How To Tell If You're Ready To Defra Log Burner

What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emissions of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have rules in place that prohibit chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas except when using an exempt device and authorized fuel.

The new rules limit amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g/hour and homeowners face hefty penalties on-the-spot in the event of non-compliance. To avoid this, you must use Defra approved log burners and only burn dried kiln-dried wood that bears the 'Ready to Burn' label.

What is a Defra certified stove?

A Defra approved stove is a stove that has been passed by the DEFRA test and is exempt from laws in smoke control areas to burn wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra logo is well-known and is widely used by 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.

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that have been Defra approved to ensure that they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to test stoves that produce maximum heat with ultra-low levels of smoke emissions. These low emissions are usually accomplished by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned in the secondary burning. This is important since it allows the combustion to continue efficiently whilst lessening the amount of part-burned combustibles that are emitted into the atmosphere.

DEFRA exempted stoves are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount part-burned combustibles sent through the chimney. Unlike some stoves that need to close the air vents to allow them to rest over the night, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open meaning they are much less likely to discharge part-burnt combustibles to the chimney, where they could block it.

No matter if you reside in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, a Defra Approved wood burning stove is a good choice because it will keep your neighbors satisfied and ensure that your chimney is clean for longer. You can purchase Defra exempt stoves in a range of styles and there are lots of options that will suit traditional and contemporary homes.

Many people prefer a Defra approved wood burning stove due to its minimalist and sleek design. These stoves are great for contemporary living spaces. They can be installed inside a fireplace chamber, inglenook, or be free-standing. Modern stoves such as the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon would look great in any space. You can also purchase Defra Exempt Stoves that come in traditional styled stoves such as the Saxon A08E or Arizona A08E.

What is a Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra approved or exempt stove is a stove that burns wood that has been tested and approved by the government's DEFRA Department to be used in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to emit a minimal amount of smoke and harmful emissions as well as the highest degree of heat for your home.

The primary reason you need a Defra stove is that if your residence is located in the Smoke Control Area then you will not be able to legally install a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA. You could be facing a hefty fine for installing an unapproved stove in your home.

The combustion air system in stoves that are Defra-approved has been modified to limit the amount of oxygen that can reach the firewood during burning. This is done by changing the Top defra Stoves air vent. This means that the stove will still allow a small amount of air to pass through even if you shut off the vent completely. This prevents the firewood from smoldering and also prevents it from becoming thirsty for air.

You will not be able see from the outside that a DEFRA stoves reviews wood burning stove is different. The unnoticed combustion air adjustment is usually hidden under the base of the stove or inside the top front of the stove.

The majority of Defra Stoves are only permitted to burn wood or certain types of smokeless fuels such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite and so on. Defra stoves can burn a wide range of fuels.

You can pick a Defra Stove for a variety of reasons, regardless whether you reside in a smoke control area or not. Defra stoves are more sustainable for the environment, they release less smoke and help keep your chimney free of accumulated. They are also more efficient because they generate more heat and emit fewer pollutants into the air.

What is an Smoke Control Exempt Stove?

A Defra stove, also known as a Defra exempt stove or Defra smoke control-approved wood burning stove is a stove that has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra). This test measures the amount of smoke and emission levels that the stove can produce throughout its normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the Defra test can be installed within Smoke Control Areas in cities and larger towns.

The test also ensures the stove is able to operate using approved fuels like anthracite and smokeless coke. A log burner that has been certified by Defra is also more eco-friendly, and helps to avoid annoying neighbours with nuisance emissions.

Defra approved wood burners have been given a combustion air control altered, typically within the firebox or at the top of the stove. This modification stops the user from closing the air control completely way, as this can reduce the amount of oxygen in the stove and cause it to release excessive quantities of smoke.

A Defra approved stove or Defra exempt stove as it is sometimes called it, must be maintained regularly to keep it working correctly. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue on a regular basis. You should also ensure that there are no obstructions, that the firebox is clean and the grate is free of any debris.

Although it's not a legal requirement to have a Defra exempt stove, especially when you are not in a Smoke Control Area it is recommended to buy one because they are more efficient than non-Defra models and will save you money on fuel costs over the long term. In addition, an Defra approved stove can reduce the amount of smoke and dust that is emitted into your living space which makes it an ideal option for your health as well as the health of your neighbors.

At Nordpeis we offer an extensive selection of DEFRA approved stoves in traditional and contemporary designs. To determine if you reside in a Smoke Control Area and would like to discuss your options, please contact your local Varde retailer.

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 the amount of dust that is in the air which is healthier for the environment. It also saves money on fuel bills because you can get more heat from the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have reduced the need for chimney sweeps because there is a minimal amount of soot produced. As the top stove manufacturers create their products they have added secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that further reduce emissions from the stove and reduce their users carbon footprint.

A Defra-approved stove can be used not only in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well built, insulated chimney in any home. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are available in a variety of styles to match your taste. There are contemporary and traditional options in an array of colors and finishes to 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 undergone rigorous tests and examinations to ensure that they meet the Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and high combustion efficiency. This means that you can rest assured that you are burning your fuel in a responsible manner and you are saving money at the same time. Only using dry, kiln-dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will improve the performance of your stove.

Buying a Defra Approved stove is a ideal choice for those who reside in a smoke-free area and wish to experience the cozy warmth that only a true wood burner can provide. Many of our customers who have purchased a DEFRA permitted stoves stove are already experiencing the benefits of a cleaner atmosphere and have noticed savings on their fuel bills. We recommend that your stove is professionally installed by an engineer in gas who is licensed to do so. This will ensure that it is compliant with all building regulations. Regularly checking and maintaining your stove will ensure it is operating at its peak and avoids the need for expensive repairs in the future.