What is a Defra Log Burner?

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

The new rules limit amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g/hour and Defra Exempt stoves homeowners will be subject to severe penalties on-the-spot in the event of non-compliance. To avoid this, you must only use a log burner that has been 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 passed the DEFRA test and is therefore exempt from the laws of zones of smoke control that allow burning wood (and other fuels that are authorised). 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) after their name, as an easy way to recognize them.

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that have been Defra approved to ensure that they meet strict emissions standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves deliver the highest heat output and have ultra low levels of smoke emissions. They usually achieve these low emissions by ensuring that combustion gases are re-burned in the second burn. This is crucial because it allows the combustion to continue at a high rate while reducing the amount combustibles released into the air.

DEFRA exempt stoves are more environmentally friendly than other wood burners because they are less likely to release part-burnt combustibles released into the chimney. Unlike some stoves that need to close the air vents in order to allow them to rest over the night, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open meaning they are less likely to send part-burnt combustibles into the chimney, where they may block it.

You can buy a Defra approved wood burning stove, regardless of whether you reside in a smoke-free area or not. It will make your neighbours happy and will keep your chimney clean for longer. You can purchase Defra exempt stoves in a variety of designs and styles, and there are plenty of options for traditional and contemporary homes.

Many people choose a Defra approved wood burning stove because of its sleek, minimal design. These stoves are perfect for modern living spaces. They can be put in inside a fireplace chamber, inglenook, or be freestanding. Modern stoves such as the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon will look fantastic in any space. There are also Defra Exempt Stoves in traditionally styled stoves like the Saxon A08E or the Arizona A08E.

What is an Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt or Defra Approved Stove is a wood-burning stove that has been inspected and approved by the government's DEFRA department to be used in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to produce the least amount of fumes and harmful emissions while also producing a high level of heat for your home.

The primary reason you require a Defra stove is that if your house is located in the Smoke Control Area then you won't be able to legally install any wood burning or multi fuel stove that isn't approved by DEFRA. You could be facing severe penalties when you install an unapproved stove in your home.

The combustion air system of Defra-approved stoves has been adjusted to limit the amount of oxygen that can reach the firewood while it is burning. This is done by changing the top air vent. This means that the stove will allow a tiny amount of air to flow through, even if you shut off the vent completely. This prevents the firewood from being deprived of air and prevents it from burning.

You will not be able see from the outside that a Defra wood burning stove is different. The unnoticed combustion air adjustment is usually hidden underneath the base of the stove or in the top front of the stove.

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

You can pick a Defra Stove for a variety of reasons, regardless of whether you live in a smoke-free zone or not. Defra stoves are better for the environment, they release less smoke and they help keep your chimney free of deposits. They are also better for your home as they offer more heat and less toxins in your air.

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

The test also confirms that the stove can be used with approved fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless coal. In addition the Defra log burner is more sustainable and can help keep neighbors from being disturbed by nuisance smoke emissions.

Wood burners that are Defra-approved have been given a combustion air control altered, typically inside the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification prevents the user from closing the air control all the way, as this can cause the stove to be depleted of oxygen and cause it to emit excessive quantities of smoke.

To keep a Defra approved stove or one that is exempt from Defra functioning properly, it must be maintained regularly. This includes cleaning the flue and chimney regularly, ensuring that there aren't any obstructions making sure the firebox and grate are clean and the flow of air through the chimney free of restrictions.

Although it is not an obligation under the law to own a Defra exempt stove, particularly when you are not in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area It is a good idea to purchase one since they are more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will help you save money on fuel costs in the long run. A Defra approved appliance will also reduce the amount of smoke and dust that is emitted in your home, which is better for your health and your neighbors.

At Nordpeis we offer a variety 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 superior quality of combustion and is the future of stoves and fireplaces. This means a lesser amount of airborne dust which is good for the environment and can save money on your fuel bills because you will receive more heat from the same logs. These stoves are so efficient that they have led to an easing of the need for chimney sweeps as minimal amounts of soot are produced. As the top stove manufacturers develop their products they have integrated secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that further reduce emissions from the stove and reduce the carbon footprint of their users.

A Defra approved stove is not only allowed to be used in Smoke Control Areas, but can also be installed in a solid, well-built and insulated chimney system in any home. These wood-burning and multi fuel stove defra approved-fuel stoves are available in a variety of styles to match your preferences. There are both contemporary and traditional options, available in a wide range of colours and finishes to match your interior. They are also available in a variety of sizes, ensuring that you can find the perfect one to fit your fireplace or inglenook.

All Defra approved wood stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing and examinations to ensure that they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and high efficiency in combustion. This means that you can be confident that you are burning your fuel in a responsible manner and you are saving money while doing so. Only using dry, 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 desire the warmth of a wood burner and a Defra Approved Stove is a excellent choice. Our customers who purchased a Defra Stove are already reaping the benefits of a cleaner environment and saving on their costs for fuel. We recommend that you install your stove professionally by a licensed gas engineer to ensure that the installation meets the necessary building regulations. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your stove will ensure that it is operating at its peak and avoids the need for costly repairs in the future.