Defra Approved Log Burners
If you reside in a region which is smoke-free and you live in a smoke-free area, you must make use of a defra-approved stove in order to ensure compliance with the rules of the government. This will allow you to legally burn authorized fuels, such as briquettes and authorised firewood.
These kinds of stoves are often more environmentally friendly than older models since they utilize secondary and third-party combustion systems. This reduces the amount of smoke that is produced and consequently is more beneficial for your chimney, flue system and neighbours.
Clean Burn Technology
Defra Approved Stoves that are Defra approved are an excellent option for Smoke Control Areas, and in any urban area. These modern appliances, often referred to as DEFRA exempt stoves, are designed to offer a clean burn and a high degree of efficiency when heating and save your money on fuel expenses while keeping your home warm. They typically come with secondary and tertiary combustion systems which help reduce the amount of smoke released into the atmosphere.
The majority of modern stoves, in the event that they are not DEFRA approved can be made one using a simple kit. Defra approval is obtained by passing stringent emissions tests conducted by the UK Government's Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) that limit the amount of black smoke the stove can emit during all phases of normal operation.
If you live in a Smoke-Control Area It is illegal to make use of anything other than a DEFRA-approved log burner or an open fire. The use of a non-approved wood burning appliance can result in heavy fines. The good news is, DEFRA approved stoves let you use your favorite logs to burn if they have been properly prepared.
We recommend that you burn wood with an average moisture of less than 20% to ensure optimal performance and a clean burning in a DEFRA-approved stove. A Moisture Meter is a useful tool that you can use to test the moisture content in your wood.
Older stoves, if used incorrectly, can emit large amounts of nuisance smoke. This is due to a process known as 'slumbering'. A slumbering burner can shut down the air intake an extent, which causes the fuel to not ignite completely. This causes a loss of heat and more smoke. Defra exempt stoves have their top air controls altered so that you are unable to close them completely.
Clean-burning technology is an important aspect in improving the air quality in cities across Europe. We believe that banning older, polluting stoves as well as encouraging the use of DEFRA exempt stoves is a big step in the right direction.
Low Smoke Emissions
Many people choose to have log burners in their homes because of the amazing smell that they create and the warm feeling that they provide to a space. But the truth is that a significant amount of pollution is created by a stove that burns wood. The pollution is emitted through the chimney, contaminating the air outside. Some of it can be able to enter homes of neighbours through vents and gaps around windows and doors.
In order to minimise these harmful pollutants, it is a good idea to buy a DEFRA approved stove or fire. These stoves are specially designed to be cleaner than older models and can halve the PM emissions of a typical stove. If you live in a smoke control area then you will need to look for the DEFRA certified stove, as the law bans the use of any non-DEFRA certified appliance in these areas.
You can be confident that a stove that is Defra-approved has been optimised to emit low levels of carbon dioxide. This is typically done by another combustion stage, where waste gases are recycled to be burned and then burned again. This results in less pollution being released into the atmosphere. Make sure to use seasoned or kiln-dried wood, as it will burn more efficiently and contain a lower amount of moisture.
A Defra approved stove will also have been through rigorous tests to prove that it meets the latest European emission standards. These are referred to as Ecodesign standards and have been created to improve air quality, so by purchasing a Defra approved stove you will be doing your bit for the environment!
A approved log burner from DEFRA is not just efficient in energy use, but it can also lower your heating bills. They consume less fuel since they produce less heat. This makes them an excellent alternative to gas or oil burners.
Eco-Friendly
Log burners can be environmentally friendly ways to heat your home. However, it is crucial to use the correct fuel type. The wrong fuel type can damage your stove and cause issues with your chimney. It could also invalidate your warranty. Dry wood and manufactured solid fuels (such as briquettes and fire logs) produce far less smoke and pollution than traditional house coal and wet wood.
Dry, kiln-dried wood has 20% or less of moisture% or less and burns much more efficiently than wet or untreated wood. Wet or untreated wood causes excessive smoke emissions, which can be harmful to the health of humans. Only a couple of minutes of exposure can lead to respiratory problems. Be aware that a lot of areas in the UK have smoke control zones, which restrict your ability to emit smoke. If you exceed this limit, you could be penalized. Make sure you use a log burner that is approved by defra, and make sure that the fuel you burn is in compliance with the standards required by law.
If used properly If it is used correctly, when used correctly, a Defra approved stove will emit very low emissions - and if you have one fitted in a smoke-free area it will cut down on PM2.5* pollution compared to a stove that is inefficient. The most effective way to make sure your stove is as environmentally friendly as you can is to purchase an Defra approved model and only ever burn sustainable, locally sourced wood that has been dried to reduce the moisture content.
Avoid burning treated wood in any form including old fence panels and furniture. 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved release toxic substances that can have a serious impact on the health of humans and the environment. You should regularly clean your stove that is Defra-approved and check for any blockages in the flue. Regular maintenance will help prolong the lifespan of your stove and ensure it is operating efficiently. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how to use and maintain your stove. This includes regular cleaning and sweeping the chimney.
Neighbour Friendly
While it is crucial to use Defra approved log burners and only use authorised fuels, it is important to make the effort to properly maintain your stove. Failure to do this could result in harmful pollutants, like carbon monoxide (CO) which is released into your home. CO is a colourless and smellless gas that could cause death if breathed in high levels.
You could be fined as much as PS1,000 if you do not own a Defra-approved stove and reside in a smoke-free area. This is because non-Defra-approved stoves produce more smoke than what is permitted in these areas. It is therefore crucial to use a stove that has been approved by Defra and only burn authorised materials in areas that are smoke-controlled.
If you're burning wood in a stove that has been approved by Defra, it is best to choose hardwood logs which have been seasoned rather than softwood. Hardwoods have less moisture content and are more effective at retaining their heat. They also burn more quickly, so you won't need to refuel as often.
It is also important to use only stoves that have been approved by Defra and in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer. This will ensure that the stove is properly vented and doesn't emit harmful toxins into your home.
A Defra-approved stove has numerous other advantages. It can help you avoid fines if you use an non Defra-approved stove in a controlled area. These include:
A Defra approved stove will also be more efficient in heating your home, which could result in savings on your energy bills. It can heat your home with the same amount of fuel while generating less emissions. This is the reason why many prefer stoves that are Defra-approved over open fires.
A stove that is Defra-approved will also have advanced features to help you be a neighbour-friendly. They include airwash systems that keep the glass of your stove clear and clean and prevents it from getting blocked by smoke and grime.