Defra Approved Log Burner
The Defra approved log burner is one of the most popular stoves used by homeowners. This is mainly due the fact that they offer a cleaner burn and offer more control over heating costs.
They also allow you to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas which is a big advantage as it will not incur the penalties imposed against people who use stoves that aren't approved. They come in many different styles to suit every home.
Clean Burn Technology
The clean burn technology found in log burners that are defra-approved helps to reduce the amount of smoke and particulate that is released during combustion. This has been proven to significantly reduce health impacts of poor air quality in urban areas, especially when a traditional fireplace or wood burning stove is used. Bergen is a prime example. The city realized the importance of implementing measures to improve air quality. As a result, stoves that are not cleanburn have been prohibited in the city. This trade-in scheme was a huge success, and Bergen ranked fifth out of 332 European cities in terms of air quality in 2021.
To achieve this, stoves that are Defra-approved have been designed to ensure that the fire gets enough oxygen to ignite and burn fuel. This is accomplished by having an additional air intake that allows for additional combustion air to be injected into the appliance in addition to the main air intake. Typically, a secondary feed is located at the back of the stove under or within the fire box of the stove while a tertiary intake will be situated in the middle.
Modern, Defra exempt stoves have been passed rigorous tests to be legal to burn wood in Smoke Control Areas. This is provided the correct type of wood, that is seasoned and kiln dried to less than 20% moisture content is used in conjunction with a Defra approved stove.
A stove that is Defra-approved will also have been tested for its capacity to emit only 3g of smoke in an hour which is the legal limitation in most UK towns and city. If a stove emits excessive emissions, the owner could be fined up to PS300.
A Defra approved stove will be identified as such on the product and will also have an Ecodesign mark, which was put into force in 2022. To be Ecodesign certified, stoves must pass strict emissions tests and have minimum efficiency ratings of 72 percent. A stove that has a high efficiency rating will lessen the amount of carbon dioxide generated by it, and will save you money on your heating bills.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
The UK government has set strict emission limits for fireplaces and stoves. They are designed to keep the country a healthier and healthier environment to live in. Smoke Control Areas are found in numerous cities and towns in which the dark smoke can be a source of irritation for local residents. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and have an older open-fire or wood-burning stove, you should upgrade to a Defra approved log burner.
They are greener than traditional log burners and feature the latest technology for clean burning. Leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley Parkray & Stovax continue to develop their products, and also create models that have secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. These advanced burners will save you money in the long term on fuel costs.
DEFRA approved or Defra Exempt are terms used to indicate that the stove has passed a test that was designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in the UK. This test ensures that the stove is safe to use in smoke-free areas. Defra Exempt is also a term that can be used to describe certain models that have passed the test. These models are suitable for burning authorised smokeless fuels, which are highlighted in a list provided by Defra. These fuels don't include wood.
If you have an older non-DEFRA approved stove and you put it in a smoke-controlled area you could be fined for breaking the law. You can determine whether you are in a smoke-control area by visiting the official Defra website. To avoid a fine, you should only use dry seasoned wood or smokeless fuels approved by Defra, and not wet or logs.
There are a number of DEFRA Approved Log Burners on the market. The Dovre product pages display this logo when the model is suitable for Smoke Control Areas. You can also find out more information about DEFRA approved stoves, fires and fireplaces by visiting the official Defra website.
Easy to Clean
Keep your log burner clean to ensure it is operating properly. This will also help reduce the buildup of harmful creosote, which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning can also ensure that the stove's glass remains clean and clear so you can take in the view of a beautiful fire without obstructed visibility.
You might require a range of tools to maintain your wood burner. They include a cleaning brush and ash vacuum cleaner, as well as polish for your stove. Clean your stove once it's cool and wear a pair of heat-resistant gloves.
The first step is to employ the grate brush to take away any ash that's been accumulating on the bottom of the stove. Make sure that you reach all corners and crevices. Then, you can make use of an ash vacuum to get rid of any remaining ashes, and dispose of them into metal containers. When your stove is clean you can apply a polish to your stove using a soft cloth taking care not to touch the hot surface.
To ensure that you don't produce large amounts of particles, it is essential to burn only high-quality, seasoned logs on your approved log burner. When choosing your firewood, look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or use a moisture meter to determine if the moisture content to be less than 20%. You can also make your own seasonings for your logs, but it can take up to two years for the moisture content to evaporate.
Avoid burning painted, stained or treated with chemicals (including pallets, MDF, and Medium Density Fiberboard). These woods release dangerous chemicals when they are burned, and should never be burned in a log stove.
It is essential to install your log burner correctly in order to maintain its performance and effectiveness. Install it by a professional and in a well-ventilated area and away from drafts. Incorrectly installing a stove could result in injuries, safety issues and higher costs.
Energy efficient
Defra approved log burners are typically more energy efficient than other stoves. This is due to the fact that they have passed the tests that ensure that the right amount of air is supplied to the wood or multi fuel stove during combustion. This helps to reduce the amount of smoke produced and, in turn, reduces emissions and heat loss from the stove.
You can be sure that a wood burner exempt from defra is safe to use in conjunction with your chimney, because it has a flue diameter of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra Approved stoves usually have a larger flue outlet and this can cause issues when trying to install an chimney liner. At The Stove Yard we can provide a selection of 5" chimney liners for your wood or multi fuel stoves that are defra exempt.
The Stove Yard sells a large number of stoves that are Defra-approved and feature the latest in clean burning technology. Many of our models have secondary and tertiary feeds for air to ensure fuel combustion. This improves the efficiency of the stove and decreases the amount of smoke that is produced.
Another benefit of having a Defra approved log burner is that it permits you to legally use it in a Smoke Control Area. see page and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas and in order to comply with the law you must use a DEFRA Approved appliance when burning smokeless coal or wood.
You can even buy an approved defra stove that is certified by clearSkies to show that it is compliant with the new Ecodesign emissions standards that came into force a year ago. This is the best option for those who reside in a place that has Smoke Control. It makes your stove eco-friendly and will be in compliance with the laws. The ESSE 700 Vista is one example of an ultra stylish and highly effective Defra Approved log burner that can be equipped with an smoke control kit when required.