must pass strict emission tests and have an efficiency rating of at minimum 72%. Choosing a stove with a higher efficiency rating will allow you to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide generated by the stove and will also save you money on heating expenses.
Ideal for Smoke Control Areas
The UK government has set strict emission limits for stoves and fireplaces. They are designed to keep the country a healthier and healthier living space. A lot of cities and large homes are within Smoke Control Areas, where the production of dark smoke could be a nuisance for residents. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and have an older open-fire or wood-burning stove, you must replace it with a Defra approved log burner.
They are more clean burning and green than traditional log burners. Leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax are continuing to develop their products and are currently developing models that have secondary and secondary combustion systems that reduce emissions. These advanced burners are more efficient than their competitors and could reduce your fuel bills in the long term.
DEFRA approved or Defra Exempt are terms that indicate that the stove has passed a test that was designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in the UK. This test makes sure that the stove can be used safely in smoke controlled areas. Defra Exempt is also a term that can be used to describe certain models that have passed the test. These models can be used for burning authorised smokeless fuels which are listed in a list provided by Defra. These fuels are not compatible with wood.
If you have an older stove that isn't DEFRA-approved and you are using it in a smoke-controlled area you could be penalized for breaking the law. You can find out whether you are located in a smoke-control area by visiting the official Defra website. In order to avoid a fine, only burn dry seasoned wood and Defra approved smokeless fuels, not logs or other wet woods.
There are a variety of DEFRA Approved Log Burners on the market. The Dovre product pages show this logo when the model is suitable for Smoke Control Areas. Visit the official Defra site to learn more about stoves, fireplaces and fires.
Easy to Clean
Keeping your log burner clean is essential to help maintain its performance and reduce the build-up of harmful creosote, which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning can also ensure that the stove's glass remains clean and clear so that you can enjoy the view of a stunning flames without obstructions.
There are a number of tools that you could need to assist in the care of your wood stove such as a cleaning brush as well as a ash vacuum cleaner, and polish for your stove. It is important to perform the cleaning process when your stove is cool and we suggest wearing gloves that resist heat.
The first step is to sweep any ash from the bottom of your stove with the grate brush, making sure you reach all small spaces and nooks. Then, you can employ an ash vacuum get rid of any remaining ashes, and dispose of them in a metal container. Once your stove has been thoroughly cleaned then you can use a soft cloth to apply a stove cleaner. Be careful not to get your hands on the hot surface.
To ensure that you do not create high levels of particles, it is essential to burn only high-quality well-seasoned, seasoned logs on your approved log burner. When selecting your firewood, look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or use an instrument to measure the moisture content to ensure that the moisture content is less than 20%. Seasoning your own logs is also an option, but it can take up to two years for the moisture to evaporate.
Avoid burning stained, painted or chemically treated wood (including pallets, MDF, and Medium Density Fiberboard). These types of materials generate dangerous chemicals when burned and are not suitable for burning in a log burner.
It is essential to install your log burner correctly in order to maintain its performance and effectiveness. Be sure that it is installed by a certified professional and placed located in an space where it won't be exposed to drafts. Stoves that are not installed correctly can cause damage, as well as diminishing the performance of the stove and causing higher running costs.
Energy efficient
Defra approved log burners are generally more efficient in energy than their counterparts. This is due to the fact that they have passed the tests that ensure that the correct amount of air is delivered to the wood or multi fuel burning stove during combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke produced and, in turn, reduces heat loss and emissions from the stove.
When you purchase a wood burner that is exempt from defra you can also be assured that it will be safe for use with your chimney as it has the flue size of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra-approved stoves typically have a bigger flue outlet and this can cause problems when trying to fit an chimney liner. At The Stove Yard we can provide a variety of 5" chimney liner for your wood stove or multi fuel stoves that are exempt from defra.
The majority of the stoves we sell at The Stove Yard are Defra approved and feature the latest clean burning technology. Many of our models feature secondary and tertiary air intakes to ensure that the fuel burns efficiently. recommended DEFRA stoves increases the efficiency of the stove as well as reduce the amount of smoke produced.
A log burner that is Defra-approved can also permit you to use it legally within a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and large town are classified as Smoke Control Areas. To comply with the law, you must make use of a DEFRA-approved appliance when burning wood or smokeless coal.
ClearSkies certified stoves are available for purchase. defra-approved stove to prove it meets the latest Ecodesign emission standards that went into effect last year. If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then this will be the ideal choice for you since it makes your stove eco-friendly and in compliance with the law. The ESSE 700 Vista is one example of a elegant and highly efficient Defra Approved log burner that comes with the option to be equipped with a smoke control kit if required.