What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for modern Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emissions of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have rules in place that prohibit chimney smoke within Smoke Control Areas unless using an exempt appliance or modern authorised fuel.

The new rules limit the amount the stove can emit of smoke to 3g/hour. If homeowners fail to comply, they will be fined on the spot. To avoid this, you must only use log burners that have been approved by Defra and burn kiln-dried wood with the 'Ready to Burn" label.

What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A Defra approved stove is a stove that has been passed by the DEFRA test and is exempt from the laws of 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 approved by Defra will usually be identified by SE (Smoke-Exempt) as an easy and quick method to identify them.

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that have been Defra approved to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves deliver the highest heat output and have ultra low levels of smoke emissions. The low emissions are typically accomplished by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned during the secondary burning. This is important because it allows the combustion to continue efficiently while reducing the amount of combustibles emitted into atmosphere.

DEFRA exempted stoves are green as they cut down on the amount part-burned combustibles sent down the chimney. Defra exempted stoves do not shut their air vents at night to'sleep'. They keep the flue open all time, so they are less likely to send part burned combustion products down the chimney.

If you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, an approved Defra wood burning stove is a great idea because it will keep your neighbours satisfied and ensure that your chimney stays free of dust for a longer period of time. Defra exempt stoves for wood burning are available in a wide range of styles and styles, and there are a variety of options to suit both modern and traditional homes.

Many people prefer a Defra approved wood burning stove due to its minimalist, sleek design. These stoves are ideal for modern living spaces. They can be fitted into an inglenook, fireplace chamber or can be free standing. Modern stoves such as the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon will look fantastic in any space. There are also Defra Exempt Stoves with traditional styled stoves, such as the Saxon A08E and the Arizona A08E.

What is an Defra exempt stove?

A Defra approved or exempt stove is a wood-burning stove that has been tested and approved by the government's DEFRA Department to be placed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to produce the least amount of 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 house is located in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then you will not be allowed to legally install any wood-burning or multifuel stove that isn't approved by DEFRA. You could be facing a hefty fine when you install an unapproved stove in your home.

Defra approved stoves have been able to have their combustion air system modified to restrict the amount of oxygen that can reach the firewood during the burn process. Modifying the air vent on top is the method used to achieve this. The stove will still allow some air to pass even though the vent is shut all the way. This prevents the firewood from being depriving of air and keeps it from smoldering.

From the outside of an Defra stove you will not be able to discern that there is anything different from any other wood-burning stove. The combustion air adjustment is concealed under the base of the wood stove or on the top of the front.

Most Defra Stoves are only approved to burn wood or certain types of smokeless fuels like Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite, etc. However there are a few of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel approved and can be used to burn a variety of different fuels.

You may choose a Defra Stove for many reasons regardless whether you reside in a smoke control area or not. Defra approved stoves are more sustainable for the environment, create less smoke and keep your chimney clear of deposits. They are also safer for your home since they are more efficient in heating and less toxins in your air.

What is an 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 which has been tested rigorously by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This test evaluates the amount of smoke and emissions that the stove is able to produce in all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the premium DEFRA stoves test are able to be used within Smoke Control Areas in cities and large towns.

The test also confirms that the stove can be operated using approved fuels like anthracite and smokeless coal. In addition, a Defra log burner is more sustainable and can help prevent neighbors from being upset by smoke emissions.

The control of combustion air on wood burners that have been approved by Defra has been changed. This is usually located inside the firebox or on top of the stove. This modification prevents users from closing the air control completely, because this could dehydrate the stove and make it emit excessive amounts smoke.

A Defra approved stove, or Defra exempt stove as it is sometimes called, should still be maintained regularly to ensure it's functioning efficiently. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue regularly. It is also important to make sure there aren't any obstructions and that the firebox is clean, and that the flue is free of debris.

Although it's not a legal requirement to have a Defra exempt stove, particularly if you live outside of the Smoke Control Area it is recommended to purchase one since they are much more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will reduce your fuel costs in the long run. Additionally to that, a Defra approved stove will decrease the amount of smoke and dust that gets into your living space, making it a better choice for your health and the health of your neighbors.

At Nordpeis we offer an extensive selection of DEFRA approved stoves that come in contemporary 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 offers a better burn quality and is the future of stoves and fireplaces. This reduces dust levels in the air which is healthier for the environment. It also helps save cash on fuel costs since you can get more heat from the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have lowered the need for chimney sweeps since there is less soot to be produced. As the leading stove manufacturers develop their products they have integrated secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the emissions of the stove and reduce their users carbon footprint.

A stove that is approved by Defra can be used not only in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well-constructed chimney that is insulated and built to last in any home. These wood burning stoves as well as multi-fuel models come in different styles to match your taste. There are a variety of options for both traditional and contemporary stoves in various colors and finishes that complement your decor. The stoves 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 stoves have been subjected to rigorous tests and examinations to ensure they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions levels and high combustion efficiency to ensure you can be sure that you are using your fuel in a environmentally responsible way and saving money on heating bills too. Only using the kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will improve the efficiency of your stove.

If you live in a smoke-free zone and you still desire the warmth of a wood burning stove and a Defra Approved Stove is a good choice. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already reaping the advantages of a cleaner environment and have experienced savings on their energy bills. We suggest that your stove be professionally installed by a gas engineer who is qualified to install it. This will ensure that the stove is in compliance with all requirements for building. You should have your stove checked and serviced regularly to maintain optimum performance and to avoid having to make costly repairs in the future.