Defra Approved Log Burner
The Defra approved log burner is one of the most popular stoves for homeowners. This is mainly due the fact that they offer an easier burn and provide greater control over heating expenses.
You can also burn wood legally in Smoke Control Areas, which is a huge advantage because it helps you avoid fines that are imposed on people who use stoves that are not regulated. They are available in different designs to match your home.
Clean Burn Technology
The clean burn technology in log burners that are certified by defra works to reduce the amount of smoke and particulate matter released during combustion. It has been proven to significantly reduce the negative health effects of poor air quality in urban areas, specifically when an old-fashioned wood burning stove or fireplace is being used. The city of Bergen, for example recognized the importance of taking effective measures to improve the quality of their air and, as a result older stoves that are not cleanburn are now illegal in the city. The program to trade in stoves was a great success. Bergen ranked fifth among the 320 European cities in 2021 for its air quality.
To achieve this, stoves that are Defra-approved have been designed to ensure that the fire receives enough oxygen to ignite and burn fuel. This is accomplished through having an additional air feed which allows extra combustion air to enter the appliance in addition to the main air intake. A secondary air feed is typically located at the back of the appliance in the interior or under the fire box.
These modern stoves are exempt from Defra tests and can burn wood legally in Smoke Control Areas. This is only possible in the event that the stove is used with wood that has been dried and seasoned. dried at a temperature of less than 20 percent moisture.
A Defra-approved stove will also have been tested for its ability to emit no more 3g of smoke per hour which is the legal limit in most UK towns and city. If a stove produces excessive emissions, the owner could be fined up to PS300.
A stove that is Defra-approved will bear the Defra mark on it, as well as an Ecodesign label. The Ecodesign label will take effect in 2022. To be Ecodesign compliant, stoves must undergo strict emissions tests and have an efficiency level of 72%. Selecting a stove that has a higher efficiency rating will further help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide 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 stoves and fireplaces. They are designed to keep the country a cleaner and healthier place to live. Smoke Control Areas are found in many large towns and cities, where the production dark smoke can be a source of irritation for local residents. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and are using an older open fire or wood-burning stove, you must replace it with a Defra approved log burner.
These are more efficient and cleaner burning, as well as more eco-friendly than traditional log burners. Leading manufacturers like Arada, Burley Parkray & Stovax continue to improve their products and create models with secondary and tertiary systems that further reduce emissions. These advanced burners can save you money in the long term on fuel costs.
DEFRA approved or Defra Exempt are terms that indicate that the stove has passed a test designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in the UK. This test assures that the stove is safe to use in smoke controlled areas. The term Defra Exempt is also used to describe models that have passed the test and is able to burn authorised smokeless fuels which are highlighted on a list by Defra. These fuels do not include wood.
You could be penalized for using an older stove that is not DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled space. Visit the official Defra website to see if you're in a smoke-controlled area. To avoid being fined, DEFRA approved wood burning stoves should only use dry seasoned wood or smokeless fuels that have been approved by Defra and not logs or wet wood.
There are a variety of DEFRA Approved Log Burners available. The Dovre product pages show this logo when the model is suitable for Smoke Control Areas. You can also find more information about DEFRA approved fireplaces, stoves, and fires by visiting the official Defra website.
Easy to Clean
Cleansing your log burner is crucial to ensure its efficiency and decrease the accumulation of harmful creosote, which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning can also ensure that your stove's glass is clear and clean so that you can take in the view of a stunning fire without having to worry about obstructions.
There are a number of tools to maintain your wood burner. This includes a cleaning brush and ash vacuum cleaner and polish for your stove. It is recommended to clean your stove whenever it's cool and wear gloves that are heat-resistant.
The first step is to employ the grate brush to remove any ash that has been accumulating on the bottom of the stove. Make sure you reach all corners and crevices. Then, you can make use of an ash vacuum to remove any remaining ashes and dispose of them into metal containers. Once your stove has been thoroughly cleaned it is possible to use a soft cloth to apply an oven cleaner. Be careful not to touch the hot surface.
To ensure that you do not produce large amounts of particles, it's essential to burn only high-quality, seasoned logs on your approved log burner. Look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn Logo or use a moisture-meter ensure that the moisture content of the wood is below 20%. Seasoning your own logs is also an option, but it can take up to 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 materials produce dangerous chemicals when burned and are not suitable to burn in the log burner.
It is essential to install your log burner correctly to keep its performance and efficiency. Install it by a professional and in a well-ventilated space, away from drafts. Installing a stove incorrectly could lead to injuries, safety issues and higher costs.
Energy efficient
Defra approved log burners are usually more efficient in energy than the alternatives. The reason for this is because they have passed the tests that ensure that the proper amount of air is delivered to the wood stoves or fuel burning stoves during combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke that is produced and consequently, reduces emissions and heat losses from the stove.
You can be assured that a defra-exempt wood burner can be used in conjunction with your chimney, because it has a flue diameter of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra-approved stoves typically have a bigger flue outlet and this can cause issues when trying to fit an chimney liner. At The Stove Yard we can offer a range of 5" chimney liners for your wood or multi fuel defra exempt stove.
The Stove Yard sells a vast array of stoves that are Defra-approved and include the latest clean burning technology. Many of our models have secondary and tertiary feeds that use air to ensure fuel combustion. This helps to improve 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 allows you to legally use it in a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas and in order to be legally compliant, you must use a DEFRA Approved appliance when burning wood or smokeless coal.
You can also purchase an approved defra 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 reside in a Smoke Control Area then this will be the best option for you since it will make your stove eco-friendly and in compliance with the law. The ESSE 700 Vista, a extremely efficient and stylish Defra Approved Log Burner, offers the option to add a smoke control kit should you require it.