Defra Approved Log Burners
If you reside in a smoke-controlled zone, then you'll need a defra-approved stove to comply with the regulations of the government. This will permit you to legally burn authorized fuels, such as briquettes and authorized firewood.
These stoves are eco-friendly because they use third and secondary combustion systems. This reduces the amount of smoke and therefore is better for your chimney flue system and neighbors.
Clean Burn Technology
Defra Approved stoves are a great choice for Smoke Control Areas and in any urban setting typically built-up areas. These modern appliances are also known as DEFRA-exempt stoves. They are designed to provide pure burning and high heating efficiency, which can save you money while keeping your home warm. These modern appliances are equipped with secondary and tertiary systems to reduce the amount of smoke that is released into the air.
If your stove is not DEFRA certified, you can convert it using a simple kit. Defra approval is obtained through the passing of stringent emissions tests set out by the UK Government's Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) that limit the amount of black smoke the stove is able to produce during all stages of normal operation.
If you live in a Smoke-Control Area, it is illegal to use anything other than a DEFRA-approved log burner, or an open fire. The use of a non-approved wood burning appliance will result in hefty fines. The good part is that DEFRA approve stoves will allow you to continue to burn your preferred logs if they are properly seasoned.
To ensure maximum performance and a clean burn from a DEFRA approved stove, we suggest you only burn dry, seasoned hardwood with less than 20%. A Moisture Meter is a useful tool that you can use to determine the amount of moisture in your wood.
If older stoves are not used correctly they could emit huge amounts of nuisance smoke. This is because of a process known as'slumbering.' A stove that is slumbering will shut the air intake too much, which causes the fuel to not ignite fully. This results in a lack heat and more smoke. Exempt stoves from Defra have their top air controls altered so that you are unable to shut them completely.
Clean-burning technology is an important aspect in improving the air quality in cities across Europe. We believe that encouraging the use DEFRA-exempt stoves, and banning older, polluting stoves is a crucial step in the right directions.
Emissions of Smoke are low
Many people decide to install log burners in their homes due to the delicious scent they emit and the warm feel they bring to a room. However, the fact is that a significant amount of pollution is caused by a wood burning stove. The pollution rises up the chimney, and then pollutes the air outside, and a portion of it will also get into neighboring homes via vents or gaps in doors and windows.
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 reduce by half the PM emissions of a typical stove. If you reside in a smoke control area then you must look for an DEFRA approved stove, since the law prohibits the use of any non-DEFRA approved appliance in these areas.
You can be assured that a Defra-approved stove is designed to produce a low amount of emissions. This is usually done through a second phase of combustion, which means that waste gases are reused and burned again, resulting in less pollution being released into the atmosphere. Use kiln-dried or seasoned wood, since it burns more efficiently and contain a lower amount of moisture.
A stove that is Defra-approved has been tested rigorously to ensure it meets the most current European emission standards. These standards are referred to as Ecodesign and were introduced to improve air quality. If you purchase a Defra-approved stove, you'll be helping the environment!
A DEFRA-approved log burner is not just energy efficient, but it can also lower your heating bills. They consume less fuel since they produce less heat. This makes them a great alternative to gas or oil burners.
Eco-Friendly
As you may already know that using log burners to warm your home can be very environmentally friendly. It is essential to choose the right type of fuel. The wrong fuel type can damage your stove and cause problems with your chimney. It could also void your warranty. Dry wood and manufactured solid fuels such as brquettes or fire logs as well as traditional house coal create less smoke and pollution.
Dry wood, kiln-dried, has a moisture content of 20% or less and burns far more efficiently than wet or untreated wood. Wood that is treated but not wet produces excessive smoke emissions that can be harmful to the human body. Only a few minutes of exposure can cause respiratory issues. Be aware that a number of regions in the UK have smoke control zones that restrict the amount of smoke you can emit. If you exceed the limit, you will be penalized. Use a defra-approved log burner, and make sure that the fuel you burn conforms to the standards set by the government.
When properly used when it is properly used, a stove that is Defra-approved will also have very low emissions. If you have one placed in a smoke-free location, it can halve PM2.5* pollution when compared to an unefficient stove. The best way to ensure that your stove is as environmentally friendly as possible is to invest in a Defra approved model and only use sustainable, locally sourced wood that has been kiln dried to reduce the moisture content.
Avoid burning treated wood in any form including old fence panels and furniture. These emit toxic pollutants which can have a serious effect on the environment and human health. It is important to regularly clean your stove that is Defra-approved and look for any obstructions in the flue. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your appliance and ensure it functioning efficiently. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to operate and maintain your stove. relevant webpage includes regular cleaning and sweeping of the chimney.
Neighbourly Friendly
While it is essential to use Defra approved log burners and only burn authorised fuels, it is equally crucial that you take the time to maintain your stove in a proper manner. Failure to do so can result in harmful contaminants, like carbon monoxide (CO) that are released into your home. CO is a colorless and unodourless gas that may cause death if inhaled at high concentrations.
You could be fined as high as PS1,000 if you don't have a stove that is Defra-approved and reside in a smoke-free area. This is because non-Defra approved stoves emit more smoke than what is permitted in these areas. It is therefore essential to use a Defra-approved stove and only burn authorised materials in areas that are smoke-controlled.
When burning wood in a Defra approved stove, you should select seasoned hardwood logs rather than softwood varieties. Hardwoods have less moisture content and are more effective at retaining their heat. They also burn more quickly so you won't have to refill 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 the stove is properly vented, and that it does not release harmful pollutants into your home.
In addition to avoiding fines when using a non-Defra approved stove in a smoke-free zone There are a myriad of other advantages of using a Defra approved stove. These include:
A Defra approved stove is also more efficient at heating your home, which could result in cost savings on your energy bills. It will be able to heat your home using the same amount of fuel while producing lower emissions. This is why more and more people are choosing Defra approved stoves over traditional open fires.
Additionally, an Defra approved stove will have advanced features that can help you to be neighbour friendly. Airwash systems help keep your stove's glass clear and clean and also prevent it from being obstructed by smoke or grime.