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What is a Defra Log Burner? The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emissions of smoke from wood burning stoves. There are regulations that ban chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas in the event that you are using an exempt appliance or fuel that is authorised. The new rules limit the amount that a stove can emit of smoke to 3g/hour. If homeowners fail to comply, they will be fined on the spot. To avoid this, you must make use of Defra approved log burners and only use kiln dried wood with the “Ready to Burn” label. What is a Defra Approved Stove? A stove that is Defra-approved that has passed the DEFRA test. It is therefore exempted from smoke-control laws in areas where wood (and other materials that are authorised) are allowed to be burned. The Defra logo is well-known and has been embraced by the industry. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will often be identified by SE (Smoke-Exempt) as an easy and quick method to identify them. Stoves that are Defra Approved must be tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure that they meet strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves deliver maximum heat output with ultra low levels of smoke emissions. They typically achieve these low emissions by ensuring that the combustion gases are burned again in the second burn. This is important because it allows the combustion to continue at a high rate while reducing the amount combustibles released into the atmospheric air. DEFRA exempt stoves are also more environmentally friendly than other wood burning stoves since they are less likely to release part-burnt combustibles that are sent down the chimney. Contrary to some stoves that have to close the air vents in order to allow them to sleep over the night, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flues open, which means they are much less likely to discharge part-burnt combustibles down the chimney, where they could stop it from getting there. If you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, a Defra Approved wood-burning stove is a great idea as it will keep your neighbours happy and will ensure that your chimney remains clear for a longer time. Defra exempt stoves for wood burning are available in a broad selection of designs and styles, and there are a variety of options to suit both traditional and modern homes. The sleek, minimalist design is an important factor in choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. These stoves are ideal for modern living spaces and can be fitted into a fireplace chamber, inglenook or can be free standing. Modern stoves like the Aarrow I400 and the minimalist Farringdon would look great in any space. You can also get Defra Exempt Stoves with traditional styled stoves like the Saxon A08E or the Arizona A08E. What is what is a Defra exempt stove? A Defra Exempt or Defra Approved Stove is a wood-burning stove that has been tested and approved by the government's DEFRA department to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to produce a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emissions while also producing the highest degree of heat for your house. The main reason that you need a Defra stove is that if your residence is located in a Smoke Control Area then you will not be allowed to legally install any wood-burning or multifuel stove that isn't approved by DEFRA. Installing a non-Defra stove in your home could result in a hefty penalty. Defra approved stoves have had their combustion air system modified to limit the amount of oxygen that can reach the wood during the burning process. Modifying the air vent on top is the method used to achieve this. The stove will allow air to flow even if the vent is shut completely. This stops the firewood from burning and keeps it from becoming depleted of air. From the outside of a Defra stove, you won't be able to discern that it's different from any other wood-burning stove. The adjustment for combustion air is hidden beneath the base of the wood stove or in the top of the front. Most Defra Stoves are allowed to burn wood or certain types of smokeless fuels such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite etc. However there are a variety of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel-approved and these can be used to burn a variety of different fuels. There are a variety of reasons why you should consider a Defra stove, regardless if you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra stoves are better for your environment, they release less smoke and they help keep your chimney free of accumulated. They are also better because they produce more heat and release fewer toxins into the air. What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove? A Defra wood burning stove, also known as a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove, is a stove which has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This test focuses on emission levels and the amount of smoke a stove can produce throughout all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the Defra test can be placed within Smoke Control Areas in cities and large towns. The test also confirms that the stove can be used with authorised fuels, including smokeless coal and anthracite. Additionally, a Defra log burner is more eco-friendly and can help you prevent neighbors from being upset by smoke emissions. Wood burners that are approved by Defra have had their combustion air control modified, often inside the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification prevents users from closing the air control completely as this could starve the stove and make it release excessive amounts of smoke. To keep a Defra approved stove or one that is exempt from Defra operating properly, it must be maintained on a regular basis. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue regularly. You should also make sure there aren't any obstructions and that the firebox is clean and that the flue is free of debris. While it isn't legally required to have a Defra exempt stove, particularly in the absence of an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, it is a good idea to buy one because they are more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will reduce your fuel costs over the long term. A Defra approved appliance can also reduce the amount of smoke and dust that are released into your home which is better for your health and your neighbours. www.fireplacesandstove.com offers a range of DEFRA-approved stoves in modern and traditional designs. To see if you live in a Smoke Control Area and want to discuss your options, please contact your local Varde retailer. What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove? Clean Burn Technology offers a superior quality of combustion and is the future of fireplaces and stoves. This reduces the amount of dust in the air which is better for the environment. It also saves you money on fuel costs because you can get more heat from the same logs. These stoves are so efficient that they have reduced the need for chimney sweeps, because there is a minimal amount of soot produced. As the top stove manufacturers create their products they have added secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the emissions of the stove, and decrease their users carbon footprint. A Defra approved stove is not only able to be used in Smoke Control Areas, but can also be used in a properly constructed, insulation-free chimney system in any home. These wood burning stoves and multi-fuel models come in a variety of styles to meet your preferences. There are both contemporary and traditional options in a wide range of colours and finishes to complement your interior. They are available in different sizes, so you can choose one that is suitable for your fireplace chamber or inglenook. All Defra approved wood stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing and inspections to ensure that they meet the Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and a high efficiency of combustion. This means that you can be confident that you are using your fuel responsibly while you are saving money while doing it. Utilizing only dry kiln-dried wood that is ready to burn will further improve the efficiency of your stove, and also help in reducing its emissions. If you live in a smoke-controlled area and desire the warmth of a wood burning stove and a Defra Approved Stove is a great option. Many of our customers who have bought a Defra stove are already experiencing the benefits of a healthier environment and have seen savings on their fuel bills. We suggest that your stove be professionally installed by an engineer in gas who is certified to do the job. This will ensure that it meets all building regulations. Regularly examining and servicing your stove will ensure it is operating at its peak and will avoid the need for expensive repairs in the near future.