Defra Approved Log Burner
The Defra approved log burner is among the most popular stoves for homeowners. This is due to the fact that they have a cleaner burning, and allow for greater control over heating costs.
You can also use wood legally in Smoke Control Areas, which is a huge advantage because it helps you avoid the fines levied on people who use stoves that are not approved. They are available in many different styles to suit any home.
Clean Burn Technology
The clean burn technology found in defra approved log burners works to reduce the amount of smoke and particulate that is released during combustion. It has been shown that this technology can help reduce the negative health effects of poor air quality in urban areas. This is especially true when using a fireplace or stove that burns wood. Bergen is an example, and recognized the necessity of implementing measures to improve air quality. As a result, non-cleanburn stoves were prohibited in the city. This trade-in scheme was a huge success, and Bergen placed fifth among 332 European cities for their air quality in 2021.
To achieve this, Defra-approved stoves are designed to ensure that the flame has enough oxygen to ignite and burn fuel. This is achieved with a secondary air feed or tertiary intake that allows additional combustion air into the appliance, in addition to the primary or main air intake. Typically, a secondary feed is located at the back of the stove, underneath or within the fire box of the stove while a tertiary intake will be situated in the middle.
These modern, Defra exempt stoves have been passed rigorous tests in order to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas. This is only possible when the stove is operated with wood that has been seasoned and dried at a temperature of less than 20% moisture.
A Defra approved stove has been tested and is capable of emitting no more than 3g of smoke per hour, which is the legal limit for many UK cities and towns. If the stove is found be emitting excess emissions, the owner will be issued with a fine of PS300 or more.
More about the author that is Defra-approved will bear a Defra mark on it, and also an Ecodesign label. This will come into effect in 2022. Ecodesign-compliant stoves must be able to pass rigorous emission tests and have an efficiency rating of at minimum 72%. A stove with an efficiency rating that is higher will allow you to reduce the amount of pollution produced by the stove, and will also save you money on heating costs.
Perfect for Smoke Control Areas
The UK government has set strict emission limits for fireplaces and stoves. The government aims to make the country cleaner and healthier. Many cities and towns houses are located in Smoke Control Areas, where the production of dark smoke could be a source of irritation for residents. If you own an older wood-burning stove or open fire and reside in a smoke control area, it is important to upgrade your appliances to Defra-approved Log Burners.
They are more eco-friendly than traditional log burners, and are equipped with the most advanced technology for clean burning. Leading manufacturers like Arada, Burley Parkray & Stovax continue to develop their products and create models with secondary and tertiary systems that further reduce emission. These advanced burners will save you money in the long run on fuel costs.
DEFRA approved, or Defra exempt are terms that indicate the stove has passed an UK Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs test. This test ensures that the stove is safe in smoke controlled areas. The term Defra Exempt can also be applied to certain models that have passed the test and can be used to burn authorised smokeless fuels which are highlighted on a list provided by Defra. These fuels don't include wood.
You could face a fine when you use a stove that is not DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled area. Visit the official Defra site to determine if you're in a smoke-controlled area. In order to avoid fines, you should only burn dry wood that has been seasoned and Defra approved smokeless fuels not logs or other wet woods.
There's a broad selection of DEFRA Approved log burners available and the Dovre product pages will display this logo if the model is suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas. Visit the official Defra site to find out more about DEFRA-approved stoves, fireplaces and fires.
Easy to Clean
Clean your log burner to ensure it is operating properly. This will also help reduce the accumulation of harmful creosote that can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning will ensure that your stove glass is clear and clean, so you can enjoy a beautiful fire view without obstruction.
There are many tools that you could need to help with the maintenance of your wood stove, including a cleaning brush and ash vacuum cleaner as well as polishing your stove. It is important to perform the cleaning procedure when your stove is cool and we suggest wearing heat-resistant gloves.
First, make use of the grate brush get rid of any ash that has built up on the bottom of the stove. Make sure that you reach all corners and crevices. You can then make use of an ash vacuum to remove any remaining ashes and dispose of them into metal containers. Once your stove is completely clean, you can apply a stove polish with a soft cloth making sure not to touch the hot surface.
It is crucial to burn high-quality, seasoned wood on your defra-approved log burner to ensure that you are not producing large amounts of particulates. When selecting your firewood, search 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%. Seasoning your own logs is an option, however it can take as long as two years for the moisture to evaporate.
You should avoid burning stained, painted or chemically treated wood (this includes pallets, MDF and Medium Density Fibreboard). These types of woods create dangerous chemicals when they are burned and are not suitable for burning in a log burner.
It is crucial to set up your log burner correctly to ensure its performance and efficiency. Make sure it is installed by a qualified professional and is located in an area where it will not be subject to drafts. Incorrectly installing a stove could result in injuries, safety issues and increased expenses.
Energy Efficient
Defra approved log burners are usually more efficient in energy than their counterparts. The reason is that they have passed the tests that ensure that the correct amount of air is supplied to the wood or fuel burning stoves during combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke and consequently, reduces heat loss and emissions from the stove.
You can rest assured that a wood burner exempt from defra will be safe to use within your chimney system because it has a flue diameter of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra-approved stoves have a larger chimney outlet, which can create problems when fitting the chimney liner. At The Stove Yard we can provide a selection of 5" chimney liners for your wood or multi fuel stoves that are exempt from defra.
The Stove Yard sells a large number of stoves that have been approved by Defra and include the latest clean burning technology. A majority of our models come with secondary and tertiary air intakes to ensure that the fuel is burning efficiently. This increases the efficiency of the stove and reduces the amount of smoke produced.
A DEFRA-approved log burner can also permit 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, you must use a DEFRA approved appliance when burning wood or smokeless coal.
You can also buy a defra-approved stove that is certified by clearSkies to prove that it meets the latest Ecodesign emissions standards that went into effect one year ago. If you live in a Smoke Control Area then this will be the ideal choice for you because it makes your stove eco-friendly and in compliance with the law. The ESSE 700 Vista, a elegant and efficient Defra Approved Log Burner, comes with an option to include an smoke control kit should you require it.