A Step-By-Step Guide For Choosing Your Defra Log Burner
What is a Defra Log Burner? The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the release of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have rules in place that prohibit chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas unless using an exempt appliance and authorised fuel. These new rules limit the amount of smoke a stove can emit to 3g/hour and homeowners will be subject to severe penalties on-the-spot in the event of non-compliance. To avoid this you must make sure you use Defra approved log burners and only use kiln dried wood with the “Ready to Burn” label. What is a Defra-approved stove? A Defra approved stove is an appliance that has passed the DEFRA test and is therefore exempt from laws in smoke control areas to burn wood (and other fuels that are approved by DEFRA). The Defra logo is well-known within the industry. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will often be identified with SE (Smoke-Exempt) to provide a quick and easy way to identify 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 offer maximum heat output while generating low levels of smoke emissions. They typically get these low emissions by ensuring that the combustion gases are burned again during the secondary burn. This is important because it allows the combustion to continue efficiently while reducing the amount of combustibles emitted into atmospheric air. DEFRA exempted stoves are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of combustibles that are part-burned and sent through the chimney. Contrary to some stoves that have to shut off the vents for air to allow them to sleep overnight, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flues open, which means they are much less likely to discharge part-burnt combustibles into the chimney where they can stop it from getting there. No matter if you reside in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, an approved Defra wood-burning stove is a good idea because it will keep your neighbours satisfied and ensure that your chimney is free of dust for a longer period of time. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a variety designs and styles, and there are plenty of options to suit both traditional and contemporary homes. Many people prefer a Defra approved wood burning stove because of its minimalist, sleek design. These stoves are ideal for modern living spaces. They can be installed in a fireplace chamber or inglenook, or be freestanding. There are a variety of modern stoves such as the Aarrow i400 or the minimal Farringdon that would look great in any room. There are also stoves that are Defra-exempt in traditional styles like the Saxon A08E and Arizona A08E. What is a Defra exempt stove? A Defra approved or exempt stove is one that has been approved and tested by the government's DEFRA Department to be placed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to produce less smoke and harmful emissions whilst also generating a high amount of warmth for your home. You must have a Defra approved stove if you reside in a Smoke-Control Area. In the event that you don't, you won't be able legally to install any wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has not been approved by DEFRA. You could be facing a hefty fine if you install an unapproved stove inside your home. The combustion air system of stoves that are approved by Defra has been modified to limit the amount oxygen that can be absorbed by the firewood while it is burning. Modifying the air vent on top is the way to do this. This means that the stove will still allow a small amount of air to pass through even if you close the vent completely. This stops the firewood from burning and keeps it from becoming depleted of air. From the outside of the exterior of a Defra stove, you won't be able to tell it's different from any other wood burning stove. The combustion air adjustment that is not visible is usually hidden beneath the stove's base or inside the top of the front of the stove. Most Defra stoves will only be permitted to burn wood and specific kinds of smokeless fuels that are authorised like anthracite and 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 variety of different fuels. You can pick a Defra Stove for various reasons regardless of whether you live in a zone of smoke control or not. Defra stoves are better for the environment, they produce less smoke and keep your chimney free of accumulated. They also are better for your home as they offer more heat and less toxins in your air. What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)? A Defra wood burning stove, also called 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 measures the amount of smoke and emissions that the stove can produce in all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the Defra test are able to be used within Smoke Control Areas in large cities and towns. The test also confirms that the stove can be operated with approved fuels such as smokeless coke and anthracite. In addition to that, a Defra log burner is more environmentally friendly and will help to keep neighbors from being disturbed by nuisance smoke emissions. Wood burners that are Defra-approved have been able to have their 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 it could reduce the amount of oxygen in the stove and cause it to emit excessive quantities of smoke. To keep a Defra approved or Defra-exempt stove operating properly, it must be maintained on a regular basis. This includes cleaning the chimney and flue regularly and ensuring there aren't any obstructions, ensuring that the firebox and grate are free of debris, and keeping the airflow through the chimney free of restrictions. Although it is not legally required to have a Defra exempt stove, especially in the absence of the Smoke Control Area It is a good idea to get one as they are much more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will reduce your fuel costs in the long run. In addition, the use of a Defra approved stove will reduce the amount of dust and smoke that enters your living space, making it a better choice for your health and your neighbours' health. At Nordpeis we offer a variety of DEFRA approved stoves in traditional and contemporary designs. Varde retailers can help you determine if your home is located 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 means a reduced amount of airborne dust, which is good for the environment as well as saving money on fuel costs because you will are able to get more heat from the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have eliminated the need for chimney sweeps as little soot is produced. As the top stove manufacturers create their products they have incorporated secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the emissions of the stove and reduce their users carbon footprint. A Defra approved stove is not just suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas however, it can also be used in a properly constructed, insulated chimney system in any home. These wood burning and multi-fuel stoves come in a range of styles to match your preferences. There are a variety of options for traditional and contemporary stoves that come in a variety of colours and finishes that match your decor. These stoves are also available in a variety of sizes, so that you can find the ideal one for your fireplace's inglenook or fireplace chamber. All Defra approved stoves have undergone rigorous testing and examination to ensure they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions levels and a high efficiency of combustion, so that you can be assured you are burning your fuel in an environmentally sustainable manner and reducing your heating costs too. Only using 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will enhance the performance of your stove. A Defra Approved stove is a excellent option if you live in a smoke controlled zone and want to enjoy the cosy warmth that only a true wood stove can offer. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already reaping the advantages of a cleaner environment and have seen savings on their fuel bills. We recommend that your stove is professionally installed by an engineer in gas who is certified to install it. This will ensure that the stove is in compliance with all requirements for building. You should have your stove examined and maintained regularly to ensure its performance is maintained and to avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.