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10 Unexpected Defra Approved Log Burner Tips
Defra Approved Log Burner

The Defra approved log burner is among the most popular stoves used by homeowners. This is due to the fact they offer a cleaner burn and offer greater control over heating costs.

They also permit you to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas which is an important benefit as it can avoid the fines that are levied against people using unapproved stoves. They come in many different styles to suit every home.

Clean Burn Technology

The clean burn technology in defra approved log burners helps to reduce the amount of smoke and particulate matter released during combustion. It has been proven that this technology can reduce the health risks associated with poor air in urban areas. This is particularly true when using a wood-burning stove or fireplace. Bergen is a prime example. The city realized the importance of taking measures to improve the quality of air. This is why stoves that are not cleanburn have been banned in the city. The trade-in program was a huge success. Bergen ranked fifth among 320 European cities in 2021 when it came to its air quality.

To achieve this, Defra approved stoves have been developed to ensure that the fire is always supplied with enough oxygen to ignite and burn the fuel. This is accomplished through having an additional or tertiary air intake that allows for additional combustion air to be injected into the appliance in addition to the main air intake. Typically, a secondary feed is located on the back of the stove, underneath or within the fire box of the stove and a tertiary air intake will be situated in the middle.

These modern stoves that are Defra-exempt have passed the most rigorous tests and are able to burn wood legally in Smoke Control Areas. This is provided the correct kind of wood that is seasoned and dried to less than 20% moisture content is used in conjunction with a Defra approved stove.

A Defra approved stove has also been tested to be capable of emitting no more than 3g of smoke per hour which is the legal limit for many UK towns and cities. If the stove is found be emitting excess emissions, the owner will be fined a sum of PS300 or more.

A Defra approved stove will be marked as an approved product on the product and will also carry an Ecodesign mark, which came into effect in 2022. To be Ecodesign compatible, stoves have to be able to pass rigorous emissions tests and must have an efficiency level of 72 percent. A stove that has an efficiency rating of high will lessen the amount of carbon dioxide produced by it, and will save you money on your heating bills.

Suitable for Smoke Control Areas

The government of the UK has set strict emission limits for fireplaces and stoves. The government wants to make the country more clean and healthier. Smoke Control Areas are found in numerous cities and towns, where the production dark smoke could cause annoyance to residents. If you have an older wood-burning stove or open fire and live in a smoke control zone, it's essential that you upgrade your appliances to Defra approved Log Burners.

They are more clean burning and environmentally friendly than the old-fashioned log burners. Leading manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax are continuing to improve their products and are introducing models that have secondary and tertiary combustion systems that further reduce emissions. These advanced burners are more efficient than their competitors and can help you save money on fuel expenses in the long run.

DEFRA approved or Defra Exempt are terms used to indicate that the stove has passed a test designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in the UK. This test assures that the stove can be used safely in smoke controlled areas. The term Defra Exempt is also used to describe models that have passed the test and are able to burn authorised smokeless fuels which are highlighted on a list provided by Defra. These fuels are not compatible with wood.

If you own an older stove that isn't DEFRA-approved and you use it in a controlled smoke area you could be penalized for breaking the law. You can check whether you are located in a smoke control area by visiting the official Defra website. In order to avoid a fine, you should only burn dry wood that has been dried and seasoned, and Defra approved smokeless fuels, not logs or other wet woods.

There are many DEFRA Approved Log Burners on the market. The Dovre product pages show this logo when the model is suitable for Smoke Control Areas. You can also find more about DEFRA approved fireplaces, stoves, and fires by visiting the official Defra website.

Easy to Clean

Keep your log burner clean to ensure its efficiency. This will also help to reduce the buildup of harmful creosote, which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning will also ensure your stove glass stays clear and clean so that you can enjoy the view of your stunning fire without having to worry about obstructions.

You may need a variety of tools to maintain your wood stove. They include a cleaning brush, ash vacuum cleaner, as well as polishing your stove. You should clean your stove when it is cool and wear heat-resistant gloves.

The first step is to clean any ash from the bottom of your stove with the grates brush, making sure you get into all the crevices and nooks. You can then use an ash vacuum to take out any remaining ashes and dispose of them in an aluminum container. Once your stove is completely clean you can apply a polish to your stove with a soft cloth making sure not to touch the hot surface.


To ensure that you don't create high levels of particles, it's essential to burn only high-quality well-seasoned, seasoned logs on your defra-approved log burner. When choosing your firewood, look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or use a moisture meter to check the moisture content is below 20%. Seasoning your own logs is also an option, however it can take as long as two years for the moisture to evaporate.

Avoid burning stained, painted or treated with chemicals (including pallets, MDF, and Medium Density Fiberboard). These woods release dangerous chemicals when they are burned, and should never be burned in a wood stove.

Proper installation of your log burner is essential for maintaining its performance and efficiency. Make sure it is installed by a qualified professional, and that it is located in a well-ventilated location where it won't be exposed to drafts. A stove that is not installed correctly could result in injuries, safety issues and higher costs.

Energy efficient

Defra-approved log burners are typically more efficient than counterparts. This is because they have passed the tests that ensure that the right amount of air is delivered to the wood or multi fuel burning stove during the process of combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke generated and reduces the emissions and heat loss from the stove.

If you buy a wood burner that is exempt from defra you can also be sure that it is going to be safe for use in your chimney system as it has an outlet size of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra Approved stoves usually have a bigger flue outlet and this could cause problems when trying to install the chimney liner. The Stove Yard offers a range 5" chimney liners to fit your wood or multi-fuel exempted stove.

The Stove Yard sells a large number of stoves that have been approved by Defra and have the most up-to-date clean burning technology. Many of our models have secondary and tertiary air feeds to ensure that the fuel burns effectively. This increases the efficiency of the stove, and reduces the amount smoke generated.

A log burner that is Defra-approved can also permit you to use it legally within a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas. To comply with the law, you must use a DEFRA certified appliance for burning wood and smokeless coal.

You can even buy a defra approved stove that is certified by clearSkies to prove that it meets the new Ecodesign emissions standards that went into effect a year ago. This is the best choice for those who reside in a place with Smoke Control. It will make your stove green and comply with the law. The ESSE 700 Vista, a extremely efficient and stylish Defra Approved Log Burner, comes with an option to include the smoke control kit, if required.

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