What is a Defra Log Burner?

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

The new rules limit the amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g per hour and homeowners are subject to hefty on-the-spot fines if they do not comply. To avoid this, use Defra approved log burners and only burn dry wood that has been kiln-dried and has the 'Ready to Burn' label.

What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A stove that is Defra-approved is one that has passed the DEFRA test. It is therefore exempted from the 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 usually have SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name as an easy way to recognize them.

Stoves that are Defra Approved must be tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA legislation stoves) to ensure that they meet strict emission standards. These tests are designed for stoves that generate maximum heat while generating extremely low levels of smoke emissions. These emissions are typically achieved by ensuring combustion gases are reburned during the second combustion. This is important as it allows the burn to continue in a controlled manner while reducing the amount of part-burned combustibles that are emitted into the air.

DEFRA exempted stoves are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles thrown through the chimney. Defra exempted stoves are not required to close their air vents overnight to'sleep'. They keep the flue open all time, so they are less likely to send part burned combustion products down the chimney.

Whether you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, a DEFRA stoves disadvantages Approved wood-burning stove is a good idea as it will keep your neighbors satisfied and ensure that your chimney stays free of dust for a longer period of time. You can purchase Defra exempt stoves in a variety designs and styles, and there are plenty of options for traditional and contemporary homes.

Many people choose a Defra approved wood burning stove due to its minimalist, sleek design. These stoves are ideal for contemporary living spaces. They can be put in within a fireplace chamber or inglenooks, or they can be free-standing. Modern stoves such as the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon would look great in any space. There are also stoves that are Defra exempt such as the Saxon A08E and 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 tested and approved by the government's DEFRA department to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been developed to emit a minimal amount of smoke and harmful emissions while also generating a high degree of heat to your home.

You need a Defra approved stove if you reside in a Smoke-Control Area. Otherwise, you won't be able legally to install any wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA. You could be facing severe penalties if you install a non-Defra approved stove in your home.

Defra approved stoves have been able to have their combustion air system modified to limit the amount of oxygen that can get to the wood during the burning process. Modifying the air vent on top is the method used to achieve this. This means that the stove will allow a small amount of air to pass through even if you shut off the vent all the way. This prevents the firewood from being starved of air and stops it from smouldering.

You won't be able to see from the outside that a Defra wood burning stove is different. The combustion air adjustment is hidden under the base of the wood stove, or in the top front.

The majority of Defra stoves will be certified to burn wood and certain kinds of approved smokeless fuels like anthracite or Homefire brand smokeless coal. However there are a variety of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel-approved and are able to burn a variety of different fuels.

There are a myriad of reasons you might want to choose a Defra stove, regardless of whether you reside in a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra approved stoves are better for the environment, create less smoke and keep your chimney clear of accumulated. They also are better for your home as they offer more heat and fewer toxins in the air.

What is an Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?

A Defra stove, also referred to as a Defra exempt stove or DEFRA list stoves smoke control approved wood burning stove, is one that has passed a rigorous test designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra). This test evaluates the amount of smoke and emission levels that the stove produces at all stages of normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the DEFRA legislation stoves test can be installed within Smoke Control Areas in cities and larger towns.

The test also confirms that the stove can be used with approved fuels like smokeless coal and anthracite. In addition, a Defra log burner is more sustainable and can help keep neighbors from being disturbed by nuisance smoke emissions.

Wood burners that are approved by Defra have been given a combustion air control modified, often inside the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification prevents users from closing the air control completely, since this could cause the stove and make it release excessive amounts of smoke.

To keep a Defra approved stove or one that is exempt from Defra functioning properly, it must be maintained regularly. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney regularly making sure there aren't any obstructions making sure the grate and firebox are clean and ensuring that the airflow through the chimney free of restrictions.

It is not a requirement to own a Defra-exempted stove however it is a good idea to do so particularly if your residence is located outside the Smoke Control Area. These models are more efficient and can save you lots of money in the long run. A Defra approved appliance will also decrease the amount of smoke and dust that are released into your home, which is better for your health and your neighbours.

At Nordpeis we have a variety of DEFRA approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. Varde retailers can help you determine if your home is in an area of smoke Control Area.

What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?

Clean Burn Technology is the alternative for stoves and fires, and gives you a more refined burn. This means less amount of airborne dust, which is good for the environment and can save money on fuel costs because you will receive more heating from the same logs. They are efficient enough that they have led to less need for chimney sweeps since less soot is produced. As the top stove manufacturers create their products they have integrated secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce the emissions of the stove and reduce the carbon footprint of their customers.

A Defra approved stove is not only able to be used in Smoke Control Areas, but can also be installed in a well-built, insulation-free chimney system in any home. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are available in a variety of designs to suit your personal preferences. There are contemporary and traditional options in a wide range of colours and finishes to match your decor. They are also available in a range of sizes, ensuring that you can find the ideal one to fit your fireplace chamber or inglenook.

All Defra approved stoves have gone through rigorous tests and examinations to ensure they abide by the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emission levels and high efficiency in combustion So that you can be assured you are burning your fuel in an environmentally sustainable manner and saving money on your heating expenses too. Only using the kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will improve the efficiency of your stove.

Buying a Defra Approved stove is a great choice when you live in a smoke controlled zone and want to experience the cozy warmth that only a true wood burner can offer. 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 recommend that your stove is professionally installed by a gas engineer who is qualified to do so. This will ensure that it meets all building regulations. Regularly inspecting and servicing your stove will ensure that it is operating at its peak and avoids the need for costly repairs in the future.