Defra Approved Log Burners
If you live in a smoke controlled zone, then you'll need a defra approved stove that is in compliance with government regulations. This will permit you to legally burn authorized fuels such as briquettes or authorized firewood.
These stoves are eco-friendly because they use third and second combustion systems. This helps reduce the amount of smoke, which is beneficial for your chimney, flue system, and neighbours.
Clean Burn Technology
Defra Approved Stoves are a great choice for Smoke Control Areas as well as in any urban setting. These modern appliances, often referred to as DEFRA exempt stoves, are made to provide a clean burning and high heating efficiency which will save you money on fuel prices while keeping your home warm. They typically have secondary and tertiary combustion methods that help to reduce the amount of smoke emitted into the air.
If your stove is not DEFRA approved you can convert it using an easy kit. Defra approval is only granted after passing the strict emissions tests set by the UK Government Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests restrict the amount of black smoke a stove will emit throughout its normal use.
If you live in an area which is classified as a Smoke Control Area and you live in one, it is illegal to use any stove other than one that is a DEFRA approved log burner or open fire. Wood burning devices that are not approved by DEFRA will result in heavy fines. The good news is, DEFRA approved stoves permit you to burn your favorite logs if they are properly prepared.
We recommend that you only burn hardwoods with a moisture level of less than 20% to ensure optimal performance and a clean burn in a DEFRA-approved stove. A Moisture Meter is a handy tool that can be used to determine the amount of moisture in your wood.
If older stoves are not properly used they can release huge amounts of nuisance smoke. This is due to a process called'slumbering.' A slumbering burner will close down the air intake to much, causing the fuel not to ignite completely. This causes a loss of heat and smoke. The stoves that are exempt from Defra have their top air controls changed so that you are unable to shut them all the way.
Clean-burning technology is an important element in improving the quality of air in cities across Europe. We believe that encouraging the use of DEFRA-exempt stoves, and banning older, more polluting stoves is an important step in the right directions.
Low Smoke Emissions
Many people opt to install log burners in their home because of the amazing smell they produce and the warm feeling that they provide to a space. However, the reality is that a lot of pollution is created by a stove that burns wood. This pollution is emitted through the chimney, contaminating the air outside. Some of it can also be absorbed by neighbouring homes through vents and gaps around doors and window.
To reduce the amount of harmful pollutants, it is an ideal idea to buy an DEFRA approved stove or fire. These stoves are designed to be much cleaner than older models and can reduce by half the PM emissions of a standard stove. If you live in an area that has smoke control in place it is essential to have an approved DEFRA stove. The law prohibits the use of non-approved DEFRA appliances in these areas.
If you buy a Defra approved stove you can be sure that the process of combustion is optimized for low emissions. This is usually accomplished through a second combustion phase, which recycles waste gases, and then burned again. This results in less pollution being released into the atmosphere. It is also recommended to use seasoned or kiln-dried wood, as it has lower moisture content and will burn more efficiently.
A stove that is Defra approved has been through rigorous tests to ensure it complies with the most current European emissions standards. These are known as the Ecodesign standards and were introduced to help improve air quality So, by buying a Defra approved stove, you will be helping the environment!
In addition to reducing the level of PM emissions in addition, the DEFRA approved log burner is also energy efficient and can dramatically reduce your heating expenses. They use less fuel because they produce less heat. This makes them a great alternative to oil or gas burners.
Eco-Friendly
As you've probably guessed that using log burners to heat your home can be very green. However, Keep Reading is important to only use the correct fuel type. The wrong fuel can damage your stove, affect your chimney, and even end the warranty. Dry wood and manufactured solid fuels (such as briquettes and fire logs) produce much less smoke and polluting than traditional house coal and wet wood.
Dry wood that has been kiln dried has a moisture content of 20% or less and is much more efficient in burning than wet or untreated wood. Wet, untreated wood produces excessive smoke emissions that are harmful to the human body. Only a short amount of exposure could cause respiratory issues. It's important to keep in mind that a lot of regions in the UK are now smoke control zones - which means that you can only legally emit 3g of smoke per hour, or pay a fine. The best way to ensure you don't get caught is to use a certified log burner and always checking that the fuel you're burning complies with the standards required by law.
In the same way, if used correctly when it is properly used, a Defra approved stove will produce very low emissions. And when it is installed in a smoke-free zone it will reduce by half the PM2.5* pollution compared to an inefficient stove. The best way to ensure that your stove is as eco-friendly as possible is to purchase a Defra approved model and only ever burn sustainable, locally sourced wood that has been kiln dried to reduce the moisture content.
It's also recommended to avoid burning any kind of treated wood, including old fence panels and furniture. They release toxic substances which can have a severe impact on human health and the environment. It is recommended to clean your stove that is Defra-approved and check for any obstructions in the flue. Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of your appliance and keep it running efficiently. Always follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to use and maintain your stove. This includes regular cleaning and sweeping the chimney.
Neighbour Friendly
It is vital to ensure that your stove is maintained properly. Failure to do this could cause dangerous pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO) which is released into your home. CO is a colourless and odourless gas that can cause death if inhaled at high concentrations.
You could be fined as high as PS1,000 if you don't possess a Defra-approved kitchen appliance and reside in a smoke-free area. This is because non-Defra approved stoves emit more smoke than permitted in these areas. Therefore, it is essential to use a Defra-approved stove and only use approved materials in areas that are smoke-controlled.
If you are burning wood in a Defra approved stove, you should select seasoned hardwood logs rather than softwood ones. Hardwoods have lower moisture content and are better at retaining their heat. They also burn faster, so you won't need to refill as often.
It is also important to use only stoves that are Defra-approved, and in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer. This will ensure the stove is properly vented, and that it does not emit harmful emissions into your home.
In addition to not having to pay fines for making use of a non-Defra-approved stove in a smoke controlled area There are a myriad of other benefits of having a Defra approved stove. These include:
A Defra approved stove is also more efficient at heating your home, which can result in cost savings on your energy bills. This is because it is capable of heating your home with the same amount of fuel, while producing significantly less emissions. This is why more and more people are opting for Defra approved stoves over traditional open fires.
Additionally it is important to note that a Defra approved stove will come with advanced features that allow you be a good neighbor. These include airwash systems that keep the glass of your stove clear and clean and prevents it from getting blocked by smoke and grime.