Defra Approved Log Burner
The Defra approved log burner is one of the most popular stoves for homeowners. This is due to the fact that they have a cleaner burning and provide better control of heating costs.
They also permit you to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas which is an advantage since it will not incur the penalties imposed against people who use stoves that aren't approved. They come in a variety of styles to suit your home.
Clean Burn Technology
Clean burn technology is utilized in log burners that are defra-approved to reduce the amount and kind of particles and smoke released. This has been proven to significantly reduce the health impacts of poor air quality in urban areas, especially when an old-fashioned wood-burning stove or fireplace is being used. The city of Bergen, for example recognized the importance of implementing efficient measures to improve the quality of their air and, as a consequence the old stoves that were not cleanburn are now illegal in the city. The trade-in program was a huge success. Bergen ranked fifth among the 320 European cities in 2021 for its air quality.
To accomplish this, Defra approved stoves have been designed to ensure the fire is fed with sufficient oxygen to ignite and burn the fuel. This is achieved by having an additional or tertiary air intake that allows additional combustion air to be injected into the appliance in addition to the main air intake. The typical secondary air intake is located at the back of the stove underneath or within the fire box of the stove and a tertiary air intake is situated in the middle.
These modern, Defra exempt stoves have been through rigorous tests to be able to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas. This is if the right kind of wood that is seasoned and kiln dried to less than 20% moisture content. It is used in conjunction with the Defra approved stove.
A Defra approved stove will have also been tested to be able to emit no more than 3g of smoke per hour, which is the legal limit for many UK cities and towns. If a stove is found to be emitting excess emissions, the proprietor will be issued with a fine of PS300 or more.
A Defra-approved stove will bear the Defra mark on it, and also an Ecodesign label. This will come into effect in 2022. To be Ecodesign compatible, stoves have to pass strict emissions tests and have a minimum efficiency rating of 72 percent. Choosing a stove with an efficiency rating that is higher will further help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide generated by the stove and will also save you money on heating bills.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
The UK's government has set strict emissions limits on fireplaces and stoves. They are designed to keep the country clean and healthier place to live. A lot of cities and large homes are located within Smoke Control Areas, where the production of dark smoke can be a nuisance for residents. If you own an older wood-burning stove or open fire and reside in a smoking control zone, it's essential that you upgrade your appliances to Defra Approved Log Burners.
They are cleaner burning and more green than traditional log burners. Leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax continue to develop their products and are producing models with secondary and secondary combustion systems that reduce emissions. These advanced burners are more efficient than their competitors and could help you save money on fuel costs in the long term.
DEFRA approved, or Defra exempt are terms used to indicate that the stove has passed an UK Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs test. This test guarantees that the stove is safe used in smoke-controlled areas. The term Defra Exempt may also be applied to some models that have passed the test and are able to burn authorised smokeless fuels that are listed in a list published by Defra. These fuels don't include wood.
If you own an older non-DEFRA approved stove and you put it in a smoke-controlled area, you could be fined for breaking the law. Visit the official Defra website to see if you're in a smoke-controlled area. 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 variety 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 learn 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 to reduce the accumulation of harmful creosote that can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning will ensure that the stove's glass remains clean and clear, so you can enjoy a beautiful fire view without obstruction.
There are a number of tools to maintain your wood stove. This includes an ash and cleaning brush vacuum cleaner and polish for your stove. Clean your stove once it's cool and wear heat-resistant gloves.
The first step is to make use of the grate brush take away any ash that's built up on the bottom of the stove. Be sure to reach all crevices and corners. Then, you can utilize your ash cleaner to clean any remaining ashes from the stove and dispose of them in a metal container. After your stove is thoroughly cleaned, you can use a soft, clean cloth to apply a stove cleaner. Be careful not to get your hands on the hot surface.
To ensure that you don't produce large amounts of particles, it is essential to burn only top quality, seasoned logs on your defra-approved log burner. When choosing DEFRA compliant stoves list , look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or use an instrument to measure the moisture content to ensure that the moisture content is less than 20%. You can also make your own seasonings for your logs, but it can take as long as 2 years for the moisture content to evaporate.
You should avoid burning stained, painted or treated with chemicals (this includes pallets, MDF and Medium Density Fibreboard). These materials release harmful chemicals when they are burned, and should never be burned on a log stove.
The correct installation of your log burner is essential for maintaining its performance and efficiency. Install it by a professional and in a well-ventilated area, free of drafts. Incorrectly installing a stove could lead to problems with safety, damage and higher costs.
Energy efficient
Log burners with Defra approval are generally more efficient than counterparts. The reason is that they have passed the tests to ensure that the correct amount of air is supplied to the wood stoves or fuel burning stoves during combustion. This helps to reduce the amount of smoke produced and, in turn, reduces emissions and heat loss from the stove.
If you buy a wood burner that is exempt from defra you can be certain that it is going to be safe for use with your chimney system as it will have the flue size of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra approved stoves have a larger chimney outlet, which could create problems when fitting a chimney liner. The Stove Yard offers a range of 5" chimney liners to fit your wood or multi-fuel exempted stove.
Most of the stoves that we sell at The Stove Yard are Defra approved and feature the most recent clean burning technology. Many of our models have secondary and tertiary air intakes to ensure that the fuel is burning effectively. This improves the efficiency of the stove and reduces the amount of smoke produced.
Another benefit of the Defra approved log burner is that it allows you to legally use it in a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and towns of large size are classed as Smoke Control Areas and in order to be legally compliant, you must use a DEFRA-approved appliance when burning wood or smokeless coal.
ClearSkies-certified defra-approved stove to prove that it meets the latest Ecodesign emission standards that came into effect last year. If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then this will be the best choice for you as it makes your stove more environmentally friendly and in compliance with the laws. The ESSE 700 Vista is one example of an ultra elegant and highly efficient Defra Approved log burner that comes with the option to be fitted with a smoke control kit if required.