What is a Defra Log Burner?

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

The new rules limit amount of smoke a stove can emit to 3g an hour and homeowners face hefty fines on the spot if they do not comply. To avoid this you must make sure you use Defra approved log burners, and only burn dried kiln-dried wood that bears 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 exempt from the laws of areas of smoke control to burn wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra logo is well-known and is widely used by the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved are usually marked with SE (Smoke Exempt) in their name as an easy way to identify them.

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that are Defra approved to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves offer maximum heat output while generating low levels of smoke emissions. These low emissions are usually attained by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned during the second burning. This is important as it allows the combustion to continue at a high rate while reducing the amount combustibles released into the atmosphere.

DEFRA exempt stoves are also more environmentally friendly than other wood burners because they limit the amount of part-burnt combustibles being released into the chimney. Contrary to some stoves that have to close the vents for air to allow them to sleep for the night, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flues open, which means they are far less likely to send part-burnt combustibles to the chimney where they can block it.

If you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, a Defra Approved wood-burning stove is a good idea as it will keep your neighbours satisfied and ensure that your chimney is clean for longer. Defra exempt stoves for wood burning are available in a broad selection of styles and designs, and there are plenty of options to fit modern and traditional homes.

The sleek minimalist design is a key factor when selecting a Defra approved wood burning stove. These stoves are perfect for modern living spaces and can be installed into an inglenook, fireplace chamber or free standing. Modern stoves like the Aarrow I400 and the minimalist Farringdon would look great in any space. You can also purchase Defra Exempt Stoves with traditional styled stoves, such as the Saxon A08E and the Arizona A08E.

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 are designed to emit less smoke and harmful emissions whilst providing a high degree of heat for your home.

You need an Defra approved stove if you live in a Smoke-Control Area. In the event that you don't you won't be allowed to legally install a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has not been approved by DEFRA registered stoves (relevant resource site). Installing a non-Defra stove in your house could result in a significant penalty.

Defra approved stoves have had their combustion air system adjusted to limit the amount oxygen that can reach the wood burning process. Modifying the top air vent is the way to do this. This means that the stove will allow a small amount of air to flow through, even if you shut the vent completely. This prevents the firewood from being deprived of air and prevents it from smouldering.

It is difficult to tell from the outside that an Defra wood burning stove is different. The adjustment for combustion air is hidden beneath the base of the wood stove, or in the top of the front.

The majority of Defra stoves are certified to burn wood and certain types of authorised smokeless fuels like anthracite and Homefire brand smokeless coal. However there are a variety of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel approved and can be used to burn a range of different fuels.

There are many reasons why you might want to choose a Defra stove, regardless of whether you live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra approved stoves are more sustainable for defra registered Stoves the environment, create less smoke and keep your chimney clear of any deposits. They are also better because they produce more heat and release less pollutants into the air.

What is an Smoke Control Exempt Stove?

A Defra stove, also referred to as a Defra exempt stove or Defra smoke control-approved wood burning stove, is a stove that has passed a rigorous test designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra). This testing looks at emission levels and the amount of smoke that the stove is able to produce during all stages of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra testing can be installed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in cities and large town.

The test also confirms that the stove can be operated with approved fuels such as anthracite and smokeless coal. Additionally the Defra log burner is more eco-friendly and will help to avoid upsetting neighbours with nuisance smoke emissions.

The combustion air control of wood burners that have been approved by Defra has been altered. This is usually carried out inside the firebox or on top of the stove. This modification prevents users from closing the air control completely as this could starve the stove and cause it to produce excessive amounts of smoke.

A Defra approved stove, or Defra exempt stove, as it is sometimes called, should still be regularly maintained in order to keep it working efficiently. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney on a regular basis and ensuring there are no blockages, ensuring that the firebox and grate are clean, and keeping the airflow through the chimney free of restrictions.

While it isn't a legal requirement to have a Defra exempt stove, especially when you are not in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area it is a good idea to purchase one since they are much more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will reduce your fuel costs over the long term. Additionally, a Defra approved stove can reduce the amount of smoke and dust that gets into your living space and makes it an ideal option for your health as well as the health of your neighbors.

At Nordpeis, we have an extensive selection of DEFRA approved stoves that come in contemporary and traditional designs. To determine if you reside in a Smoke Control Area and want to discuss your options, call your local Varde retailer.

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 a reduced amount of dust from the air which is good for the environment and can save money on fuel costs because you will are able to get more heat from the same logs. They are so efficient that they have resulted in an easing of the need for chimney sweeps as less soot is produced. As leading stove manufacturers continue to develop their products, they have incorporated secondary or tertiary burners which further reduce emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of their users.

A Defra approved stove will not only be allowed to be used in Smoke Control Areas and Smoke Control Areas, but it can also be installed in a solid, well-built and insulation-free chimney system in any home. These wood burning stoves and multi-fuel models are available in different styles to match your taste. There are a variety of options for traditional and contemporary stoves, in various colours and finishes that match your style. The stoves are available in different sizes, so you can find one that fits your fireplace chamber or inglenook.

All Defra approved stoves have undergone stringent testing and examination to ensure they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions levels and high combustion efficiency So that you can be assured you are making use of your fuel in a ecologically responsible manner, and saving money on heating bills as well. Making sure you use only dry kiln dried wood that is ready to burn will improve the efficiency of your stove and help in reducing its emissions.

If you live in a smoke-controlled area and still want to experience the warmth of a wood burner and a Defra Approved Stove is a excellent choice. Many of our customers who have bought a Defra stove are already enjoying the benefits of a cleaner atmosphere and have noticed savings on their fuel bills. We would recommend that you get your stove installed by a qualified gas engineer to ensure the installation meets the necessary building regulations. Regularly inspecting and servicing your stove will ensure it operates at its best and prevents the need for costly repairs in the near future.