What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the emissions of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have regulations in place that ban chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas except when using an exempt appliance or authorised fuel.

The new regulations limit the amount a stove can emit of smoke to 3g/hour. If homeowners fail to adhere to the new rules, they could be fined immediately. To avoid this you must make sure you use Defra approved log burners and only use dry wood that has been kiln-dried and has the "Ready to Burn" label.

What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A Defra approved stove is a stove that has passed the DEFRA test and is therefore exempt from the laws of smoke control areas to burn wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra logo is well-known in the field. Stoves that are Defra approved will often have SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name, as a quick way to recognise them.

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that are DEFRA permitted stoves (the full details) approved to ensure that they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves provide the highest heat output and have ultra low levels of smoke emissions. These low emissions are usually attained by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned during the secondary burning. This is important as it allows the combustion to continue efficiently while reducing the amount of combustibles emitted into atmospheric air.

DEFRA exempted stoves are more environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of combustibles that are part-burned and sent through the chimney. Defra exempted stoves do not close their air vents during the night to'sleep'. They keep the flue open all the time, so they are less likely to release part burned burning combustibles down the chimney.

You can purchase a Defra-approved wood-burning stove regardless of whether you reside in a smoke-free area or not. It will keep your neighbors satisfied, and help keep your chimney in good condition for longer. Defra exempt wood burning stoves are available in a broad variety of designs and styles, and there are a variety of options to fit modern and traditional homes.

Many people opt for a Defra approved wood burning stove because of its sleek, minimal design. They are great for contemporary living spaces and can be installed into a fireplace chamber, inglenook or can be free standing. There are a number of modern stoves such as the Aarrow I400 or the minimalist Farringdon that would look great in any room. You can also get Defra Exempt Stoves with 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 wood-burning stove that has been tested and approved by the government's DEFRA Department to be placed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been designed to produce a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emissions as well as an extremely high level of heat for your home.

The primary reason you need a Defra stove is that if your residence is located in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then you will not be able to legally install a wood burning or multi fuel stove that isn't approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that isn't DEFRA-approved in your home could result in a hefty penalty.

DEFRA compliant stoves UK approved stoves have been able to have their combustion air system adjusted to limit the amount of oxygen that can reach the firewood during the burn process. Modifying the air vent on top is the method used to achieve this. The stove can still allow air to flow even when the vent is closed completely. This stops the firewood from being deprived of air and stops it from smouldering.

From the outside of the exterior of a Defra stove you will not be able to discern that it is different from any other wood-burning stove. The combustion air adjustment that is not visible is usually hidden beneath the base of the stove or inside the top front of the stove.

The majority of Defra Stoves are only allowed to burn wood or certain kinds of smokeless fuels such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite etc. However, there are a number of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel certified and can be used to burn a variety of different fuels.

You may choose a Defra Stove for various reasons, regardless of whether you live in a smoke control area or not. Defra stoves are more sustainable for the environment, they produce less smoke and they help keep your chimney free of deposits. They are also better for your home as they are more efficient in heating and less toxins in the air.

What is a 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 strict test designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra). The test focuses on the amount of smoke and emission levels that the stove is able to produce in all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that pass Defra test can be used in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in cities and towns.

The test also guarantees 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 eco-friendly and can help you prevent neighbors from being upset by smoke emissions.

Wood burners that are approved by Defra have been able to have their combustion air control altered, typically within the firebox or at the top of the stove. This modification stops users from closing the air control completely, as this could starve the stove and cause it release excessive amounts of smoke.

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

Although it is not an obligation under the law to own a Defra exempt stove, particularly in the absence of a Smoke Control Area it is recommended to buy one because they are more efficient than non-Defra models and will help you save money on fuel costs in the long run. Additionally, a Defra approved stove will reduce the amount of smoke and dust that is emitted into your living space, making it an ideal choice for your health and your neighbors' health.

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

What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?

Clean Burn Technology is the way forward for stoves and fires and provides a higher quality burn. This reduces the amount of dust that is in the air, which is better for the environment. It also helps save cash on fuel costs since you get more heat from the same logs. These stoves are so effective that they have lowered the necessity for chimney sweeps since there is less soot to be produced. As the top stove manufacturers design their products, they have integrated secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the emissions of the stove, and decrease their users carbon footprint.

A Defra approved stove is not only able to be used in Smoke Control Areas however, it can also be installed in a well-built, lined chimney system for any home. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are available in a variety of styles to match your taste. There are a variety of options for both traditional and contemporary stoves that come in a variety of colours and finishes that complement your style. The stoves are available in a variety of sizes so you can choose one that will fit in the space of your fireplace or inglenook.

All Defra approved stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing and examination to ensure they abide by the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions levels and high efficiency in combustion to ensure you can be sure that you are burning your fuel in an environmentally responsible way and reducing your heating expenses as well. Only using kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will improve the performance of your stove.

If you live in a smoke-free area and still desire the warmth of a wood burning stove, then a Defra Approved Stove is a excellent choice. Many of our customers who have bought a Defra stove are already reaping the benefits of a healthier environment and have noticed savings on their fuel bills. We would recommend that you get your stove installed by a licensed gas engineer to ensure the installation meets building regulations. Regularly inspecting and servicing your stove will ensure it operates at its best and avoids the need for expensive repairs in the future.