Buying a Freestanding Log Burner

A freestanding log burner can be an attractive addition to your home. They create a warm ambience with flickering flames that have been a hit for a long time.

Contrary to fireplace inserts that are inserted into chimneys of existing fireplaces Freestanding stoves are rear vented and set on the hearth. This makes them a great option for homes with open-plan living.

DEFRA Approved

If you are in a UK city or a large town, the likelihood is that you are in a Smoke Control Area and you must only burn smokeless coal and other authorised fuel on your stove to be in compliance with the law. If you're considering purchasing a freestanding log burner we recommend you go for one that is a DEFRA approved woodburner built to meet the government's emission criteria. The DEFRA logo is well-known and is often used in marketing campaigns by the manufacturer or even in their name and this indicates that the stove is designed to allow you to legally burn wood logs within a smoke control area.

A DEFRA-approved stove (or a Defra-exempt appliance) will limit the amount of smoke produced by making sure there is enough oxygen combustible that is supplied to the flame. This is made possible by the combustion technology in the stove, which helps to stop any combustibles that have been part-burned from being drawn up the chimney which can cause nuisance smoke.

As well as being able to legally use your wood-burning stove in Smoke Control Area, these appliances will typically ensure that your chimney and flue system stay cleaner for longer. This is because they are ideally suited for burning wood logs, which will produce less soot than a gas or electric fire. They also require an elongated chimney liner and may be able to use with the flue system that is not lined.

At The Stove Yard we stock an extensive selection of DEFRA Approved freestanding log stoves from brands like Arada, Stovax and Burley AGA. A lot of our models come with triple-air technology that offers better thermal efficiency, cleaner burns, and what's known as "slumber burn" (burning the stove over the course of the night).

Our most popular model for those living in Smoke Control Areas is the Blithfield 5kW DEFRA approved woodburner. This sleek stove is a multifuel and Ecodesign Ready stove that would look at home in both traditional or modern homes and can be customised by choosing a chrome or brass handle and controls. It has a huge window and would work well in the Victorian chimney breast. It is also slim enough to fit in smaller recesses.

Suitable for Smoke Control Areas

If you reside in an area where smoke is controlled, it is crucial to buy a DEFRA-approved wood burning appliance. It's because it's illegal to emit smoke from a chimney. If you don't comply with these rules, you could be fined up to PS300.

Smoke control areas are certain areas of cities and towns where the air quality is very poor because of a large quantity of traffic and other pollutants. In these areas, it's illegal to use a fire or stove that generates a lot of smoke because it can affect air quality and create a nuisance.

Contacting your local authority is the best method to determine whether you live in a smoke-control area. The majority of cities are Smoke Control Areas, so should you live in one then there are specific restrictions on the kind of fuel you can burn on a stove or fire.

In most cases, only authorised smokeless fuels (a list is available from DEFRA) can be used in these types of appliances and not wood. However, there are a few exceptions and you can still use log burners in an space is smoke-free.

A DEFRA approved appliance comes with a heat-shield which traps particulates and smoke in the fire, which makes it safe to use within the Smoke Control Area. These heat shields prevent the heat generated by a fire from damaging the walls, furniture and flooring.

Freestanding log burners are therefore suitable for rooms like conservatories and family areas where a traditional fireplace would not be suitable. However, you need to install twin-wall flue systems when you want to use a freestanding log burner in a room without a chimney.

You should speak with an experienced stove installer if you're thinking about buying a new wood stove for your home. They can guide you through the process of designing and installing. They'll be able to demonstrate a range of models and help you choose the most suitable one for your needs. They can also assist you in putting up a wood stove that is compliant with the current Building Regulations.

Clean Burning

wood log burner burning stoves are a clean and sustainable form of heat. They are carbon neutral and use a renewable fuel, provided the wood is sourced from well-managed woodland. Stoves have a high thermal efficiency and are very simple to operate, with simple controls. Many of our wood burners that are freestanding have a triple-air system that boosts combustion while decreasing emissions.

One of the best ways to keep your log burner clean is to only burning dry wood. This will help to keep away the accumulation of creosote. Creosote is the toxic byproduct that is produced when wood burns and can be harmful to lungs and respiratory systems. Burning only dry, seasoned wood logs can help minimise this risk.

Another crucial aspect is the proper operation of the stove. Open the vents when you start your fire, allows air to circulate and keep the flame's image clear. Closing the air supply too early is a common mistake that people make, which can cause the fire to produce more creosote, which can result in an ominous smoulder. It is also important to use only well-seasoned logs. This will help reduce the production of pollutants and smoke.

You can also enhance the cleaning process by using a log burner with an airwash system. The airflow coming from the vents of the stove is used to cleanse the inside of the door's glass and prevent it from becoming black. However, you should only use this feature when the stove is in use and not while it's cooling.

You will need to get yourself ready before you begin. You'll need old sheets or newspapers to cover the floor. A brush, gloves and a metal shovel for the ash. You should also have a spray bottle to assist with the cleaning process. Certain sprays can be used in conjunction with water to give your home a thorough clean.

Our collection of free-standing log burners is vast, and they are made to blend seamlessly into your home. There is no chimney needed. We have a variety of finishes and colors that fit into any space. We also have different designs like double doors and curved feet.

Energy Efficiency

A freestanding log heater is not only beneficial for the environment, but it can also assist you in reducing your energy bills. Wood is a renewable source of fuel and burns at a lower temperature than electricity or gas and produces less harmful emissions. The latest EcoDesign-compliant stoves produce 90 percent less PM2 than older open fires.

The efficiency of a wood-burning stove can be improved by the addition of a log burner fan. These devices are designed to improve the distribution of heat throughout a room, making to maintain a consistent temperature and reducing extreme temperature changes. They convert radiant heat into convection heat and are easily incorporated onto any wood-burning stove.

With the cost of electricity and gas expected to increase and rising, having a wood stove can save you money and help you reduce your carbon footprint. They're only a third of what it cost of running an white electric log burner effect fire heater, and 13% less than central heating using gas. That's a big saving in the current climate!

There's nothing like a roaring log fire to make you feel warm and at home. That feeling is a part of our human experience and has helped people connect and relax for thousands of years. A fireplace can create a warm environment, enticing family and friends to gather around it.

With modern freestanding log burners that are designed to be installed without the need of chimneys, they're the perfect option for those with open-plan living spaces. They can be placed in the middle of a huge space to create a stylish focal point and instantly transform the space.