Defra Approved Log Burners
If you reside in a smoke-controlled area, then you'll require a defra approved stove that is in compliance with government regulations. This will allow you to burn approved fuels including briquettes, briquettes, and firewood that has been approved by the government.
These stoves are eco-friendly because they use third and secondary combustion systems. This reduces the amount of smoke, which is beneficial for your chimney the flue system, chimney, and neighbours.
Clean Burn Technology
Defra Approved Stoves are a great option for Smoke Control Areas as well as in any urban environment. These modern appliances, also known as DEFRA exempt stoves, are designed to offer a clean burn and high heating efficiency and save you money on fuel costs while keeping your home warm. These modern appliances are outfitted with secondary and tertiary mechanisms that cut down on the amount of smoke that is released into the air.
Modern stoves, even in the event that they are not DEFRA approved can be made one with an easy kit. Defra approval is only granted after passing the strict emissions tests, which are prescribed by the UK Government Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests restrict the amount of black smoke a stove can produce at all stages of normal use.
If you live in an area classified as a Smoke Control Area, then it's illegal to use any stove other than a DEFRA approved log burner or open fire. If you use a wood-burning appliance could result in heavy fines. The good news is, DEFRA approved stoves permit you to burn your preferred logs provided 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 a moisture content of less than 20%. You can test the moisture content of your wood by using a handy tool called a Moisture Meter.
If older stoves are not used correctly, they can emit large amounts o nuisance smoke. additional resources is caused by a process known as 'slumbering'. A stove that is slumbering can close the air intake too much, which causes the fuel to not ignite fully. This causes a loss of heat and more smoke. The top air controls on stoves exempt from Defra are modified so that you aren't able to close them all the way.
Clean-burn technology that is modern and efficient is a major factor in improving the air quality of cities across Europe. We believe that promoting the use of stoves exempt from DEFRA, and removing older, polluting stoves is an important step in the right directions.
Low Smoke Emissions
Many people decide to install log burners in their home due to the delicious scent they emit and the warm feel they give to a room. A wood-burning stove can produce a lot of pollution. The smoke is released up the chimney, polluting the air outside. Some of it may be able to enter homes of neighbours through vents and gaps around windows and doors.
In order to minimise these harmful pollutants, it's an ideal idea to buy an DEFRA approved stove or fire. These stoves are designed to be cleaner than older models and reduce PM emissions by half. If you reside in a smoke-free zone then you should look for an DEFRA certified stove, as the law bans the use of any non-DEFRA approved appliance in these areas.
You can be confident that a stove approved by Defra has been designed to produce a low amount of emissions. This is usually done through an additional combustion stage which recycles waste gases to be burned and then burned again. This results in less pollution released into the atmosphere. You should also be sure to use kiln dried or seasoned wood, as it has less moisture, and will burn more efficiently.
A Defra approved stove will also have passed stringent tests to ensure that it is in line with the most recent European emission standards. These are referred to as Ecodesign standards and have been introduced to help improve the quality of air and therefore by purchasing a Defra approved stove, you will be doing your part for the environment!
A approved log burner from DEFRA is not just energy efficient, but can also reduce your heating costs. They consume less fuel as they produce less heat. This makes them a great alternative to gas or oil burners.
Eco-Friendly
As you probably already know that using log burners to warm your home can be extremely green. It is important to use the right type of fuel. A wrong fuel type could damage your stove and cause problems with your chimney. It may also invalidate your warranty. Dry wood and manufactured solid fuels (such as briquettes and fire logs) produce less smoke and pollution than traditional house coal and wet wood.
Dry wood, kiln-dried, has an average moisture content of 20 percent or less, and it burns far more efficiently than untreated or wet wood. Untreated or wet wood creates excessive smoke emissions, which can be harmful to health. Only a couple of minutes of exposure can cause respiratory issues. It is important to be aware that many parts of the UK have smoke control zones that limit the ability of your body to emit smoke. If you exceed this threshold, you'll be penalized. Use a defra-approved log burner and ensure that the fuel you use is in compliance with the standards required by law.
When properly used, a stove that has been approved by Defra will also emit very low emissions. If it is installed in a smoke-free area it can reduce by half PM2.5* pollution when compared to an unefficient stove. Making the investment in a Defra-approved stove and burning only sustainable wood that has been kiln dried to reduce moisture content is the most effective method to make your stove green as possible.
It's also worth avoiding burning any form of treated wood, including old furniture and fence panels. They release toxic pollutants that could have a negative impact on the environment and human health. To make your Defra approved stove as environmentally friendly as possible it is important to regularly clean it and inspect the flue for obstructions. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your appliance and ensure it running efficiently. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use and maintain your stove. This includes regular cleaning and sweeping of the chimney.
Neighbour Friendly
While it is essential to make sure you use Defra approved log burners and only burn authorised fuels, it is equally important to ensure you properly maintain your stove. Carbon monoxide (CO) and other harmful contaminants can leak into your home if you don't take the time to properly maintain your stove. CO is a colorless and unodourless gas that may cause death if inhaled at high levels.
You could be fined as much as PS1,000 if you do not possess a Defra-approved kitchen appliance and live in a smoke-controlled area. Non-Defra approved appliances produce more smoke in smoke-controlled areas than is permitted. This is why it is vital to use a Defra approved stove and only burn authorised fuels in smoke-controlled areas.
If you're burning wood in a Defra-approved stove it is recommended to use hardwood logs that have been seasoned rather than softwood. Hardwoods have less moisture content and are more effective at retaining their heat. They also burn faster which means you'll have to refuel your stove less frequently.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should only use Defra approved stoves in line with the manufacturer's instructions. This will ensure that the stove is properly vented and does not release harmful pollutants into your home.
A Defra-approved stove has numerous other advantages. It will allow you to avoid penalties if you use an non approved stove from Defra in a controlled area. These include:
A Defra approved stove is also more efficient in heating your home, which will result in cost savings on your energy bills. This is due to the fact that it will be capable of heating your home with the same amount of fuel while producing significantly lower emissions. This is why more people are choosing Defra approved stoves instead of traditional open fires.
A Defra-approved stove will also come with advanced features to assist you in being a neighbor-friendly. These include airwash systems that keep the glass of your stove clean and clear to prevent it from becoming blocked by smoke and grime.