A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting The Right Defra Approved Log Burner
Defra Approved Log Burner The Defra approved log burner is among the most popular stoves used by homeowners. This is due to the fact that they offer an easier burn and provide more control over heating costs. You can also burn wood legally in Smoke Control Areas, which is an enormous benefit because it lets you avoid the fines imposed on people who use stoves that are not approved. They are available in a variety of styles to suit your home. Clean Burn Technology Clean burn technology is employed in log burners that are approved by the defra to reduce the amount and type of smoke and particles emitted. It has been demonstrated that this technology can reduce the health risks associated with poor air in urban areas. This is particularly true when using a wood-burning stove or fireplace. Bergen, for instance, realized the importance of implementing measures to improve air quality. As a result, non-cleanburn stoves have been banned in the city. The trade-in program was a huge 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 fed with enough oxygen to ignite and burn the fuel. This is achieved by having a secondary or tertiary air feed which allows extra combustion air to enter the appliance in addition to the primary and/or the main air intake. Typically, a secondary feed is located on the back of the stove under or inside the fire box and a tertiary air intake will be situated in the centre. Modern stoves are exempt from Defra tests and are able to burn wood legally in Smoke Control Areas. This is when the right type 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 have been tested and is able to emit no more than 3g of smoke per hour which is the legal limit for many UK towns and cities. If a stove emits excess emissions, the owner can be fined up to PS300. A stove that is approved by Defra will have the Defra mark on it, and also an Ecodesign label. The Ecodesign label will take effect in 2022. To be Ecodesign compatible, stoves have to be able to pass rigorous emissions tests and have a minimum efficiency rating of 72%. A stove with an efficient rating will reduce the amount pollution generated by it, and will save you money on heating costs. Smoke Control Areas Suitable The UK government has set strict emission limits for fireplaces and stoves. They are designed to make the country a cleaner and healthier living space. Many cities and towns houses are located in Smoke Control Areas, where the production of dark smoke could be a nuisance for residents. If you have an older wood burning stove or open fire and you live in a smoke control area, it is important to upgrade your appliances to Defra approved Log Burners. These are more clean burning and green than traditional log burners. Leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax are continuing to develop their products and are producing models with secondary and secondary combustion systems that reduce emissions. These advanced burners will save you money in the long run on fuel costs. DEFRA approved or Defra Exempt are terms that indicate that the stove has passed a test that was designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in the UK. This test ensures the stove is safe used in smoke-free areas. The term Defra Exempt is also applied to some models that have passed the test and is able to burn approved smokeless fuels that are listed on a list provided by Defra. These fuels are not compatible with wood. If you have an older non-DEFRA approved stove and you use it in a smoke controlled area you could be fined for violating the law. You can check whether you are in a smoke-control area by visiting the official Defra website. To avoid a fine, only burn dry seasoned wood and Defra approved smokeless fuels and not logs or any other wet woods. There's a broad selection of DEFRA Approved log burners on the market and the Dovre product pages will display this logo if the model is suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas. Visit the official Defra site to learn more about stoves, fireplaces and fires. Easy to Clean Cleansing your log burner is essential to help maintain its efficiency and prevent the build-up of harmful creosote that can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning can also ensure that your stove glass stays clear and clean so that you can enjoy the view of your beautiful fire without obstructed visibility. There are DEFRA legislation stoves can use to assist in the maintenance of your wood stove that include cleaning brushes and ash vacuum cleaner as well as stove polish. It is important to perform the cleaning process when your stove is cool and we suggest wearing 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 crevices and corners. You can then utilize your ash cleaner to remove any remaining ashes from the stove and dispose of them in a steel container. After your stove has been thoroughly cleaned then you can use a soft, clean cloth to apply the stove cleaner. Be careful not to touch the hot surface. To ensure that you do not produce high levels of particles, it's essential to burn only top quality and seasoned logs in your approved log burner. Look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn Logo or use a moisture-meter ensure the moisture content of the wood is less than 20 percent. Seasoning your own logs is also an option, but it can take as long as two years for the moisture to evaporate. You should avoid burning painted, stained or treated with chemicals (this includes pallets, MDF and Medium Density Fibreboard). These types of woods 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 maintaining its performance and efficiency. Install it by a professional and in a well-ventilated area, away from drafts. Stoves that are installed incorrectly could be unsafe and lead to damage, in addition to decreasing the efficiency of the stove and increasing running costs. Energy efficient Defra-approved log burners are typically more efficient in energy than their competitors. The reason is that they have passed the tests to ensure that the correct amount of air is supplied to the wood or fuel burning stoves during combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke and consequently, reduces heat loss and emissions from the stove. You can be sure that a defra-exempted wood burner is safe to use in conjunction with your chimney, since it has a chimney diameter of 5” (150mm). Non-Defra approved stoves have larger chimney outlet, which could create problems when fitting a chimney liner. At The Stove Yard we can offer a range of 5” chimney liners for your wood or multi fuel defra exempt stove. The majority of the stoves we sell at The Stove Yard are Defra approved and feature the most recent clean burning technology. A majority of our models come with secondary and tertiary air intakes to help ensure that the fuel burns effectively. This increases the efficiency of the stove as well as reduce 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 with large populations are classified as Smoke Control Areas. To comply with the law it is mandatory to make use of a DEFRA-approved appliance when burning wood or smokeless coal. ClearSkies-certified defra-approved cooktop to prove that it meets the latest Ecodesign emission standards that came into effect a year ago. This is the best choice when you reside in a region with Smoke Control. It makes your stove green and will be in compliance with the law. The ESSE 700 Vista is one instance of an extremely elegant and highly efficient Defra Approved log burner that has the option to be equipped with an smoke control kit when needed.