What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for DEFRA stoves comparison Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emissions of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have regulations in place that ban chimney smoke within Smoke Control Areas in the absence of an exempt appliance and authorised fuel.

The new rules limit amount of smoke a stove could emit to 3g an hour and homeowners are subject to hefty fines on the spot in the event of non-compliance. To avoid this, only use log burners that have been approved by Defra and DEFRA stoves comparison burn kiln-dried wood that is marked with the 'Ready To Burn" label.

What is a Defra approved stove?

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that has been passed by the DEFRA test and is exempt from laws in areas of smoke control to burn wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra logo is well-known and has been adopted by the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved will often have SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name, as a quick way to recognise them.

Stoves that are Defra Approved have to be tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure that they meet strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves provide the highest heat output and have ultra low levels of smoke emissions. They typically achieve these low emissions by ensuring that combustion gases are re-burned during the secondary burn. This is important as it allows the combustion to continue efficiently while reducing the amount combustibles released into the atmosphere.

DEFRA exempt stoves are also more eco-friendly than other wood burners because they are less likely to release part-burnt combustibles that are released into the chimney. Defra exempted stoves do not close their air vents overnight to sleep. They keep the flue open all time, so they are less likely to release part burned combustion products down the chimney.

You can purchase 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 in good condition for a longer time. Defra exempt stoves for wood burning are available in a wide variety of designs and styles, and there are a variety of options that will suit traditional and modern homes.

The sleek, minimalist design is a key factor in choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. These stoves are ideal for modern living spaces. They can be installed within a fireplace chamber or inglenook, or they can be free-standing. Modern stoves like the Aarrow I400 and the minimalist Farringdon would look great in any space. There are also Defra Exempt Stoves that come in traditional styled stoves such as the Saxon A08E or 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 installed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to emit less smoke and harmful emissions whilst also producing a high level of heat for your home.

The main reason that you need a Defra stove is that if your home is located in a Smoke Control Area then you will not be allowed to legally install any wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been endorsed by DEFRA. Installing a stove that isn't DEFRA-approved in your house could result in a hefty penalty.

Defra approved stoves have had their combustion air system modified to limit the amount of oxygen that can reach the wood burning process. Modifying the air vent on top is the method used to achieve this. This means that the stove will allow a tiny amount of air to pass through even if you close the vent all the way. This stops the firewood from being starved of air and keeps it from smoldering.

From the outside of the exterior of a Defra stove you will not be able to tell it's different from any other wood burning stove. The adjustment for combustion air is hidden beneath the base of the wood stove, or in the top front.

The majority of Defra stoves will be permitted to burn wood, and certain kinds of smokeless fuels that are authorised, such as anthracite or Homefire brand smokeless coal. However there are a few of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel certified and these can be used to burn a range of different fuels.

There are a variety of reasons why you should consider a Defra stove, regardless of whether you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra Stoves Comparison approved stoves are more sustainable for the environment, produce less smoke and help to keep your chimney clear of deposits. They are also more efficient because they produce more heat and release fewer pollutants into the air.

What is what is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?

A Defra wood-burning stove, also known as a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove is a stove that has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This test measures the amount of smoke and emissions that the stove produces in all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the Defra test can be placed within Smoke Control Areas in large cities and towns.

The test also guarantees that the stove can be used with authorised fuels like smokeless coal and anthracite. A Defra-certified log burner is also more environmentally friendly, and helps to prevent neighbors from causing trouble with their emissions.

The control of combustion air on 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 prevents the user from closing the air control all the way, as this can starve the stove of oxygen and cause it to emit excessive quantities of smoke.

A Defra approved stove, or Defra exempt stove, as it is sometimes referred to must be maintained regularly to keep it working efficiently. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue regularly. It is also important to ensure that there are no obstructions, that the firebox is clean and the grate is clear of debris.

Although it's not legally required to have a Defra exempt stove, particularly if you live outside of the Smoke Control Area It is recommended to buy one because they are more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will save you money on fuel costs over the long term. In addition to that, an DEFRA accredited stoves approved stove can reduce the amount of smoke and dust that gets into your living space and makes it a better choice for your health and the health of your neighbors.

At Nordpeis we have a wide range of DEFRA approved stoves that come in contemporary and traditional designs. Varde retailers can assist you in determining whether 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 fires, and gives you a more refined burn. This means a reduced amount of dust that is blown into the air which is beneficial for the environment and can save money on fuel costs as you are able to get more heat from the same logs. These stoves are so efficient that they have lowered the necessity for chimney sweeps as little soot is produced. As top stove manufacturers continue to improve their products, they have added secondary or tertiary burning systems that further reduce emissions and decrease the carbon footprint of their customers.

A stove that is Defra-approved is able to be used not just in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well-constructed, insulated chimney in any home. These wood burning stoves as well as multi-fuel models are available in various styles to suit your tastes. There are a variety of options for both traditional and contemporary stoves, in various colours and finishes that complement your style. They are also available in a range of sizes, so you can choose the ideal one to fit your fireplace chamber or inglenook.

All DEFRA approved clean burning stoves approved wood stoves have undergone rigorous testing and examinations to ensure they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and a high efficiency of combustion. This means you can rest assured that you are using your fuel responsibly while saving money while doing it. Using only dry kiln-dried wood that is ready to burn will further enhance the efficiency of your stove and help to reduce the emissions it produces.

If you live in a smoke-free area and still want to enjoy 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 seen savings on their fuel bills. We would recommend that you get your stove installed by a qualified gas engineer to ensure the installation meets the necessary building regulations. Regularly checking and servicing your stove will ensure that it performs at its best and avoids the need for costly repairs in the future.