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

The new rules limit the amount of smoke a stove could emit to 3g/hour and homeowners face hefty on-the-spot fines in the event of non-compliance. To avoid this you must make use of Defra approved log burners and only 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 approved materials) are permitted to be burned. The Defra logo is well-known in the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved usually 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 approved to ensure they meet strict emissions standards. These tests are designed for stoves that produce maximum heat while generating extremely low levels of smoke emissions. These low emissions are usually attained by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned during the second burning. This is important since it allows the combustion to continue at a high efficiency while lessening the amount of part-burned combustibles that are emitted into the air.

DEFRA exempt stoves are more eco-friendly than other wood burning stoves since they reduce the amount of part-burnt combustibles being transported down 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 send partially burned combustibles down the chimney.

You can buy a Defra approved wood burning stove whether you live in a smoke controlled area or not. It will make your neighbors happy, and keep your chimney in good condition for longer. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a variety styles and there are a lot of options for modern and traditional homes.

The sleek minimalist design is a key aspect when choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. They are great for modern living spaces. They can be incorporated into an inglenook, defra Recognized Stoves fireplace chamber or can be free standing. Modern stoves like the Aarrow I400 and the minimalist Farringdon would look great in any space. There are also Defra Exempt Stoves in traditionally styled stoves, such as the Saxon A08E or Arizona A08E.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra approved or exempt stove is one that has been approved and tested by the government's defra recognized stoves Department to be placed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to produce the least amount of smoke and harmful emissions whilst providing a high degree of warmth for your home.

The main reason that you need a Defra stove is that if your residence is located in a Smoke Control Area then you will not be able to legally install any wood-burning or multifuel stove that isn't approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that isn't DEFRA-approved in your home could result in a significant penalty.

Defra approved stoves have been able to have their combustion air system adjusted to restrict the amount of oxygen that can reach the wood burning process. Modifying the air vent on top is how this is done. The stove will allow air to flow even if the vent is shut completely. This prevents the firewood from smouldering and also prevents it from becoming depleted of air.

From the outside of a Defra stove you will not be able to tell it's different from any other wood burning stove. The unseen combustion air adjustment is usually hidden underneath the stove's base or inside the top of the front of the stove.

Most Defra stoves are certified to burn wood and certain kinds of approved smokeless fuels like anthracite or Homefire brand smokeless coal. Defra stoves can burn a wide range of fuels.

There are many reasons why you might want to choose a Defra stove, whether you live in Smoke Control Area or not. DEFRA approved British stoves stoves are better for the surroundings, they produce less smoke and keep your chimney free of deposits. They are also more efficient since they produce more heat and release less pollutants into the air.

What is what is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?

A Defra wood burning stove, also known as a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove, is a stove which has passed a rigorous test designed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This test evaluates 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 cities and large town.

The test also guarantees that the stove is able to be used with authorized fuels like smokeless coal and DEFRA Recognized stoves anthracite. Additionally the Defra log burner is more sustainable and will help to 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 top of the stove. This modification stops the user from closing the air control completely way, as it could starve the stove of oxygen and cause it to emit excessive amounts of smoke.

To keep a Defra approved stove or one that is exempt from Defra working properly, it should be maintained on a regular basis. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue on a regular basis. Also, you should make sure there aren't any obstructions, that the firebox is clean, and that the grate is clear of any debris.

Although it's not a legal requirement to have a Defra exempt stove, especially when you are not in a 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 in the long run. A Defra approved appliance will also reduce the amount of smoke and dust that are released into your home, which is better for your health and your neighbors.

Nordpeis offers a range of DEFRA-approved stoves in modern and traditional 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 offers a higher quality of burn and is the future of fireplaces and stoves. This means less amount of dust from the air which is beneficial for the environment as well as saving money on your fuel bills since you can receive more heating from the same logs. The stoves are so efficient that they have lowered the need for chimney sweeps, since there is less soot to be produced. As the leading stove manufacturers create their products they have integrated secondary and tertiary combustion systems to further reduce emissions from 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, insulated chimney in any home. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are available in a variety of styles to match your taste. There are many choices for traditional and contemporary stoves in various colours and finishes that will match your decor. The stoves are also available in a range of sizes, so that you can find the ideal one to fit your fireplace chamber or inglenook.

All Defra approved wood stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing and inspections in order to ensure that they meet the Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and a high efficiency of combustion. This means that you can rest assured that you are using your fuel in a responsible manner and saving money while doing so. Only using the kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will improve the performance of your stove.

If you live in a smoke-controlled area and still desire the warmth of a wood burner, then a Defra Approved Stove is a great option. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already reaping the benefits of a cleaner atmosphere and have seen savings on their fuel bills. We recommend that you have your stove professionally installed by a qualified gas engineer to ensure that the installation is in compliance with building regulations. Regularly examining and maintaining your stove will ensure it operates at its best and avoids the need for costly repairs in the near future.