What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, fireplaces and stove Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emissions of smoke from wood burning stoves. They have regulations in place that ban chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas except when using an exempt appliance or authorised fuel.

The new rules limit the amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g an hour and Fireplaces and stove homeowners will be subject to severe penalties on-the-spot for not complying. To keep this from happening, only use a log burner that has been approved by Defra and burn kiln-dried wood that is marked with the 'Ready To Burn" label.

What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A Defra-approved stove is one that has passed the DEFRA test. Therefore, it is exempt from the smoke control laws in areas where wood (and other approved materials) are allowed to be burned. The Defra logo is well-known and is widely used by the industry. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra will usually be marked with SE (Smoke-Exempt) as an easy and quick way to identify them.

Stoves that are Defra Approved are tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure they meet strict emission standards. These tests are designed for stoves that produce maximum heat, while producing extremely low levels of smoke emissions. These emissions are typically attained by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned during the secondary burning. This is essential as it allows the burn to continue efficiently whilst decreasing the amount of partially burned burning combustibles released into the air.

DEFRA exempt stoves are more eco-friendly than other wood burners because they limit the amount of part-burnt combustibles that are transported down the chimney. Defra exempted stoves do not close their air vents during the night to sleep. They keep the flue open all time, which means they are less likely to send partially burned combustion products down the chimney.

You can buy a Defra-approved wood burning stove, regardless of whether you reside in a smoke-free area or not. It will make your neighbors happy, and keep your chimney clean for longer. You can purchase Defra exempt stoves in a variety styles and there are lots of options for modern and traditional homes.

Many people prefer a Defra approved wood burning stove for the sleek, minimal design. They are great for modern living spaces. They can be incorporated into a fireplace chamber, inglenook or free standing. Modern stoves like the Aarrow I400 and the minimalist Farringdon would look great in any space. You can also purchase Defra Exempt Stoves that come in traditional styled stoves like the Saxon A08E or the Arizona A08E.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra approved or exempt stove is a stove that burns wood that has been tested and approved by the government's DEFRA Department to be used in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been developed to emit a minimal amount of smoke and harmful emissions as well as a high degree of heat to your home.

The main reason you need a Defra stove is that if your house 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. You could face an expensive fine for installing an unapproved stove in your home.

Defra approved stoves have had their combustion air system modified to limit the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the firewood during the burn process. Modifying the air vent on top is the method used to achieve this. This means that the stove will still allow a little air to pass through even if you shut off the vent completely. This stops the firewood from being deprived of air and keeps it from smouldering.

You will not be able discern from the outside that the Defra wood-burning stove is different. The unseen combustion air adjustment is usually hidden beneath the stove's base or inside the top front of the stove.

The majority of Defra Stoves are only approved to burn wood or certain kinds of smokeless fuels, such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite etc. However, there are a number of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel certified and are able to burn a range of different fuels.

There are many reasons why you should consider a Defra stove, regardless if you live in a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra stoves are more sustainable for the environment, they produce less smoke and they help keep your chimney free of ash. They are also better for your home since they provide more heat and less toxins in the air.

What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?

A Defra wood-burning stove, also called a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove, is a stove which has been tested rigorously by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The test examines the levels of emissions and the amount of smoke that the stove can produce throughout all stages of normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the Defra test are able to be used within Smoke Control Areas in cities and large towns.

The test also ensures the stove is able to operate with approved fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless coal. A log burner that has been certified by Defra is also more eco-friendly and can help avoid annoying neighbours with nuisance emissions.

Wood burners that are Defra-approved have had their combustion air control modified, usually inside the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification stops the user from closing the air control completely way, as it could cause the stove to be depleted of oxygen and cause it to emit excessive amounts of smoke.

To keep a Defra approved stove or one that is exempt from Defra working properly, it should be maintained regularly. This includes cleaning your flue and chimney regularly. Also, you should make sure that there aren't any obstructions or obstructions in the firebox. Also, ensure that it is clean and that the grate is free of any debris.

It's not a requirement to own a Defra-exempted stove however it is a smart idea to do so particularly if your residence is located outside of an area designated as a Smoke Control Area. These models are more Efficient NRG 5KW MultiFuel Cast Iron Stove and can save you a lot of money over the long run. A Defra approved appliance can also reduce the amount of smoke and dust that are released into your home and is healthier for your health as well as your neighbours.

At Nordpeis we offer an extensive selection of DEFRA approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. Varde retailers can assist you in determining if your home is located 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 Stove and stoves. This means less amount of dust from the air which is beneficial for the environment as well as saving money on your fuel bills as you are able to get more heating from the same logs. These stoves are so effective that they have reduced the necessity for chimney sweeps since there is less soot to be produced. As the top stove manufacturers continue to innovate their products, they have added secondary or tertiary combustion systems which further reduce emissions and decrease the carbon footprint of their customers.

A Defra-approved stove can be used not only in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well built, insulated chimney in any home. These wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel models are available in a variety of styles to meet your preferences. There are contemporary and traditional options, available in an array of colors and finishes that will complement your interior. The stoves are available in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits your fireplace chamber or inglenook.

All Defra approved stoves have gone through stringent testing and examination to ensure they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions levels and a high efficiency of combustion, so that you are assured that you are making use of your fuel in an environmentally sustainable manner and saving money on your heating expenses too. Only using dry, kiln-dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will improve the performance of your stove.

If you live in a smoke-free zone and you still desire the warmth of a wood burner then a Defra Approved Stove is a good choice. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already reaping the benefits of a cleaner atmosphere and have noticed savings on their fuel bills. We suggest that your stove is professionally installed by an engineer in gas who is licensed to install it. This will ensure that it meets all requirements for building. Regularly checking and servicing your stove will ensure it is operating at its peak and avoids the need for costly repairs in the future.