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 that prohibit chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas in the event that you are using an exempt appliance or fuel with a valid license.

The new rules limit amount of smoke a stove can emit to 3g/hour and homeowners are subject to hefty fines on the spot in the event of non-compliance. To avoid this, you must use Defra approved log burners and only use 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. Therefore, it is exempt from the smoke control laws in areas where wood (and other authorised materials) are allowed to be burned. The Defra Logo is well-known in the industry. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra will often be marked with SE (Smoke-Exempt) to provide 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 that they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves deliver maximum heat output while generating low levels of smoke emissions. They usually achieve this by ensuring that the combustion gases are burned again in the second burn. This is important since it allows the combustion to continue at a high efficiency while decreasing the amount of partially burned combustibles that are emitted into the air.

DEFRA exempt stoves are more eco-friendly than other wood burners because they limit the amount of part-burnt combustibles transported down the chimney. Unlike some stoves that need to shut off the vents for air to allow them to 'slumber' over the night, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flues open, which means they are far less likely to release part-burnt combustibles down the chimney where they can block it.

Whether you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, having a Defra-approved wood burning stove is a good idea as it will keep your neighbors content and ensure that your chimney is clear for a longer time. You can purchase Defra exempt stoves in a variety styles and there are a lot of options that will suit modern and traditional homes.

Many people prefer a Defra approved wood burning stove for the minimalist and sleek design. These stoves are ideal for contemporary living spaces. They can be placed within a fireplace chamber or inglenooks, or they can be free-standing. Modern stoves like the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon will look fantastic in any space. You can also find stoves that are Defra-exempt in traditional styles such as the Saxon A08E as well as 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 the least amount of fumes and harmful emissions while providing a high degree of heat for your home.

The main reason that you require a Defra stove is that if your residence is located in the Smoke Control Area then you won't be allowed 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 lead to a substantial penalty.

Defra approved stoves have been able to have their combustion air system adjusted to limit the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the firewood during the burn process. This is done by changing the top air vent. The stove will allow some air to pass even if the vent is shut completely. This stops the firewood from smouldering and preventing it from being thirsty for air.

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

Most Defra Stoves are only approved to burn wood or certain kinds of smokeless fuels like Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite, etc. However, there are a number of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel approved 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 stoves are better for the environment, they produce less smoke and help keep your chimney free of accumulated. They are also more efficient because they produce more heat and emit fewer toxins into the air.

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 rigorous test developed 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 that the stove produces throughout the stages of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra tests can be placed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in cities and towns.

The test also confirms that the stove can be used with approved fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless coal. In addition, a Defra log burner is more eco-friendly and can help you avoid upsetting neighbours with nuisance smoke emissions.

The control of the combustion air for wood burners that have been endorsed by Defra has been modified. This is usually carried out inside the firebox or on top of the stove. This modification stops the user from closing the air control all the way, as it could starve the stove of oxygen and cause it to release excessive amounts of smoke.

To keep a Defra approved or Defra-exempt stove working properly, it should be maintained regularly. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue regularly. It is also important to make sure that there aren't any obstructions and that the firebox is clean, and that the grate is clear of any debris.

It's not a requirement to own a Defra-exempted stove, but it is a good idea to consider it particularly if your residence is located outside an area designated as a Smoke Control Area. These models are more Efficient 8KW Black Cast Iron Eco Wood Stove and will save you lots of money in the long term. A Defra approved appliance will also decrease the amount of dust and smoke that is emitted in your home and is healthier for your health as well as your neighbours.

Nordpeis provides a range of DEFRA-approved stoves, both in traditional and FireplacesAndStove modern designs. Varde retailers can assist you in determining if your home is in a Smoke Control Area.

What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?

Clean Burn Technology is the way forward for stoves and fires, and gives you a more refined burn. This means a lesser amount of dust that is blown into the air which is beneficial for the environment and can save the cost of fuel since you can get more heating from the same logs. These stoves are efficient enough that they have resulted in a reduction in the need for chimney sweeps since less soot is produced. As the leading stove manufacturers create their products they have added secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that reduce the emissions of the stove and lower the carbon footprint of their users.

A Defra-approved stove can be used not only in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well built, insulated chimney in any home. These wood burning stoves and multi-fuel models are available in different styles to suit your tastes. There are many options for traditional and contemporary stoves, in various colours and fireplacesandstove finishes that will match your style. These stoves come in various sizes, so you can find one that is suitable for your fireplace chamber or inglenook.

All Defra approved stoves have been subjected to 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 sure that you are using your fuel in a environmentally sustainable manner and saving money on heating expenses as well. Only using kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will enhance the performance of your stove.

If you live in a smoke-controlled zone and you still want to experience the warmth of a wood stove then a Defra Approved Stove is a good choice. Our customers who have purchased a Defra Stove are already reaping the benefits of a cleaner environment and a reduction in energy bills. We suggest that you install your stove professionally by a licensed gas engineer to ensure the installation meets the necessary building regulations. Regularly inspecting and servicing your stove will ensure it is operating at its peak and avoids the need for costly repairs in the future.