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How Defra Approved Log Burner Changed My Life For The Better
Defra Approved Log Burner

The Defra-approved log burner is a popular option for homeowners. This is mainly due to the fact that they provide a cleaner burn and offer more control over heating costs.

You can also burn wood legally in Smoke Control Areas, which is a huge advantage because it lets you avoid the fines levied on people who use stoves that are not regulated. They are available in a variety of different styles to suit any home.

Clean Burn Technology

The clean burn technology in defra approved log burners can reduce the amount of smoke and particulate emitted during combustion. It has been demonstrated to significantly reduce the negative health effects of poor air quality in urban areas, especially when an old-fashioned wood burning stove or fireplace is being used. Bergen is a prime example. The city realized the importance of implementing measures to improve air quality. As a result, non-cleanburn stoves were banned in the city. The trade-in program was a success, with Bergen ranked fifth out of 332 European cities in terms of their air quality in 2021.

To achieve this, Defra approved stoves have been developed to ensure that the fire is always supplied with sufficient 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 enter the appliance in addition to the primary and/or the main air intake. Typically, a secondary feed is situated on the back of the stove under or inside the fire box while a tertiary intake will be situated in the centre.


Modern, Defra exempt stoves have been passed rigorous tests in order to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas. This is when the right kind of wood that is seasoned and dried to less than 20% moisture content. It is used in conjunction with the Defra approved stove.

A Defra approved stove will have been tested to be capable of emitting less than 3g of smoke per hour which is the legal limit for most UK cities and towns. If a stove produces excessive emissions, the owner could be fined up to PS300.

A Defra-approved stove will carry a Defra mark on it, as well as an Ecodesign label. This will come into the market in 2022. To be Ecodesign compatible, stoves have to pass strict emissions tests and must have a minimum efficiency rating of 72 percent. A stove with an efficiency rating of high will reduce the amount pollution produced by it, and will save you money on heating costs.

Suitable for Smoke Control Areas

The government of the United Kingdom has imposed strict emissions limits on stoves and fireplaces. The government wants to make the country cleaner and healthier. A lot of cities and large homes are located within Smoke Control Areas, where the production of dark smoke could be a nuisance for local residents. If you have an older wood burning stove or open fire and you reside in a smoke control area, it is important to upgrade your appliances to Defra-approved Log Burners.

These are more environmentally friendly than old fashioned log burners and feature the most advanced clean burning technology. Leading manufacturers like Arada, Burley Parkray & Stovax continue to improve their products and create models with secondary and tertiary systems to further reduce emission. These advanced burners can save you money over the long run on fuel costs.

DEFRA approved, or Defra exempt are terms that indicate the stove has passed an UK Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs test. This test ensures the stove is safe to be used in smoke-controlled areas. Defra Exempt is a term that is applicable to specific models that have passed the test. These models are suitable to burn smokeless fuels that are approved that are listed in a list provided by Defra. These fuels exclude wood.

You could be fined for using an older stove that is not DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled space. Visit the official Defra site to check if you're in a smoke-controlled area. To avoid being fined, you should only use dry seasoned wood or smokeless fuels endorsed by Defra and not wet wood or logs.

There are a variety of DEFRA Approved log burners on the market and the Dovre product pages will display this logo if the product is suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas. You can also find out more information about DEFRA approved stoves, fireplaces, and fires by visiting the official Defra website.

Easy to Clean

Cleaning your log burner is essential to help maintain its performance and reduce the build up of harmful creosote that can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning will also ensure your stove glass stays clean and clear so that you can enjoy the view of your stunning flames without obstructions.

You may need a variety of tools to maintain your wood stove. They include a cleaning brush, ash vacuum cleaner and polish for your stove. It is essential to complete the cleaning procedure when your stove is cool and we suggest wearing gloves that resist heat.

The first step is to employ the grate brush to get rid of any ash that has accumulated on the bottom of the stove. Make sure that you reach all crevices and corners. Then you can utilize your ash cleaner to remove any remaining ashes from the stove and dispose of them in a metal container. When your stove is clean, you can apply a polish to your stove using a soft cloth making sure not to touch the hot surface.

It is crucial to burn quality, seasoned wood on your approved defra log burner to ensure you are not producing large amounts of particulates. Look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn Logo or use a moisture meter to ensure that the moisture content of the wood is lower than 20 percent. You can also season your own logs but it may take up to two years for the moisture content to evaporate.

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

It is essential to install your log burner properly in order to maintain its performance and effectiveness. Make sure that it's installed by a certified professional and is located in an area where it will not be subject to drafts. Installing a stove incorrectly could lead to problems with safety, damage and increased expenses.

Energy Efficient

Defra-approved log burners are typically more energy efficient than their counterparts. The reason for this is because they have passed the tests that ensure that the proper amount of air is delivered to the wood stoves or fuel burning stoves during combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke and, in turn, reduces heat loss and emissions from the stove.

You can be assured that a defra-exempted wood burner can be used in conjunction with your chimney, as it has a flue diameter of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra Approved stoves usually have a bigger flue outlet and this could cause problems when trying to fit an chimney liner. The Stove Yard offers a range 5" chimney liners to fit your wood or multi-fuel exempted stove.

DEFRA regulations stoves sells a vast array of stoves that are Defra approved and feature the latest in clean burning technology. A lot of our models come with secondary and tertiary feeds that use air to ensure that the fuel is burning. This helps to improve the efficiency of the stove and reduces the amount of smoke produced.

A DEFRA-approved log burner can also permit you to use it in a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and towns are classed as Smoke Control Areas and in order to comply with the law you must use a DEFRA-approved appliance when burning wood or smokeless coal.

ClearSkies-certified defra-approved cooktop to prove that it is compliant with the new Ecodesign emission standards that came into effect last year. This is the most suitable option when you reside in a region with Smoke Control. It will make your stove eco-friendly, and comply with the law. The ESSE 700 Vista, a extremely efficient and stylish Defra Approved Log Burner, has the option to add the smoke control kit, in the event that it is required.

Read More: https://www.fireplacesandstove.com/categories/defra-stoves