Why Defra Approved Log Burner Could Be More Dangerous Than You Believed
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 have a cleaner burning, and allow for greater control of heating costs.
You can also use wood legally in Smoke Control Areas, which is a huge advantage because it lets you avoid the fines imposed on those who are using stoves that are not approved. They come in many different styles to suit every home.
Clean Burn Technology
Clean burn technology is employed in log burners that have been defra-approved to reduce the amount and types of particles and smoke that are released. It has been proven that this technology has the potential to reduce the health risks associated with poor air quality in urban areas. This is especially true when using a fireplace or stove that burns wood. Bergen is a prime example. The city realized the importance of taking measures to improve air quality. In the end, non-cleanburn stoves have been removed from the city. This trade-in scheme was a success, with Bergen ranked fifth out of the 320 European cities in terms of their air quality in 2021.
To accomplish this, Defra approved stoves have been developed to ensure that the fire is fed with enough oxygen to ignite and burn the fuel. This is achieved by having a secondary or tertiary air feed which allows extra combustion air to be injected into the appliance in addition to the primary and/or the main air intake. The typical secondary air intake is situated on the back of the stove underneath or within the fire box of the stove and a tertiary air intake is located in the centre.
These modern, Defra exempt stoves have been tested rigorously in order to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas. This is only possible if the stove is used with wood that has been seasoned and heated to less than 20% moisture.
A Defra-approved stove will also have been tested for its capability to emit less than 3g of smoke per hour, which is the legal limitation in most UK cities and towns. If a stove produces excessive emissions, the owner can be punished to the tune of PS300.
A Defra-approved stove will carry the Defra mark on it, and also an Ecodesign label. This will come into the market in 2022. To be Ecodesign compatible, stoves have to pass strict emissions tests and must have a minimum efficiency rating of 72 percent. A stove with a higher efficiency rating will help to further reduce the amount of air pollution produced by the stove, as well as saving you money on heating expenses.
Suitable for Smoke Control Areas
The government of the UK has set strict emission limits for fireplaces and stoves. The government wants to make the country cleaner and healthier. Smoke Control Areas are found in numerous cities and towns in which the dark smoke can be a nuisance to residents. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area and are using an older open fire or wood-burning stove, you should upgrade to a log burner that is Defra-approved.
They are greener than traditional log burners, and are equipped with the most modern technology for clean burning. Leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax continue to improve their products and are currently developing models that have secondary and third-party combustion systems that further reduce emissions. These advanced burners will save you money over the long run on fuel costs.
DEFRA approved or Defra Exempt are words that indicate that the stove has passed a test developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in the UK. DEFRA approved efficient stoves ensures the stove can be safely employed in areas with smoke control. The term Defra Exempt is also applied to certain models that have passed the test and is able to burn approved smokeless fuels which are highlighted on a list by Defra. These fuels do not contain wood.
If you own an older stove that is not DEFRA approved and you are using it in a smoke-controlled area you could be fined for violating the law. Visit the official Defra website to see whether you're located in a smoke-controlled area. To avoid a fine, you should only use dry seasoned wood or smokeless fuels that have been approved by Defra, and not wet wood or logs.
There is a wide range of DEFRA Approved log burners to choose from and the Dovre product pages will show this logo if the product is suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas. Visit the official Defra site to find out more about stoves, fireplaces and fires.
Easy to Clean
Keep your log burner clean to ensure its efficiency. This will also reduce the accumulation of harmful creosote, which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning can also ensure that your stove glass stays clean and clear so you can enjoy the view of your beautiful fire without obstructed visibility.
There are a number of tools to maintain your wood burner. These include a cleaning brush, ash vacuum cleaner and polishing your stove. It is crucial to carry out the cleaning process while your stove is cool, and we suggest wearing gloves that are heat-resistant.
The first step is to use the grate brush to take away any ash that's built up on the bottom of the stove. Be sure to reach all corners and crevices. You can then use an ash vacuum to get rid of any remaining ashes, and dispose of them in an aluminum container. After your stove has been thoroughly cleaned it is possible to use a soft cloth to apply a stove cleaner. Be careful not to touch the hot surface.
It is important to only burn high-quality, seasoned wood on your defra-approved log burner to ensure you are not producing large amounts of particulates. Look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn Logo or use a moisture-meter to make sure that the moisture content of the wood is lower than 20%. You can also season your own logs, however, it could take up to 2 years for the moisture content to evaporate.
You should avoid burning painted, stained or chemically treated wood (this includes pallets, MDF and Medium Density Fibreboard). These types of wood generate dangerous chemicals when burned and are not suitable for burning in a log burner.
It is crucial to set up your log burner correctly to keep its efficiency and performance. Install it by a professional in a well-ventilated area and away from drafts. Installing a stove incorrectly can lead to injuries, safety issues and increased expenses.
Energy efficient
Defra approved log burners are generally more efficient in energy than other stoves. The reason is because they have passed the tests that ensure that the correct amount of air is supplied to the wood or multiple fuel burning stoves during combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke that is produced and, in turn, reduces emissions and heat loss from the stove.
You can be sure that a defra-exempted wood burner can be used within your chimney system because it has a flue diameter of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra approved stoves typically have a larger flue outlet and this can cause problems when trying to install a chimney liner. The Stove Yard offers a range of 5" chimney liners that will fit your wood or multi-fuel exempted stove.
The majority of the stoves we sell at The Stove Yard are Defra Approved and offer the latest clean burning technology. Many of our models feature secondary and tertiary air feeds to ensure that the fuel is burning efficiently. This helps to improve the efficiency of the stove as well as reduce the amount of smoke that is produced.
Another benefit of the Defra approved log burner is that it will allow you to legally use it in a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and large towns are classed as Smoke Control Areas and in order to comply with the law you must use a DEFRA-approved appliance when burning smokeless coal or wood.
ClearSkies-certified defra-approved stove to prove that it is compliant with the new Ecodesign emission standards that came into effect a year ago. This is the best choice for those who live in an area with Smoke Control. It will make your stove green and also comply with the regulations. 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 when needed.