What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emission of smoke from wood-burning stoves. There are regulations that prohibit chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas except if you are using an exempt appliance or fuel that is authorised.

These new rules limit the amount of smoke a stove could emit to 3g/hour and homeowners face hefty penalties on-the-spot if they do not comply. To avoid this, only use log burners approved by Defra and premium DEFRA Stoves burn kiln dried wood that is marked with the 'Ready to Burn" label.

What is a Defra certified stove?

A Defra-approved stove is one that has passed the DEFRA test. Therefore, it is exempt from smoke control laws in areas where wood (and other materials that are authorised) are allowed to be burned. The Defra logo is well-known and has been embraced by the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved are usually marked with SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name, as a quick way to recognise 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 offer the highest heat output and have ultra low levels of smoke emissions. They typically get these low emissions by ensuring that the combustion gases are burned again during the second burn. This is crucial as it allows the burn to continue in a controlled manner while reducing the amount of part-burned combustion gases that are released into the atmosphere.

DEFRA exempted stoves are more eco-friendly since they limit the amount of part-burned combustibles thrown through the chimney. Defra exempted stoves are not required to close their air vents during the night to'sleep'. They keep the flue open all the time, which means they are less likely to release part burned combustibles down the chimney.

You can purchase a DEFRA approved efficient stoves-approved wood-burning stove regardless of whether you live in a smoke controlled area or not. It will make your neighbors happy and will keep your chimney in good condition for longer. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a range of styles and there are a lot of options to suit both traditional and contemporary homes.

The sleek minimalist design is a major factor in choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. These stoves are ideal for modern living spaces and can be fitted into an inglenook, fireplace chamber or be freestanding. Modern stoves like the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon would look great in any space. There are also stoves that are Defra exempt like the Saxon A08E and the Arizona A08E.

What is an Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt or Defra Approved Stove is a wood burning stove that has been inspected and approved by the government's DEFRA department to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to produce a minimal amount of smoke and harmful emissions whilst also producing a high level of heat for your home.

The primary reason you require a Defra stove is that if your house is located in a Smoke Control Area then you won't be able to legally install any wood burning or multi fuel stove that hasn't been approved by premium Defra stoves. Installing a non-Defra stove in your home could lead to a substantial penalty.

The combustion air system of stoves that are Defra-approved has been modified to limit the amount oxygen that can reach the firewood while it is burning. Modifying the air vent on top is the method used to achieve this. The stove can still allow air to flow even if the vent is closed all the way. This stops the firewood from being deprived of air and keeps it from smouldering.

From the outside of a premium DEFRA stoves stove, you won't be able to tell it is different from any other wood-burning stove. The combustion air adjustment is concealed under the base of the wood stove or on the top front.

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

You can pick a Defra Stove for a variety of reasons, regardless of whether you live in a smoke-free zone or not. Defra stoves are better for the environment, they produce less smoke and help keep your chimney free of deposits. They are also better since they produce more heat and emit fewer toxins into the air.

What is what is a 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 been tested rigorously by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The test focuses on the amount of smoke and emission levels that the stove is able to produce in all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that pass Defra test can be used in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in cities and large town.

The test also ensures the stove can be operated using approved fuels like anthracite and smokeless coke. A Defra-certified log burner is also more environmentally friendly, and helps to avoid annoying neighbours with nuisance emissions.

Wood burners that are approved by Defra have been given a combustion air control modified, usually within the firebox or at the top of the stove. This modification stops the user from closing the air control all the way, as this can starve the stove of oxygen and cause it to release excessive quantities of smoke.

To keep a Defra approved stove or one that is exempt from Defra functioning properly, it must be maintained on a regular basis. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney regularly making sure there are no blockages, making sure that the firebox and grate are clean and ensuring that the airflow through the chimney free of restrictions.

It is not required to own a Defra-exempted stove, but it is a good option to get one, especially if your home is outside an area designated as a Smoke Control Area. These stoves are more efficient and will save you a lot of money over the long run. A Defra approved appliance will also reduce the amount of dust and smoke that are released into your home, which is better for your health as well as 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 located in an area of smoke Control Area.

What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?

Clean Burn Technology offers a superior quality of combustion and is the future of fireplaces and stoves. This reduces the amount of dust that is in the air which is better for the environment. It also helps save cash on fuel costs since you get more heat out of the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have reduced the necessity for chimney sweeps because there is a minimal amount of soot produced. As top stove manufacturers continue to improve their products, they have also incorporated secondary or tertiary combustion systems that further reduce emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of their customers.

A stove that is approved by Defra is able to be used not just in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well-constructed chimney that is insulated and built to last in any home. These wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves come in a range of designs that will suit your preferences. There are numerous options for both traditional and contemporary stoves, in various colours and finishes that match your decor. These stoves come in various sizes, so you can choose one that is suitable for the space of your fireplace or inglenook.

All Defra approved wood stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing and inspections in order to ensure that they meet the Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and a high efficiency of combustion. This means you can rest assured that you are burning your fuel responsibly and you are saving money while doing it. Only using dry, kiln-dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will enhance the performance of your stove.

If you live in a smoke-free area and desire the warmth of a wood stove and a Defra Approved Stove is a great option. 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 your stove be professionally installed by a gas engineer who is certified to install it. This will ensure that the stove is in compliance with all building regulations. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your stove will ensure it operates at its best and avoids the need for costly repairs in the future.