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 prohibiting chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas except if you use an exempt device or fuel with a valid license.

These new rules limit the amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g an hour and homeowners are subject to hefty on-the-spot fines if they do not comply. To keep this from happening, only use log burners approved by Defra and burn kiln dried wood that is marked with the 'Ready To Burn" label.

What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A Defra approved stove is a stove that has been passed by the DEFRA test and is exempt from the laws of zones of smoke control that allow burning wood (and other fuels that are authorised). The Defra logo is widely used in the field. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra are often identified with SE (Smoke-Exempt) as an easy and quick method to identify them.

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that have been Defra approved to ensure they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves deliver maximum heat output with ultra low levels of smoke emissions. They typically get these low emissions by ensuring that combustion gases are re-burnt during the second burn. This is important because it allows the burning to continue efficiently whilst reducing the amount of part-burned burning combustibles released into the atmosphere.

DEFRA exempted stoves are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of combustibles that are part-burned and sent through the chimney. Defra exempted stoves don't shut their air vents at night to sleep. They keep the flue open all the time, making them less likely to release part burned combustibles down the chimney.

You can purchase a Defra-approved wood-burning stove regardless of whether you live in a smoke controlled area or not. It will make your neighbours satisfied, and help keep your chimney in good condition for longer. Defra exempt stoves for wood burning are available in a wide selection of designs, and there are many options to fit traditional and contemporary homes.

The sleek, minimalist design is a major factor in choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. These stoves are perfect for contemporary living spaces. They can be placed in a fireplace chamber or inglenook, or they can be freestanding. Modern stoves such as the Aarrow I400 and the minimalist Farringdon would look great in any space. You can also find Defra-exempt stoves in traditional styles 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 have been designed to emit a minimal amount of smoke and harmful emission while also generating the highest degree of heat to your home.

The main reason that you require a Defra stove is that if your home is located in the Smoke Control Area then you won't be able to legally install a wood burning or 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved fuel stove that isn't approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that isn't DEFRA stoves near me-approved 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 be absorbed by the firewood during burning. This is accomplished by altering the top air vent. This means that the stove will still allow a tiny amount of air to pass through even if you close the vent all the way. This prevents the firewood from smoldering and preventing it from being depleted of air.

From the outside of a Defra stove, you won't be able to tell that there is anything different from any other wood burning stove. 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 will only be approved to burn wood, and certain kinds of smokeless fuels that are authorised like anthracite and Homefire brand smokeless coal. However, there are a number of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel certified and are able to burn a range of different fuels.

You may choose a Defra Stove for various reasons regardless whether you reside in a zone of smoke control or not. DEFRA registered stoves approved stoves are more sustainable for the environment, create less smoke and keep your chimney free of any deposits. They are also more efficient because they produce more heat and release fewer toxins into the air.

What is an Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?

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 test focuses on the levels of emissions and the amount of smoke the stove can produce throughout all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra tests can be placed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in towns and cities.

The test also confirms that the stove is able to be used with authorized fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless coal. In addition to that, a Defra log burner is more sustainable and can help avoid upsetting neighbours with nuisance smoke emissions.

Wood burners that are Defra-approved have been given a combustion air control modified, often in the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification prevents the user from closing the air control all the way, since this could reduce the amount of oxygen in the stove and cause it to release excessive amounts of smoke.

A Defra approved stove, or Defra exempt stove, as it is sometimes called must be regularly maintained in order to keep it working correctly. This includes cleaning the chimney and flue regularly, ensuring that there aren't any obstructions ensuring that the grate and firebox are clean, and keeping the airflow through the chimney free of restrictions.

Although it's not an obligation under the law to own a Defra exempt stove, especially if you live outside of the Smoke Control Area, it is recommended to get one as they are much more efficient than non-Defra models and will save you money on fuel costs over the long term. A Defra approved appliance will also decrease the amount of dust and smoke that are released into your home which is better for your health and your neighbors.

At Nordpeis we offer a wide range of DEFRA compliant stoves UK approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. To determine if you live in a Smoke Control Area and would like to discuss your options, call your local Varde retailer.

What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?

Clean Burn Technology offers a higher quality of burn and is the future of stoves and fireplaces. This means less amount of dust that is blown into the air which is beneficial for the environment as well as saving money on your fuel bills because you will get more heat from the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have lowered the necessity for chimney sweeps as little soot is produced. As leading stove manufacturers continue to innovate their products, they have added secondary or tertiary combustion systems which further reduce emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of their users.

A Defra approved stove is not just able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and Smoke Control Areas, but it can also be installed in a properly constructed, lined chimney system for any home. These wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves are available in a variety of designs that will suit your taste. There are modern and traditional options available in many different colors and finishes to complement your decor. The stoves are also available in a range of sizes, ensuring that you can choose the ideal one to fit your fireplace's inglenook or fireplace chamber.

All Defra approved stoves have gone through rigorous testing and examination to ensure that they are in compliance with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions levels and a high efficiency of combustion So that you are assured that you are burning your fuel in an environmentally responsible way and reducing your heating expenses as well. Using only dry kiln-dried wood that is ready to burn will further enhance the performance of your stove, and also help to reduce the emissions it produces.

If you live in a smoke-free zone and you still want to enjoy the warmth of a wood burning stove and a DEFRA stoves price range Approved Stove is a great option. Many of our customers who have bought a Defra stove are already enjoying the benefits of a healthier environment and have experienced savings on their energy bills. We suggest that your stove is professionally installed by a gas engineer who is licensed to do the job. This will ensure that it is compliant with all building regulations. It is recommended that your stove be examined and serviced on a regular basis to ensure its performance is maintained and to avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.