Defra Approved Log Burner

The Defra approved log burner is one of the most popular stoves used by homeowners. This is due to the fact that they offer a cleaner burn and offer greater control over heating costs.

They also allow you to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas which is an important benefit as it will not incur the fines that are levied against people who use stoves that aren't approved. They come in a variety of styles to suit your home.

Clean Burn Technology

The clean burn technology found in defra approved log burners can reduce the amount of smoke and particulate that is released during combustion. It has been demonstrated that this technology can reduce the negative health effects of poor air quality in urban areas. This is especially applicable to fireplace or stove that burns wood. Bergen is a prime example. The city realized the importance of taking measures to improve air quality. As a result, non-cleanburn stoves were banned in the city. This trade-in program was a great success. Bergen ranked fifth among 320 European cities in 2021 with respect to its air quality.

To achieve this, Defra approved stoves have been designed to ensure that the fire is always fed with enough oxygen to ignite and burn the fuel. This is accomplished by having a secondary or tertiary air intake that allows for additional combustion air to be injected into the appliance in addition to the primary and/or the main air intake. The typical secondary air intake is located at the back of the stove underneath or inside the stove's fire box and a tertiary air intake will be situated in the centre.

Modern stoves that are Defra-exempt have passed the most rigorous tests and can burn wood in smoke Control Areas. This is provided the correct kind of wood, which is seasoned and kiln dried to less than 20% moisture content. It is used in conjunction with a Defra approved stove.

A stove that is approved by Defra will have been tested for its ability to emit no more 3g of smoke per hour which is the legal limitation in the majority of UK towns and city. If the stove is found be emitting excess emissions, the owner will be fined a sum of PS300 or more.

A Defra approved stove will be identified as it is on the product. It will also bear an Ecodesign label, which came into force in 2022. Ecodesign-compliant stoves must pass strict emission tests and have an efficiency rating of at least 72%. A stove with an efficient rating will reduce the amount pollution generated by it, while also saving you money on your heating costs.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

The government of the UK has set strict emissions limits on stoves and fireplaces. They are designed to make the country clean and healthier living space. A lot of cities and large houses are located in Smoke Control Areas, where the production of dark smoke could be a source of irritation for residents. If you reside 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 green than traditional log burners. Leading manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax continue to develop their products and are introducing models with secondary and third-party combustion systems that further reduce emissions. These advanced burners will save you money in the long run 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 DEFRA Stoves Disadvantages Rural Affairs in the UK. This test ensures the stove can be safely employed in areas with smoke control. Defra Exempt is also a term that can be used to describe specific models that have passed the test. These models are suitable to burn smokeless fuels that are approved, which are highlighted in a list supplied by Defra. These fuels do not include wood.

You could be penalized if you use an older stove that isn't DEFRA stoves comparison approved in a smoke-controlled area. You can determine whether you are located 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 that are available. The Dovre product pages display this logo when the model is suitable for Smoke Control Areas. You can also learn more information about DEFRA approved stoves, fireplaces, and fires by visiting the official Defra website.

Easy to Clean

Cleansing your log burner is crucial to ensure its performance and reduce the accumulation of harmful creosote which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning will ensure that the glass of your stove is clear and clean, so you can enjoy a stunning fire view without obstruction.

There are a number of tools you may need to aid in the maintenance of your wood burner such as a cleaning brush and ash vacuum cleaner as well as polish for your stove. It is important to perform the cleaning procedure when your stove is cool and we suggest wearing gloves that are heat-resistant.

The first step is to sweep any ash that has accumulated on the bottom of your stove with the grate brush, making sure you get into all small spaces and nooks. You can then employ an ash vacuum remove any remaining ashes and dispose of them in metal containers. Once your stove is completely clean, you can apply a polish to your stove with a soft cloth making sure not to contact the hot surface.

To ensure that you don't produce large amounts of particles, it's essential to burn only high-quality well-seasoned, seasoned logs on your approved log burner. Look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn Logo or use a moisture meter to ensure the moisture content of the wood is below 20 percent. You can also make your own seasonings for your logs, however, it could take up to 2 years for the moisture content to evaporate.

Avoid burning stained, painted, or chemically-treated wood (including pallets, MDF, and Medium Density Fiberboard). These types of wood create dangerous chemicals when they are burned and are not suitable to burn in a log burner.

The correct installation of your log burner is vital to ensure its performance and effectiveness. Make sure that it's installed by a professional who is qualified and placed located in an location where it won't be exposed to drafts. Stoves that are not installed correctly can be dangerous and cause damage, in addition to reducing its performance and DEFRA stoves disadvantages increasing operating costs.

Energy efficient

Log burners with Defra approval are generally more efficient than counterparts. The reason is because they have been tested and proven to be able to guarantee that the right amount of air is provided to the wood or multiple fuel burning stoves during combustion. This helps to reduce the amount of smoke that is produced and reduces the emissions and heat loss from the stove.

If you buy a wood burner that is exempt from defra you can also be assured that it is going to be safe to use with your chimney system as it will have a flue size of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra approved stoves have larger chimney outlet, which can cause problems when installing an chimney liner. At The Stove Yard we can provide a selection of 5" chimney liners for your wood stove or multi fuel defra exempt stove.

The majority of the stoves we sell at The Stove Yard are Defra stoves Disadvantages Approved and offer the latest clean burning technology. A majority of our models come with secondary and tertiary air sources to help ensure that the fuel burns effectively. This improves the efficiency of the stove and reduces the amount of smoke that is produced.

Another benefit of the Defra approved log burner is that it will allow you to legally use it in a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas and in order to comply with the law you must use a DEFRA approved appliance when burning wood or smokeless coal.

You can also buy an approved defra stove that is certified by clearSkies to prove that it meets the latest Ecodesign emissions standards that went into effect a year ago. If you live in the Smoke Control Area then this will be the best choice for you because it makes your stove eco-friendly and in line with the law. The ESSE 700 Vista, a highly efficient and stylish Defra Approved Log Burner, offers the option to add the smoke control kit, in the event that it is required.