Defra Approved Log Burner
The Defra approved log burner is among the most sought-after stoves for homeowners. This is due to the fact that they offer a cleaner burn and provide better control over heating costs.
They also allow you to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas which is a big advantage as it can avoid the fines that are levied against people who use stoves that aren't approved. They are available in different styles to suit your home.
Keep Reading is employed in log burners that have been defra-approved to limit the amount and types of smoke and particles emitted. It has been demonstrated to significantly reduce the negative health effects of poor air quality in urban areas, particularly when the traditional fireplace or wood burning stove is used. The city of Bergen for instance realized the importance of taking effective measures to improve their air quality and, as a consequence older stoves that are not cleanburn are now banned in the city. The program to trade in stoves was a huge success. Bergen ranked fifth among the 320 European cities in 2021 with respect to its air quality.
To achieve this, stoves that are Defra-approved have been designed to ensure that the fire always has enough oxygen to ignite and burn fuel. This is accomplished through secondary air feed or tertiary intake that allows combustion air to enter the appliance, in addition to the primary or main air intake. A secondary air supply is usually located at the back of the appliance, either inside or underneath the fire box.
These modern, Defra exempt stoves have been through rigorous tests in order to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas. This is only possible if the stove is used with wood that has been seasoned and heated to less than 20 percent moisture.
A stove that is approved by Defra will be tested for the ability to emit no more 3g of smoke in an hour that is the legal limitation in all UK cities and towns. If a stove is found to emit excessive emissions, the owner will be penalized with a fine of PS300 or more.
A Defra approved stove will be branded as such on the product and will also have an Ecodesign label, which came into force in 2022. To be Ecodesign certified, stoves must be able to pass rigorous emissions tests and must have minimum efficiency ratings of 72 percent. A stove with a higher efficiency rating will further help reduce the amount of pollution produced by the stove, and will also save you money on heating expenses.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
The UK government has set strict emission limits for fireplaces and stoves. They are designed to make the country clean and healthier environment to live in. Many large towns and city houses are located in Smoke Control Areas, where the production of dark smoke could cause a problem for residents. If you have an older wood-burning stove or open fire and you reside in a smoke control area, it is vital to upgrade your appliances to Defra approved Log Burners.
These are cleaner burning and more environmentally friendly than the old-fashioned log burners. Leading manufacturers like Arada, Burley Parkray & Stovax continue to improve their products, and also create models with secondary and tertiary systems to further 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 developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in the UK. This test guarantees that the stove is safe to be used in smoke-controlled areas. Defra Exempt is also a term that is applicable to certain models that have passed the test. These models can be used to burn approved smokeless fuels, which are highlighted in a list supplied by Defra. These fuels don't include wood.
If you have an older non-DEFRA approved stove and you put it in a controlled smoke area you could be penalized for violating the law. Visit the official Defra site to determine whether you're in a controlled smoke area. In order to avoid fines, you should only burn dry wood that has been dried and seasoned, and Defra approved smokeless fuels and not logs or any other wet woods.
There are a variety of DEFRA Approved Log Burners on the market. The Dovre product pages show this logo when the model is suitable for Smoke Control Areas. Visit the official Defra site to find out more about stoves, fireplaces and fires.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning your log burner is vital to maintain its efficiency and prevent the accumulation of harmful creosote, which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning will also ensure your stove glass stays clean and clear so you can enjoy the view of a stunning fire without having to worry about obstructions.
There are a number of tools to maintain your wood burner. These include an ash and cleaning brush vacuum cleaner, as well as polishing your stove. Clean your stove when it is cool and wear a pair of heat-resistant gloves.
The first step is to sweep away any ash that has accumulated on the bottom of your stove using the grates brush, making sure you get into all crevices and nooks. You can then use an ash vacuum to take out any remaining ashes and dispose of them into an aluminum container. After your stove has been thoroughly cleaned it is possible to use a soft, clean cloth to apply an oven cleaner. Be careful not to touch the hot surface.
To ensure that you don't create high levels of particles, it is essential to burn only high-quality and seasoned logs in your approved log burner. When choosing your firewood, look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or use an instrument to measure the moisture content to ensure that the moisture content to be less than 20 percent. Seasoning your own logs is an option, but it can take as long as two years for the moisture to evaporate.
You should always avoid burning stained, painted or chemically treated wood (this includes pallets, MDF and Medium Density Fibreboard). These types of materials create dangerous chemicals when they are burned and are not suitable for burning in a log burner.
The correct installation of your log burner is crucial to maintaining its efficiency and performance. Make sure it is installed by a qualified professional, and that it is in a well ventilated space where it won't be exposed to drafts. Stoves that are installed incorrectly could cause damages, as well as diminishing the performance of the stove and causing higher running costs.
Energy Efficient
Defra approved log burners are usually more efficient in energy than other stoves. This is due to the fact that they have passed the tests that ensure that the correct amount of air is supplied to the wood or multi fuel burning stove during the process of combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke produced and it also reduces emissions and heat losses from the stove.
If you buy a defra exempt wood burner you can be certain that it will be safe for use in your chimney as it will have a flue size of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra-approved stoves have a larger chimney outlet, which could create problems when fitting the chimney liner. The Stove Yard offers a range 5" chimney liners that will fit your multi-fuel or wood exempted stove.
The majority of the stoves we sell at The Stove Yard are Defra approved and feature the latest clean burning technology. A lot of our models come with secondary and tertiary fuels for air to ensure combustion of the fuel. This increases the efficiency of the stove and reduces the amount of smoke that is produced.
A log burner that is Defra-approved will also allow you to use it legally in Smoke Control Area. UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas. To comply with the law it is mandatory to use a DEFRA approved appliance when burning wood or smokeless coal.
You can buy a clearSkies-certified defra-approved cooktop to prove that it is compliant with the new Ecodesign emission standards that came into effect last year. This is the best choice if you reside in a region with Smoke Control. It can make your stove eco-friendly and comply with the regulations. The ESSE 700 Vista is one example of an ultra stylish and highly efficient Defra Approved log burner that has the option to be fitted with a smoke control kit if it is required.