Defra Approved Log Burner
The Defra approved log burner is among the most popular stoves for homeowners. This is mainly due the fact that they offer a cleaner burn and offer greater control over heating costs.
You can also use wood legally in Smoke Control Areas, which is a huge advantage because it lets you avoid the fines levied on those who use stoves that are not regulated. They come in various designs to match your home.
Clean Burn Technology
Clean burn technology is employed in log burners that have been approved by the defra to reduce the amount and kind of particles and smoke released. It has been demonstrated 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 instance, realised the importance of implementing efficient measures to improve their air quality and, as a consequence, old non-cleanburn stoves are now prohibited in the city. This trade-in program was a great success. Bergen ranked fifth among the 320 European cities in 2021 when it came to its air quality.
To accomplish this, Defra approved stoves have been designed to ensure that the fire is always supplied with enough oxygen to ignite and burn the fuel. This is accomplished through a secondary air feed or tertiary intake, which allows additional combustion air into the appliance, in addition to the primary and/or main air intake. The typical secondary air intake is located on the back of the stove, underneath or inside the fire box while a tertiary intake is situated in the centre.
These modern Defra-exempt stoves have passed rigorous tests and can burn wood in smoke Control Areas. This is when 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 also have been tested for its capability to emit less than 3g of smoke an hour that is the legal limit in all UK towns and city. If a stove produces excessive emissions, its owner may be punished to the tune of PS300.
A Defra-approved stove will bear the Defra mark on it, as well as an Ecodesign label. This will come into the market in 2022. To be Ecodesign certified, stoves must be able to pass rigorous emissions tests and must have a minimum efficiency rating of 72 percent. A stove with a high efficiency rating will lessen the amount of carbon dioxide produced by it, while also saving you money on heating costs.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
The government of the United Kingdom has imposed high limits on the emissions of stoves and fireplaces. The government is determined to make the country cleaner and healthier. Smoke Control Areas are found in many cities and towns in which the dark smoke can be a source of irritation for local residents. If you own an older wood-burning stove or open fire and you reside in a smoking control area, it is important to upgrade your appliances to Defra approved Log Burners.
These are more efficient and cleaner burning, as well as more green than traditional log burners. Leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley Parkray & Stovax continue to improve their products, and also create models with secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. These advanced burners can save you money over the long run on fuel costs.
DEFRA approved, or Defra exempt are terms used to indicate that the stove has passed the UK Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs test. This test ensures the stove can be safely employed in areas with smoke control. Defra Exempt is also a term that is applicable to specific models that have passed the test. These models are suitable to burn smokeless fuels that are approved which are listed in a list provided by Defra. These fuels don't include wood.
If you own an older stove that is not DEFRA approved and you use it in a smoke controlled area, you could be fined for violating the law. Visit the official Defra website to see whether you're located in a smoke-controlled area. To avoid a fine, you should only burn dry wood that has been dried and seasoned, and Defra approved smokeless fuels not logs or other wet woods.
There's a broad selection of DEFRA Approved log burners on the market and the Dovre product pages will show this logo if the product is suitable for use in 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
Keeping your log burner clean is essential to help maintain its efficiency and prevent the build-up of harmful creosote, which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning will ensure that your stove glass remains clear and clean so you can enjoy a stunning fire view without obstruction.
You might require a range of tools to maintain your wood stove. They include a cleaning brush and ash vacuum cleaner, as well as polish for your stove. It is essential to complete the cleaning process when your stove is cool, and we suggest wearing gloves that resist heat.
The first step is to use the grate brush to get rid of 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 your ash vacuum cleaner to eliminate any remaining ashes from the stove and dispose of them in a steel container. After your stove is clean you can apply a stove polish using a soft cloth, taking care not to contact the hot surface.
To ensure that you do not produce high levels of particles, it is important to burn only quality well-seasoned, seasoned logs on your defra-approved log burner. When selecting your firewood, look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or use a moisture meter to check the moisture content is below 20%. Seasoning your own logs is an option, however it can take up to two years for the moisture to evaporate.
You should always avoid burning painted, stained or treated with chemicals (this includes pallets, MDF and Medium Density Fibreboard). These materials emit dangerous chemical when burned and should not be burned in a wood stove.
The correct installation of your log burner is essential to ensure its efficiency and performance. Install it by a professional and in a well-ventilated location, away from drafts. Stoves that are not installed correctly can cause damage, as well as decreasing the efficiency of the stove and increasing the cost of running.
Energy Efficient
Log burners that are Defra-approved are generally more efficient than counterparts. The reason for this 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 reduce the amount of smoke produced and, in turn, reduces emissions and heat loss from the stove.
You can be assured that a wood burner exempt from defra will be safe to use with your chimney system, since it has a chimney 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 variety of 5" chimney liner for your wood stove or multi fuel stoves that are defra exempt.
The Stove Yard sells a variety of stoves that are Defra-approved and have the most up-to-date clean burning technology. A lot of our models come with secondary and tertiary feeds that use air to ensure fuel combustion. This improves the efficiency of the stove and reduces the amount smoke produced.
A DEFRA-approved log burner can also permit you to use it legally in Smoke Control Area. DEFRA approved contemporary stoves and towns with large populations 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 in order to prove that it meets the new Ecodesign emission standards that came into force one year ago. This is the best choice if you reside in a place that has Smoke Control. It can make your stove eco-friendly, and will be in compliance with the laws. The ESSE 700 Vista, a elegant and efficient Defra Approved Log Burner, has the option to add the smoke control kit, if required.