What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the emission of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have regulations in place that ban chimney smoke within Smoke Control Areas unless 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 homeowners face hefty fines on the spot in the event of non-compliance. To avoid this, you must make use of Defra approved log burners and only use kiln dried wood with the "Ready to Burn" mark.

What is a Defra approved stove?

A DEFRA stoves features approved stove is a stove that has been passed by the DEFRA test and is exempt from laws in areas of smoke control to burn wood (and other fuels that are approved by DEFRA). The Defra Logo is well-known in the industry. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra are often identified with SE (Smoke-Exempt) as a quick and easy way to identify them.

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that are Defra approved to ensure that they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves provide maximum heat output while generating low levels of smoke emissions. They typically achieve these low emissions by ensuring that combustion gases are re-burned during the second burn. This is crucial as it allows the burn to continue in a controlled manner while lessening the amount of part-burned combustibles that are emitted into the air.

DEFRA exempt stoves are more environmentally friendly than other wood burning stoves since they are less likely to release part-burnt combustibles transported 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 flues open, which means they are much less likely to discharge part-burnt combustibles to the chimney, where they may stop it from getting there.

Whether you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, having a Defra-approved wood-burning stove is a good choice because it will keep your neighbors satisfied and ensure that your chimney is clear for a longer time. Defra exempt wood burning stoves are available in a wide range of styles, and there are many options that will suit modern and traditional homes.

Many people choose a Defra approved wood burning stove because of its minimalist, sleek design. These stoves are great for modern living spaces. They can be placed within a fireplace chamber or inglenook, or be free-standing. There are a number of modern stoves, like the Aarrow i400 or the minimal Farringdon that look stunning in any room. There are also Defra-exempt stoves in traditional styles such as the Saxon A08E and the Arizona A08E.

What is 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 Approved Eco Design Stoves stoves are designed to produce the least amount of smoke and harmful emissions whilst also generating a high amount of heat for your home.

The main reason you need a Defra stove is that if your home is located in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then you won't be able to legally install a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been endorsed by DEFRA. You could face severe penalties for installing an unapproved stove inside your home.

The combustion air system of stoves that are approved by Defra has been modified to limit the amount oxygen that can be absorbed by the firewood while it is burning. Modifying the air vent on top is the way to do this. The stove will allow air to flow even if the vent is closed completely. This stops the firewood from smoldering and keeps it from becoming starved for air.

You won't be able to see from the outside that an Defra wood-burning stove is different. The unseen combustion air adjustment is usually hidden underneath the stove's base or inside the top front of the stove.

The majority of DEFRA stoves specifications Stoves are allowed to burn wood or certain types of smokeless fuels like Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite etc. However there are a variety of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel approved and are able to burn a range of different fuels.

There are a myriad of reasons you might want to choose a Defra stove, regardless if you live in Smoke Control Area or not. Defra approved stoves are better for the environment, create less smoke and help to keep your chimney free of any deposits. They are also more efficient 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, sometimes referred to 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 Defra testing can be installed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in cities and Defra Exempt Stoves large town.

The test also guarantees that the stove is able to operate using approved fuels like anthracite and smokeless coal. Additionally the Defra log burner is more eco-friendly and can help you avoid upsetting neighbours with nuisance smoke emissions.

The combustion air control of wood burners that have been approved by Defra has been altered. This is typically located 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.

A Defra approved stove or Defra exempt stove as it is sometimes called must be regularly maintained in order to ensure it's functioning correctly. This includes cleaning the chimney and flue regularly making sure there are no blockages, ensuring that the grate and firebox are free of debris and the flow of air through the chimney free of restrictions.

While it isn't an obligation under the law to own a Defra exempt stove, particularly in the absence of the Smoke Control Area It is recommended to get one as they are much more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will save you money on fuel costs over the long term. Additionally to that, the use of a Defra approved stove can reduce the amount of smoke and dust that enters your living space and makes it the best option for your health as well as the health of your neighbors.

Nordpeis provides a range of DEFRA-approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. Varde retailers can assist you in determining if your home is in a Smoke Control Area.

What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?

Clean Burn Technology is the way forward for stoves and fireplaces and offers a better quality of burn. This means less amount of dust from the air which is good for the environment and saves money on fuel costs since you can get more heat from the same logs. These stoves are so efficient that they have led to a reduction in the need for chimney sweeps as minimal amounts of soot are produced. As the top stove manufacturers develop their products they have integrated secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce the emissions of the stove and reduce their users carbon footprint.

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 and multi-fuel stoves come in a range of styles to match your personal preferences. There are a variety of choices for traditional and contemporary stoves in various colors and finishes that match your style. The stoves are also available in a variety of sizes, so you can find the ideal one for your fireplace chamber or inglenook.

All Defra approved stoves have undergone stringent testing and examination to ensure they abide by the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emission levels and a high efficiency of combustion So that you are assured that you are using your fuel in an environmentally sustainable manner and saving money on your heating costs as well. Only using the kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will enhance the performance of your stove.

If you live in a smoke-controlled area and still desire the warmth of a wood 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 seen savings on their fuel bills. We recommend that your stove is professionally installed by an engineer in gas who is qualified to install it. This will ensure that the stove is in compliance with all requirements for building. Regularly examining and DEFRA approved wood Burning stoves maintaining your stove will ensure that it performs at its best and will avoid the need for expensive repairs in the future.