The Reasons Defra Log Burner Is Everywhere This Year
What is a Defra Log Burner?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emissions of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have rules in place that prohibit chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas except when using an exempt appliance and authorised fuel.
These new rules limit the amount of smoke a stove could emit to 3g an hour and homeowners will be subject to severe on-the-spot fines if they do not comply. To avoid this you must use Defra approved log burners and only use dry wood that has been kiln-dried and has the "Ready to Burn" mark.
What is a Defra-approved stove?
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that has passed the DEFRA test and is therefore exempt from the laws of zones of smoke control that allow burning wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra logo is well-known and has been embraced by the industry. defra stoves that are Defra approved are usually marked with SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name as an easy way to identify them.
The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that are Defra approved to ensure they meet the strict standards for emissions. These tests are designed for stoves that produce maximum heat with ultra-low levels of smoke emissions. The low emissions are typically achieved by ensuring combustion gases are reburned in the secondary burning. This is important as it allows the burn to continue efficiently whilst lessening the amount of part-burned combustion gases that are released into the atmosphere.
DEFRA exempted stoves are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles thrown down the chimney. Defra exempted stoves are not required to close their air vents overnight to sleep. They keep the flue open all the time, which means they are less likely to send partially burned combustibles down the chimney.
No matter if you reside in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, an approved Defra wood burning stove is a great idea as it will keep your neighbors satisfied and ensure that your chimney stays free of dust for a longer period of time. Defra exempt stoves for wood burning are available in a wide variety of styles and designs, and there are plenty of options to fit traditional and modern homes.
Many people choose a Defra approved wood burning stove for the sleek, minimal design. These stoves are great for modern living spaces. They can be installed within a fireplace chamber or inglenook, or be free-standing. Modern stoves like the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon will look fantastic in any space. You can also get Defra Exempt Stoves in traditionally styled stoves, such as the Saxon A08E or the Arizona A08E.
What is what is a Defra exempt stove?
A Defra approved or exempt stove is one that has been tested and approved by the government's DEFRA Department to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to emit a minimal amount of smoke and harmful emissions while also producing an extremely high level of heat to your home.
The primary reason you require a Defra stove is that if your house is located in the Smoke Control Area then you will not be able to legally install any wood burning or multi fuel stove that hasn't been endorsed by DEFRA. You could face a hefty fine if you install a non-Defra approved stove in your home.
Defra approved stoves have been able to have their combustion air system modified to limit the amount oxygen that can be delivered to the firewood during the burn process. Modifying the top air vent is how this is done. The stove can still let air in even though the vent is closed completely. This stops the firewood from smouldering and also prevents it from becoming thirsty for air.
It is difficult to tell from the outside that the Defra wood-burning stove is different. The unnoticed combustion air adjustment is usually hidden underneath the base of the stove or inside the top of the front of the stove.
The majority of Defra stoves will be permitted to burn wood, and certain kinds of approved smokeless fuels like anthracite or Homefire brand smokeless coal. Defra stoves can burn a wide range of fuels.
There are many reasons why you might want to choose a Defra stove, regardless of whether you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra approved stoves are better for the environment, produce less smoke and keep your chimney free of deposits. They are also safer for your home because they are more efficient in heating and less toxins in your air.
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 designed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The test examines emissions levels and the amount of smoke that the stove can produce throughout all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra tests can be placed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in cities and large town.
The test also guarantees that the stove can be operated with approved fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless coke. A log burner that is Defra-certified is also more sustainable and can help avoid annoying neighbours with nuisance emissions.
Defra approved wood burners have had their combustion air control modified, usually in the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification stops the user from closing the air control completely way, as this can reduce the amount of oxygen in the stove 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 regularly maintained in order to keep it working correctly. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue regularly. Also, you should ensure that there are no obstructions or obstructions in the firebox. Also, ensure that it is clean and that the grate is free of any debris.
It is not a requirement to have a stove that is Defra exempt, but it is a good idea to do so particularly if your residence is outside the Smoke Control Area. These models are more efficient and can save you a lot of money in the long run. Additionally, the use of a Defra approved stove will reduce the amount of smoke and dust that is emitted into your living space, making it a better option for your health and your neighbours' health.
At Nordpeis we have a wide range of DEFRA approved stoves that come in contemporary and traditional designs. Varde retailers can help you determine if your home is located in an area of smoke Control Area.
What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?
Clean Burn Technology offers a superior quality of combustion and is the future of fireplaces and stoves. This means less amount of dust that is blown into the air which is good for the environment and can save the cost of fuel since you can are able to get more heat from the same logs. These stoves are so efficient that they have eliminated the need for chimney sweeps since there is less soot to be produced. As the leading stove manufacturers design their products, they have incorporated secondary and tertiary combustion systems to further reduce emissions from the stove and lower the carbon footprint of their users.
A stove that is Defra-approved 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 multi-fuel and wood burning stoves come in a range of designs that will suit your personal preferences. There are a variety of options for traditional and contemporary stoves in various colors and finishes that will match your style. These stoves are also available in a range of sizes, so you can choose the ideal one for your fireplace chamber or inglenook.
All Defra approved wood stoves have been subjected to rigorous tests and examinations to ensure they are in compliance with Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and high efficiency in combustion. This means that you can rest assured that you are burning your fuel responsibly and you are saving money while doing it. Making sure you use only dry kiln dried wood that is ready to burn will further improve the efficiency of your stove and assist to reduce its emissions.
If you live in a smoke-controlled area and want to enjoy the warmth of a wood stove then a Defra Approved Stove is a excellent choice. Many of our customers who have bought a Defra stove are already experiencing the benefits of a cleaner atmosphere and have noticed savings on their fuel bills. We recommend that you get your stove installed by a qualified gas engineer to ensure the installation meets building regulations. It is important to have your stove examined and maintained on a regular basis to ensure its performance is maintained and to avoid having to make costly repairs in the future.