What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emissions of smoke from wood-burning stoves. There are regulations that ban chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas, unless you use an exempt appliance or authorised fuel.

The new regulations limit the amount that stoves can emit smoke to 3g/hour. If homeowners do not comply, they will be fined immediately. To avoid this, you must make use of Defra approved log burners and only use kiln dried wood 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 permitted to be burned. The Defra logo is widely used in the field. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra are often marked with SE (Smoke-Exempt) as an easy and quick way to identify them.

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that are Defra approved to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves provide the highest heat output and have ultra low levels of smoke emissions. These emissions are typically attained by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned during the second burning. This is important since it allows the combustion to continue efficiently whilst decreasing the amount of partially burned burning combustibles released into the atmosphere.

Defra Approved High-Quality Stoves exempted stoves are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of combustibles that are part-burned and sent down the chimney. Unlike some stoves that need to shut off the air vents in order to allow them to sleep for the night, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open, meaning they are much less likely to send part-burnt combustibles to the chimney where they can hinder its flow.

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

The sleek, minimalist design is an important factor when selecting a Defra approved wood burning stove. These stoves are ideal for modern living spaces. They can be installed inside a fireplace chamber, inglenook, or they can be freestanding. Modern stoves such as 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 Arizona A08E.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt or Defra Approved Stove is a wood burning stove that has been approved and tested by the government's DEFRA department to be fitted in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been designed to emit a minimal amount of smoke and harmful emissions while also generating an extremely high level of heat for your home.

The main reason you require a Defra stove is that if your residence is located in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then you will not be able to legally install a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA lawful stoves. You could be facing an expensive fine if you install an unapproved stove inside your home.

The combustion air system in Defra-approved stoves has been adjusted to limit the amount oxygen that can reach the firewood while it is burning. Modifying the top air vent is the way to do this. This means that the stove will allow a little air to pass through even if you shut the vent completely. This stops the firewood from being depriving of air and keeps it from smouldering.

You won't be able to discern from the outside that a Defra wood burning stove is different. The adjustment for combustion air is hidden under the base of the wood stove or in the top of the front.

The majority of Defra Stoves are permitted to burn wood or certain types of smokeless fuels like Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite, etc. Defra stoves can be used to burn a wide variety of fuels.

There are a variety of reasons why you might want to choose a Defra stove, regardless if you live in Smoke Control Area or not. DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews approved stoves are more sustainable for the environment, produce less smoke and help to keep your chimney clear of any deposits. They also benefit because they generate more heat and release fewer toxic gases into the air.

What is what is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?

A Defra wood burning stove also known as a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove, is a stove which has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This testing looks at emission levels and the amount of smoke that the stove can produce throughout all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra testing can be installed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in cities and large town.

The test also guarantees that the stove is able to be used with authorized fuels like anthracite and smokeless coal. In addition, a Defra log burner is more sustainable and can help you keep neighbors from being disturbed by nuisance smoke emissions.

Defra approved wood burners have had their combustion air control modified, often in the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification prevents the user from closing the air control all the way, as it could reduce the amount of oxygen in the stove and cause it to release excessive amounts of smoke.

To keep a Defra approved stove or one that is exempt from Defra functioning properly, it must be maintained regularly. 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 clear of debris.

Although it is not a legal requirement to have a Defra exempt stove, especially when you are not in a Smoke Control Area It is recommended to get one as they are more efficient than non-Defra models and will reduce your fuel costs in the long run. Additionally to that, the use of a Defra approved stove will decrease the amount of dust and smoke that enters your living space and makes it a better option for your health and your neighbors' health.

Nordpeis provides a range of DEFRA-approved stoves in modern and traditional designs. To determine if you live 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 offers a superior quality of combustion and is the future of stoves and fireplaces. This reduces dust levels in the air, which is better for the environment. It also saves cash on fuel costs since you can get more heat out of the same logs. They are so efficient that they have led to an easing of the need for chimney sweeps as very little soot is produced. As the top stove manufacturers develop their products they have integrated secondary and tertiary combustion systems that further reduce emissions from the stove and reduce the carbon footprint of their customers.

A Defra approved stove is not just able to be used in Smoke Control Areas however, it can also be used in a solid, well-built and lined chimney system for any home. These wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel models come in various styles to suit your tastes. There are numerous options for traditional and contemporary stoves that come in a variety of colours and finishes that match your style. The stoves are also available in a range of sizes, so that you can find the ideal one for your fireplace chamber or inglenook.

All Defra approved wood stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing and examinations to ensure that they meet the Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and high efficiency in combustion. This means you can be confident that you are using your fuel responsibly while making money while doing it. Making sure you use only dry kiln dried wood that is ready to burn will enhance the performance of your stove, and also help to reduce its emissions.

If you live in a smoke-free area and desire the warmth of a wood burning stove then a Defra Approved Stove is a excellent choice. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already experiencing the advantages of a cleaner environment and have noticed savings on their fuel bills. We suggest that you get your stove installed by a qualified gas engineer to ensure the installation meets the necessary building regulations. Regularly examining and maintaining your stove will ensure it operates at its best and will avoid the need for costly repairs in the near future.