7 Things You've Never Learned About Defra Approved Log Burner

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 provide a cleaner burn, and allow for greater control over heating costs.

They also permit you to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas which is an advantage since it helps avoid the fines imposed against those who use stoves that are not approved. They are available in various styles to suit your home.

Clean Burn Technology

Clean burn technology is employed in log burners that have been defra-approved to reduce the amount and type of particles and smoke that are released. It has been demonstrated to dramatically reduce the negative health effects of poor air quality in urban areas, especially when the traditional 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 result the old stoves that were not cleanburn are now illegal in the city. The trade-in scheme was a success, with Bergen ranked fifth out of 332 European cities in terms of air quality in 2021.

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 accomplished by an additional air intake or tertiary intake that allows additional combustion air into the appliance, in addition to primary and/or main air intake. A typical secondary feed is located at the back of the stove underneath or inside the fire box and a tertiary air intake is located in the middle.

Modern stoves are exempt from Defra tests and are able to burn wood legally in Smoke Control Areas. This is provided the correct type of wood, that 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 Defra-approved will also be tested for the capability to emit less than 3g of smoke an hour which is the legal limit in the majority of UK cities and towns. If the stove is found to emit excessive emissions, the owner will be penalized with a fine of PS300 or more.

A Defra approved stove will be branded as an approved product on the product and will also bear an Ecodesign mark, which was put into force in 2022. Ecodesign-compliant stoves must pass strict emission tests and have an efficiency rating of at minimum 72%. A stove with an efficient rating will reduce the amount pollution generated by it, while also saving you money on heating bills.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

The UK government has set strict emission limits for stoves and fireplaces. They are designed to make the country a cleaner and healthier place to live. Smoke Control Areas are found in many cities and towns in which the dark smoke can be a nuisance to residents. If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and are using an older open fire or wood-burning stove, then you must replace it with a log burner that is DEFRA approved clean burning stoves-approved.

These are more environmentally friendly than old fashioned log burners and feature the most modern technology for clean burning. Leading manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax continue to develop their products and are currently developing models with secondary and third-party combustion systems that further reduce emissions. These advanced burners are more efficient than their competitors and can save you money on your fuel costs in the long run.

DEFRA approved, or Defra exempt, are terms that indicate the stove has passed the UK Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs test. This test ensures that the stove is safe to use in areas with smoke control. The term Defra List Stoves Exempt is also applied to certain models that have passed the test and can be used to burn authorised smokeless fuels that are listed on a list by Defra. These fuels exclude wood.

If you own an older non-DEFRA approved stove and you put it in a smoke-controlled area, you could be fined for violating the law. You can determine whether you are located in a zone of smoke control by visiting the official Defra website. To avoid a fine you should only use dry seasoned wood or smokeless fuels that have been approved by Defra and not wet or logs.

There are many DEFRA Approved Log Burners available. The Dovre product pages display this logo when the model is suitable for Smoke Control Areas. You can also learn more about DEFRA approved stoves, fires and fireplaces by visiting the official Defra website.

Easy to Clean

Cleaning your log burner is vital to maintain its efficiency and decrease the accumulation of harmful creosote which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning will ensure that your stove glass is clear and clean, so you can enjoy a beautiful fire view without obstruction.

You might require a range of tools to maintain your wood stove. These include a cleaning brush, Defra List Stoves ash vacuum cleaner and polishing your stove. Clean your stove when it is cool and wear a pair of heat-resistant gloves.

First, make use of the grate brush get rid of any ash that has been accumulating on the bottom of the stove. Be sure to reach all corners and crevices. Then you can utilize your ash cleaner to clean any remaining ashes from the stove and dispose of them in a steel container. After your stove is thoroughly cleaned, you can apply a soft cloth to apply an oven cleaner. Be careful not to get your hands on the hot surface.

To ensure that you do not create high levels of particles, it is essential to burn only high-quality, seasoned logs on your defra-approved log burner. When selecting your firewood, search 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 percent. Seasoning your own logs is an option, but it could take up to two years for the moisture to evaporate.

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

It is essential to install your log burner correctly to maintain its efficiency and performance. Make sure it is installed by a certified professional and is in a well ventilated location where it won’t be exposed to drafts. Stoves installed incorrectly can be unsafe and lead to damage, in addition to decreasing the efficiency of the stove and increasing running costs.

Energy Efficient

Log burners that are Defra-approved are generally more energy efficient than their counterparts. This is because they have passed tests to ensure the correct amount of air is delivered to the wood or multi fuel burning stove during the process of combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke and it also reduces emissions and heat losses from the stove.

You can be assured that a defra-exempted wood burner is safe to use with your chimney system, as it has a flue diameter of 5″ (150mm). Non-Defra approved stoves typically have a larger outlet for the flue and this can cause problems when trying to fit the chimney liner. At The Stove Yard we can offer a range of 5″ chimney liner for your wood stove or multi fuel stoves that are exempt from defra.

The Stove Yard sells a variety of stoves that are Defra-approved and include the latest clean burning technology. Many of our models have secondary and tertiary air intakes to ensure that the fuel is burning effectively. This increases the efficiency of the stove and reduces the amount smoke produced.

A DEFRA-approved log burner can also permit you to use it in a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas. To comply with the law you must use a DEFRA approved appliance for burning wood and smokeless coal.

You can also purchase an approved defra stove that is certified by clearSkies in order to prove that it is compliant with the new Ecodesign emissions standards that came into force a year ago. This is the best option if you live in an area with Smoke Control. It makes your stove eco-friendly, and also comply with the regulations. The ESSE 700 Vista, a highly efficient and stylish Defra Approved Log Burner, has the option to add a smoke control kit in the event that it is required.