What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emissions of smoke from wood burning stoves. There are regulations that ban chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas in the event that you use an exempt device or fuel that is authorised.

The new rules restrict the amount stoves can emit smoke to 3g/hour. If homeowners fail to comply, they will be fined on the spot. To avoid this, you must only use log burners approved by Defra and Defra Recognized Stoves burn kiln dried wood with the 'Ready To Burn" label.

What is a Defra-approved stove?

A stove that is Defra-approved that has passed the DEFRA test. It is therefore exempted from smoke control laws in areas where wood (and other materials that are authorised) are allowed to be burned. The Defra logo is well-known and has been adopted by the industry. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra will often be identified by SE (Smoke-Exempt) as an easy and quick method 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 comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves offer maximum heat output while generating low levels of smoke emissions. They typically achieve these low emissions by ensuring that combustion gases are re-burned during the second burn. This is important because it allows the combustion to continue efficiently while reducing the amount combustibles emitted into air.

DEFRA exempted stoves are eco-friendly since they limit the amount part-burned combustibles sent down the chimney. In contrast to stoves that require to shut the air vents in order to allow them to sleep for the night, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open, meaning they are far less likely to send part-burnt combustibles to the chimney where they can stop it from getting there.

You can purchase a Defra-approved wood burning stove whether you live in a smoke controlled area or not. It will make your neighbours happy, and keep your chimney clean for a longer time. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a range of styles and there are lots of options that will suit traditional and contemporary homes.

Many people opt for a Defra approved wood burning stove for the minimalist and sleek design. These stoves are perfect for contemporary living spaces. They can be installed within a fireplace chamber or inglenook, or they can be freestanding. There are a number of contemporary stoves like the Aarrow i400 or the minimal Farringdon that will look fantastic in any room. There are also DEFRA stoves price range-exempt stoves in traditional styles such as the Saxon A08E as well as the Arizona A08E.

What is a DEFRA recognized stoves 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 create a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emissions while also producing an extremely high level of heat for your home.

The primary reason you require a Defra stove is that if your home is located in a Smoke Control Area then you will not be able to legally install any wood-burning or multifuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA. You could face a hefty fine when you install an unapproved stove in your home.

The combustion air system in Defra-approved stoves has been adjusted to limit the amount oxygen that can get to the wood during burning. Modifying the air vent on top is the method used to achieve this. The stove will still allow some air to pass even if the vent is shut completely. This prevents the firewood from smoldering and also prevents it from becoming depleted of air.

From the outside of a Defra stove, you won't be able to discern that it's different from any other wood-burning stove. The adjustment for combustion air is hidden under the base of the wood stove, or in the top of the front.

Most Defra Stoves are 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 zone of smoke control or not. Defra approved stoves are better for the environment, produce less smoke and keep your chimney free of deposits. They are also more efficient since they produce more heat and release less toxic gases into the air.

What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?

A Defra wood-burning stove, sometimes referred to as a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove is a stove that has passed a rigorous test designed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This testing looks at emission levels and the amount of smoke a stove produces throughout the 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 is able to operate with approved fuels such as anthracite and smokeless coke. Additionally the Defra log burner is more eco-friendly and can help you avoid upsetting neighbours with nuisance smoke emissions.

The control of combustion air on wood burners that have been approved by Defra has been altered. This is typically done inside the firebox, or on the top of the stove. This modification stops users from closing the air control completely, because this could dehydrate the stove and cause it emit excessive amounts smoke.

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

Although it is not legally required to have a Defra exempt stove, particularly if you live outside of a Smoke Control Area, it is recommended to get one as they are more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will save you money on fuel costs over the long term. Additionally, an Defra approved stove can reduce the amount of smoke and dust that is emitted into your living space, making it the best choice for your health and your neighbours' health.

Nordpeis offers a range of DEFRA-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 better burn quality and is the future of fireplaces and stoves. This reduces the amount of dust in the air which is better for the environment. It also saves money on fuel bills because you get more heat out of the same logs. The stoves are efficient enough that they have led to less need for chimney sweeps since less soot is 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 lower the carbon footprint of their customers.

A Defra-approved stove can be used in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well-constructed chimney that is insulated and built to last in any home. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are available in a variety of styles to match your preferences. There are many options for traditional and contemporary stoves that come in various colours and finishes that match your style. They are also available in a variety of sizes, so that you can find the perfect one to fit your fireplace chamber or inglenook.