"Ask Me Anything": Ten Answers To Your Questions About Defra Approved Log Burner

Defra Approved Log Burners

If you live in a smoke controlled area then you will need an approved DEFRA Recommended Stoves stove to comply with the laws of the government. This permits you to burn approved fuels for use, like briquettes and authorised firewood.

They are eco-friendly because they use third and secondary combustion systems. This helps reduce the amount of smoke, which is more beneficial for your chimney system the flue system, chimney, and neighbours.

Clean Burn Technology

Defra Approved Stoves are the ideal option for Smoke Control Areas, and in any urban area. These modern appliances are also called DEFRA-exempted stoves. They are designed to provide a clean burning and high heating efficiency, which can save you money while keeping your home warm. Modern stoves are fitted with secondary and tertiary mechanisms that cut down on the amount of smoke released into the air.

The majority of modern stoves, which aren't DEFRA approved can be made one by the use of a simple kit. Defra approval is achieved by passing the stringent emission tests laid out by the UK Government's Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) which limit the amount of black smoke the stove can produce throughout its normal operation.

If you reside in an area that is classified as a Smoke Control Area and you live in one, it is against the law to use any stove other than one that is a DEFRA approved log burner or open fire. Incorrectly authorised wood burning appliances can result in heavy fines. The good news is that DEFRA approved stoves will allow you to continue burning your favorite logs, Defra recommended stoves provided they are properly seasoned.

We suggest that you burn hardwoods with less than 20% to ensure optimal performance and a clean burning in an approved DEFRA stove. A Moisture Meter is a handy tool that you can use to determine the amount of moisture in your wood.

If older stoves are used incorrectly they can release large amounts o nuisance smoke. This is due to a process called'slumbering.' A slumbering stove will close the air intake too much which causes the fuel to not ignite fully. This leads to a lack of heat and smoke. Defra exempt stoves have their top air controls altered so that you are unable to shut them all the way.

Newer clean-burn technology is a significant factor in improving the air quality of cities across Europe. We believe that the ban on older, polluting stoves as well as encouraging the use of DEFRA exempt stoves is a huge step in the right direction.

Low Smoke Emissions

Many people opt to install log stoves in their homes because of the wonderful smell that they create and the warm feeling that they give to a room. But the truth is that a significant amount of pollution is created by a wood-burning stove. The smoke rises up the chimney and pollutes the air outside, and some of it also gets into homes of neighbors through vents or gaps in windows and doors.

It is recommended to buy a DEFRA-approved stove or fire to lower the harmful emissions. These stoves are designed to be cleaner than older models, and can halve the PM emissions of a typical stove. If you reside in a smoke-free zone then you must choose the DEFRA certified stove, as the law bans the use of any non-DEFRA-approved appliance in these areas.

You can be sure that a Defra-approved stove is designed to produce a low amount of emissions. This is typically done by a second phase of combustion which means that waste gases are recycled and then burned again, resulting in less pollution being released into the atmosphere. It is also recommended to use seasoned or kiln-dried wood, DEFRA recommended stoves as it has less moisture, and will burn more efficiently.

A Defra-approved stove will have also passed rigorous tests to ensure it meets the most recent European emission standards. These standards are called Ecodesign and were created to improve the quality of air. By purchasing a Defra-approved stove, you'll be helping the environment!

A log burner that is DEFRA-approved is not just energy efficient, but it can also lower your heating bills. This is because they generate significantly less heat than other kinds of stoves, which means they require significantly less fuel to operate. This makes them a fantastic alternative to oil or gas burners.

Eco-Friendly

As you've probably guessed, using log burners to heat your home is very environmentally friendly. But, it is essential to use the correct fuel type. A wrong fuel type could damage your stove and cause issues with your chimney. It may also invalidate your warranty. Dry wood, manufactured solid fuels such as fire logs or briquettes, and traditional house coal produce less smoke and pollute.

Dry, kiln dried wood has a moisture level that is 20% or less and is able to burn much more efficiently than wet or untreated wood. Untreated, wet wood emits excessive smoke emissions that are harmful to the human body. A short amount of exposure could cause respiratory problems. You should also be aware that a number of regions in the UK have smoke control zones, which restrict your ability to emit smoke. If you exceed the limit, you could be fined. The best way to avoid being caught is to use a certified log burner and making sure that the fuel you're burning is in line with the standards required by law.

In the same way, if used correctly when it is properly used, a Defra approved stove will have very low emissions - and if you have one fitted in a smoke-free area it will reduce by half the PM2.5pollution, compared to a stove that is inefficient. By investing in a model that is Defra approved and burning only sustainable wood that has been kiln dried to decrease moisture content is the most effective method of making your stove environmentally friendly as you can.

It's also recommended to avoid burning any form of treated wood, which includes old fence panels and furniture. They release toxic substances that could have a negative impact on the environment and human health. To make your Defra approved stove as eco sustainable as you can, you should be sure to clean it regularly and check the flue for obstructions. Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your stove and ensure that it runs efficiently. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how to operate and maintain your stove. This includes regular cleaning, sweeping the chimney and checking for any blockages.

Neighbour Friendly

While it is important to make sure you use Defra approved log burners and only use authorised fuels, it's equally crucial that you ensure you maintain your stove in a proper manner. Carbon monoxide (CO) and other dangerous pollutants can be released into your home if you don't take the time to properly maintain your stove. CO is an odourless, colorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations.

It's worth noting that, if you live in a smoke-free area and do not have a Defra approved stove, you could be punished up to PS1,000. This is because non-Defra approved stoves produce more smoke than what is permitted in these areas. As a result, it is crucial to use a Defra approved stove and only burn authorised fuels in smoke-controlled areas.

If you're using wood in a stove that is Defra-approved it is recommended to use hardwood logs which have been seasoned rather than softwood. Hardwoods are less moist and will hold heat better. They also burn more quickly and this means you will need to refuel your stove less often.

Another important point to remember is that you should use Defra approved stoves that comply with the manufacturer's specifications. This will ensure the stove is properly vented and it doesn't emit harmful pollution into your home.

A stove that is Defra-approved comes with numerous benefits. It can help you avoid penalties if you use an non approved Defra stove in a controlled area. These include:

A stove that is approved by Defra will help you heat your home more efficiently and result in lower energy bills. It will be able to heat your home with the same amount of fuel while generating less emissions. This is the reason why many prefer Defra-approved stoves to open fires.

A Defra-approved stove will also come with advanced features to make you a more welcoming neighbor. They include airwash systems that keep the glass of your stove clean and clear, preventing it from becoming obscured with smoke and grime.