What is a Defra Log Burner?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the emission of smoke from wood-burning stoves. There are regulations that ban chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas, unless you use an exempt appliance or fuel that is authorised.
The new regulations limit the amount that the stove can emit of smoke to 3g per hour. If homeowners do not adhere to the new rules, they could be fined on the spot. To avoid this, make use of Defra approved log burners, and only burn dried kiln-dried wood that bears the 'Ready to Burn' label.
What is a Defra certified stove?
A Defra approved stove is an appliance that has been passed by 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 adopted by the industry. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra will often be identified by SE (Smoke-Exempt) to provide an easy and quick way to identify them.
The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that have been Defra approved to ensure that they meet the strict standards for emissions. These tests are designed for stoves that produce maximum heat while generating extremely low levels of smoke emissions. These emissions are typically accomplished by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned in the secondary burning. This is crucial because it allows the burning to continue efficiently whilst reducing the amount of part-burned burning combustibles released into the air.
DEFRA exempt stoves are also more environmentally friendly than other wood burners as they reduce the amount of part-burnt combustibles that are transported down the chimney. Unlike some stoves that need to shut the vents for air to allow them to rest overnight, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open, meaning they are much less likely to release part-burnt combustibles down the chimney, where they may stop it from getting there.
You can purchase a Defra approved wood burning stove whether you live in a smoke controlled area or not. It will keep your neighbors happy, and keep your chimney in good condition for a longer time. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a range of designs and styles, and there are plenty of options for modern and traditional homes.
The sleek, minimalist design is an important aspect when choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. These stoves are great for contemporary living spaces. They can be placed inside a fireplace chamber, inglenooks, or they can be freestanding. There are many modern stoves, like the Aarrow I400 or the minimalist Farringdon that look stunning in any room. You can also get Defra Exempt Stoves that come in traditional styled stoves like the Saxon A08E and the Arizona A08E.
What is an Defra exempt stove?
A Defra approved or exempt stove is one that has been approved and tested by the government's DEFRA Department to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to emit the least amount of smoke and harmful emissions whilst also generating a high amount of warmth for your home.
You need an Defra approved stove if you are in Smoke-Control Area. Otherwise you will not be able legally to install a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA. Installing a non-Defra stove within your home could lead to a substantial penalty.
Defra approved stoves have had their combustion air system adjusted to limit the amount of oxygen that can get to the wood burning process. This is done by modifying the air vent on top. The stove will allow air to flow even though the vent is closed completely. This prevents the firewood from being depriving of air and stops it from smouldering.
You won't be able to discern from the outside that a Defra wood-burning stove is different. The adjustment for the combustion air is hidden beneath the base of the wood stove, or in the top front.
Most Defra Stoves are allowed to burn wood or certain kinds of smokeless fuels, such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite, and so on. However there are a few of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel-approved and can be used to burn a range of different fuels.
There are a variety of reasons why you might want to choose a Defra stove, regardless if you reside in a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra stoves are better for your environment, they release less smoke and they help keep your chimney free of accumulated. They are also better because they generate more heat and release fewer pollutants into the air.
What is an Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?
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. This testing looks at the levels of emissions and the amount of smoke that the stove produces throughout the phases of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra test can be installed within Smoke Control Areas in cities and larger towns.
The test also confirms that the stove can be operated with approved fuels, such as smokeless coke and anthracite. A log burner that has been certified by Defra is also more eco-friendly, and helps to keep neighbors from being annoyed by nuisance emissions.
The combustion air control of wood burners that have been approved by Defra has been modified. This is typically done 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 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's sometimes referred to, should still be regularly maintained in order to ensure that it is operating properly. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue on a regular basis. It is also important to ensure that there are no obstructions, that the firebox is clean and that the grate is free of debris.
Although DEFRA list stoves is not legally required to have a Defra exempt stove, especially if you live outside of a Smoke Control Area it is recommended to get one as they are much more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will reduce your fuel costs in the long run. In addition, an Defra approved stove will decrease the amount of dust and smoke that gets into your living space which makes it the best option for your health as well as your neighbours' health.
Nordpeis provides a range of DEFRA-approved cooktops, both in traditional and modern designs. To determine if you reside in a Smoke Control Area and want to discuss your options, please contact your local Varde retailer.
What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?
Clean Burn Technology is the best option for stoves and fireplaces and provides a higher quality burn. This reduces dust levels in the air, which is better for the environment. It also saves money on fuel bills because you can get more heat from the same logs. These stoves are so efficient that they have led to an easing of the necessity for chimney sweeps because less soot is produced. As the top stove manufacturers develop their products they have integrated secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that further reduce emissions from the stove and reduce their users carbon footprint.
A Defra approved stove is not just allowed to be used in Smoke Control Areas, but can also be installed in a solid, well-built and insulated chimney system in any home. These wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel models are available in a variety of styles to meet your preferences. There are many options for traditional and contemporary stoves, in various colors and finishes that match your style. They are available in a variety of sizes so you can find one that fits the space of your fireplace or inglenook.
All Defra approved wood stoves have been put through rigorous testing and inspections in order to ensure that they are in compliance with Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and high combustion efficiency. This means that you can rest assured that you are using your fuel responsibly while you are saving money while doing it. Making sure you use only dry kiln dried wood that is ready to burn will improve the performance of your stove, and also help to reduce the emissions it produces.
If you live in a smoke-controlled zone and you still desire the warmth of a wood burning stove, then a Defra Approved Stove is a great option. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already reaping the benefits of a healthier environment and have experienced savings on their energy bills. We suggest that you have your stove professionally installed by a licensed gas engineer to ensure the installation meets building regulations. It is important to have your stove examined and maintained regularly to ensure its performance is maintained and to avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.