10 Healthy Defra Approved Log Burner Habits

Defra Approved Log Burner

The Defra-approved log burning device is a preferred option for homeowners. This is due to the fact that they offer better combustion and greater control over heating costs.

They also allow you to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas which is an advantage since it can avoid the penalties imposed against people using unapproved stoves. They are available in many different styles to fit any type of home.

Clean Burn Technology

Clean burn technology is employed in log burners that are defra-approved to reduce the amount and types of particles and smoke released. It has been demonstrated that this technology can help reduce the negative health effects of poor air quality in urban areas. This is especially true when using a wood-burning stove or fireplace. The city of Bergen, for example recognized the importance of implementing effective measures to improve their air quality 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 when it came to 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 achieved with an additional air intake or tertiary intake, which allows additional combustion air into the appliance in addition to the primary and/or main air intake. A typical secondary feed is situated on the back of the stove, underneath or inside the stove’s fire box, while a tertiary air intake is situated in the centre.

These modern stoves are exempt from Defra tests and are able to burn wood legally in Smoke Control Areas. This is when the right kind of wood, which is seasoned and dried to less than 20% moisture content. It is used in conjunction with a Defra approved stove.

A stove that is Defra-approved will also have been tested for its capability to emit less than 3g of smoke an hour that is the legal limitation in the majority of UK cities and Defra Registered Stoves towns. If a stove produces excessive emissions, the owner can be punished to the tune of PS300.

A Defra approved stove will be branded as it is on the product. It will also bear an Ecodesign mark, which was put into force in 2022. To be Ecodesign compliant, stoves must pass strict emissions tests and Defra Registered stoves have minimum efficiency ratings of 72 percent. A stove that has an efficiency rating of high will lower the amount of pollution produced by it, while also saving you money on heating costs.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

The UK’s government has set strict emission limits for fireplaces and stoves. The government aims to make the country more clean and healthier. Many large towns and city homes are located within Smoke Control Areas, where the production of dark smoke can be a nuisance for residents. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and are using an older open fire or wood-burning stove, then you should upgrade to a Defra approved log burner.

These are more environmentally friendly than old fashioned log burners, and are equipped with the latest clean burning technology. Leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax are continuing to improve their products and are introducing models with secondary and third-party combustion systems that further reduce emissions. These advanced burners can 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 the UK Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs test. This test assures that the stove is safe used in smoke-controlled areas. The term Defra Exempt can also be applied to some models that have passed the test and are able to burn approved smokeless fuels which are highlighted in a list published by Defra. These fuels do not 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. You can check whether you are located in a zone of smoke control by visiting the official Defra website. To avoid a fine, you should only burn dry wood that has been seasoned and Defra approved smokeless fuels and not logs or any other wet woods.

There are a number of DEFRA Approved Log Burners on the market. The Dovre product pages show 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

Keeping your log burner clean is crucial to ensure its performance and reduce the accumulation of harmful creosote that can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning can also ensure that the stove’s glass remains clear and clean so that you can enjoy the view of a beautiful fire without obstructed visibility.

There are a variety of tools you can use to aid in the care of your wood stove such as a cleaning brush, ash vacuum cleaner and polish for your stove. It is recommended to clean your stove whenever it’s cool and wear a pair of heat-resistant gloves.

The first step is to make use of the grate brush take away any ash that’s been accumulating on the bottom of the stove. Make sure you reach all crevices and corners. You can then use your ash vacuum cleaner to eliminate any ashes that remain from the stove and dispose of them in a steel container. After your stove has been thoroughly cleaned, you can use a soft, clean cloth to apply a stove cleaner. Be careful not to touch the hot surface.

To ensure that you don’t create high levels of particles, it’s essential to burn only high-quality and seasoned logs in your approved log burner. When choosing your firewood, look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or use an instrument to measure the moisture content to ensure that the moisture content to be less than 20%. You can also season your own logs but it may take as long as 2 years for the moisture content to evaporate.

Avoid burning stained, painted or chemically treated wood (including pallets, MDF, and Medium Density Fiberboard). These materials emit dangerous chemicals when they are burned, and should not be burned in a log stove.

A proper installation of your log burner is essential to maintaining its performance and efficiency. Make sure it is installed by a professional who is qualified and placed in a well ventilated space where it won’t be exposed to drafts. Stoves installed incorrectly can cause damage, as well as reducing its performance and increasing running costs.

Energy Efficient

Defra approved log burners are generally more efficient in energy than the alternatives. The reason for this is that they have been tested and proven to be able to guarantee that the proper amount of air is supplied to the wood or multiple 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 rest assured that a wood burner exempt from defra will be safe to use in conjunction with your chimney, as it has a flue diameter of 5″ (150mm). Non-Defra approved stoves have larger chimney outlet, which could cause problems when installing an chimney liner. The Stove Yard offers a range 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 offer the latest clean burning technology. A majority of our models come with secondary and tertiary air intakes to help ensure that the fuel burns effectively. This helps to improve the efficiency of the stove and decreases the amount of smoke that is produced.

Another benefit of the DEFRA recommended stoves approved log burner is that it will allow you to legally use it in a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and large towns are classed as Smoke Control Areas and in order to be in compliance with the law, you must use a DEFRA Approved appliance when burning wood or smokeless coal.

You can also purchase an approved defra stove that has been certified by clearSkies to show that it is compliant with the new Ecodesign emission standards that went into effect a year ago. This is the most suitable option if you reside in a place that has Smoke Control. It makes your stove green and comply with the law. The ESSE 700 Vista, a elegant and efficient DEFRA registered Stoves Approved Log Burner, offers the option to include an smoke control kit in the event that it is required.