5 Defra Approved Log Burner Lessons Learned From The Professionals

Defra Approved Log Burner

The Defra approved log burner is one of the most popular stoves used by homeowners. This is mainly due to the fact that they offer an easier burn and provide more control over heating costs.

You can also use wood legally in Smoke Control Areas, Defra approved Stoves which is a major benefit since it allows you to avoid the fines imposed on those who use unapproved stoves. They are available in different designs to match your home.

Clean Burn Technology

Clean burn technology is employed in log burners that have been defra-approved to reduce the amount and kind of smoke and particles emitted. It has been proven that this technology can help reduce the negative health effects of poor air in urban areas. This is especially relevant when using a fireplace or stove that burns wood. Bergen is a prime example. The city realized the importance of implementing measures to improve the quality of air. In the end, non-cleanburn stoves were removed from the city. The trade-in scheme was a success, with Bergen placed fifth among the 320 European cities for their air quality in 2021.

To accomplish this, Defra approved stoves have been developed to ensure that 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 for additional combustion air to flow into the appliance in addition to the primary and/or the main air intake. A secondary air feed is typically located at the back of the appliance and is usually located either underneath or inside the fire box.

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 type of wood, that is seasoned and dried to less than 20% moisture content. This can be used in conjunction with the Defra approved stove.

A Defra approved stove will have also been tested to be capable of emitting no more than 3g of smoke per hour which is the legal limit for most UK cities and towns. If a stove is found to be emitting excess emissions, the owner will be penalized with a fine of PS300 or more.

A stove that is approved by Defra will bear the Defra mark on it, and also an Ecodesign label. This will go into effect in 2022. Ecodesign-compliant stoves must pass strict emissions tests and have an efficiency rating of at 72% or more. A stove with a higher efficiency rating will allow you to reduce the amount of air pollution generated by the stove while also saving money on heating bills.

Suitable for Smoke Control Areas

The UK government has set strict emission limits for stoves and fireplaces. The government wants to make the country more clean and healthier. A lot of cities and large homes are within Smoke Control Areas, where the production of dark smoke could be a source of irritation for local residents. If you own an older wood burning stove or open fire and reside in a smoking control area, it is vital to upgrade your appliances to Defra approved Log Burners.

These are more efficient and cleaner burning, as well as more environmentally friendly than the old-fashioned log burners. Leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax are continuing to develop their products and are producing models with secondary and tertiary combustion systems that further reduce emissions. These advanced burners are more efficient than their competitors and could save you money on your fuel costs in the long run.

DEFRA approved or Defra Exempt are words that indicate that the stove has passed a test developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in the UK. This test ensures the stove is safe to be employed in areas with smoke control. The term Defra Exempt may also be used to describe models that have passed the test and are able to burn authorised smokeless fuels which are highlighted on a list provided by Defra. These fuels do not include wood.

You could be penalized when you use a stove that isn't DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled area. Visit the official Defra site to check whether you're located in a smoke-controlled area. To avoid being fined, you should only use dry seasoned wood or smokeless fuels endorsed by Defra and not wet wood or logs.

There's a broad selection of DEFRA Approved log burners available and the Dovre product pages will display this logo if the product is suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas. You can also find out more information about DEFRA approved fireplaces, stoves, and fires by visiting the official Defra website.

Easy to Clean

Cleaning your log burner is essential to help maintain its efficiency and decrease the build-up of harmful creosote that can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning will ensure that the stove's glass is clear and clean, so you can enjoy a stunning fire view without obstruction.

There are a variety of tools you can use to assist in the care of your wood stove that include cleaning brushes as well as a ash vacuum cleaner, and polish for your stove. It is crucial to carry out the cleaning procedure when your stove is cool, and we suggest wearing gloves that resist heat.

The first step is to sweep any ash that has accumulated on the bottom of your stove with the grate brush, ensuring that you reach all nooks and crannies. Then, you can employ an ash vacuum remove any remaining ashes and dispose of them into metal containers. After your stove is clean, you can apply a polish to your stove using a soft cloth, making sure not to touch the hot surface.

To ensure that you do not produce high levels of particles, it is essential to burn only high-quality well-seasoned, seasoned logs on your defra-approved log burner. When choosing your firewood, look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or use a moisture meter to check the moisture content to be 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.

Avoid burning painted, stained or treated with chemicals (including pallets, MDF, and Medium Density Fiberboard). These woods release dangerous chemical when burned, and should not be burned in a log stove.

It is crucial to set up your log burner correctly in order to maintain its performance and efficiency. Make sure that it's installed by a professional who is qualified and placed located in an space where it won't be exposed to drafts. Incorrectly installing a stove could result in safety issues, damage and increased costs.

Energy Efficient

Defra-approved log burners are typically more efficient in energy than their competitors. The reason for this is because they have been tested and proven to be able to guarantee that the right amount of air is supplied to the wood stoves or fuel burning stoves during combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke and it also reduces heat loss and emissions from the stove.

You can rest assured that a defra-exempt wood burner is safe to use within your chimney system because it has a flue diameter of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra Approved stoves usually have a larger outlet for the flue and this could cause problems when trying to install 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.

Most of the stoves that we sell at The Stove Yard are Defra Approved and offer the latest clean burning technology. A lot of our models come with secondary and tertiary feeds that use air to ensure that the fuel is burning. This improves the efficiency of the stove, and reduces the amount smoke generated.

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 classified as Smoke Control Areas and in order to be legally compliant, DEFRA approved Stoves you must use a DEFRA approved appliance when burning wood or smokeless coal.

ClearSkies certified stoves are available for purchase. defra-approved stove to prove that it meets the latest Ecodesign emission standards which went into effect last year. This is the most suitable option if you reside in a region with Smoke Control. It can make your stove eco-friendly, and also comply with the laws. The ESSE 700 Vista is one example of a elegant and highly efficient DEFRA compliant stoves UK Approved log burner that has the option to be equipped with a smoke control kit when it is required.