Defra Approved Log Burners
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, then you'll need a
DEFRA Stoves Specifications approved stove to comply with government regulations. This allows you to use approved fuels including briquettes, briquettes, and firewood that has been approved by the government.
These stoves are green because they utilize third and secondary combustion systems. This helps to reduce the amount of smoke and so is more beneficial for your chimney, flue system, and your neighbors.
Clean Burn Technology
Defra Approved Stoves that are Defra approved are the ideal choice for Smoke Control Areas and in any urban setting. These modern appliances, often referred to as DEFRA exempt stoves, are designed to provide a clean burning and a high efficiency in heating - saving your money on fuel expenses while keeping your home warm. They typically have secondary and tertiary combustion systems which reduce the amount of smoke that is released into the atmosphere.
If your stove isn't DEFRA approved, you can change it using a simple kit. Defra approval is achieved by passing stringent emissions tests set out by the UK Government's Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) which limit the amount of black smoke the stove is able to produce throughout its normal operation.
If you live in an area that is classified as a Smoke Control Area, then it's illegal to use any stove other than one that is a DEFRA approved log burner or open fire. The use of a non-approved wood-burning appliance could result in heavy fines. The good news is that DEFRA approved stoves let you burn your favorite logs if they have been properly prepared.
To ensure the
best DEFRA stoves performance and a clean burn from a DEFRA approved stove, we recommend you only burn dry, seasoned hardwood with an average moisture content of less than 20%. You can test the moisture content of your wood by using a simple tool called a Moisture Meter.
Older stoves, when used in a way that is not done correctly, can release massive amounts of noxious smoke. This is caused by an occurrence known as'slumbering'. A slumbering burner will close down the air intake to an extent, which causes the fuel not to ignite fully. This causes a loss of heat and more smoke.
DEFRA approved high-quality stoves exempt stoves have their top air controls modified so that you are unable to shut them all the way.
Clean-burning technology is an essential aspect in improving the air quality in cities across Europe. We believe that the removal of older, polluting stoves and encouraging the use of DEFRA exempt stoves is a big step in the right direction.
Emissions of Smoke are low
Many people choose to have log burners in their homes because of the wonderful smell that they create and the warm feeling that they provide to a space. However, the fact is that a lot of pollution is caused by a stove that burns wood. The smoke rises up the chimney, and then pollutes the air outside, and some of it will also get into neighboring homes via vents or gaps in windows and doors.
It is recommended to buy a DEFRA-approved fire or stove to reduce these harmful pollutants. These stoves are designed to be cleaner than previous models and can cut down on PM emissions by half. If you live in an area that has smoke control in place and you need a DEFRA-certified stove. The law prohibits the use of non-approved appliances in these areas.
If you buy a Defra approved stove, you can be assured that the process of combustion is optimized for low emissions. This is typically done by an additional combustion stage where waste gases are recycled and burned back. This results in much less pollution being released to the atmosphere. Choose kiln-dried or seasoned wood, as it burns more efficiently and also have a lower amount of moisture.
A stove that is Defra approved has been through rigorous tests to ensure that it meets the most recent European emissions standards. These are known as the Ecodesign standards and have been implemented to improve the quality of air, so by purchasing a Defra approved stove, you will be doing your bit for the environment!
In addition to reducing the level of PM emissions as well as reducing the amount of PM emissions, a DEFRA approved log burner is energy efficient and can significantly reduce your heating bills. This is because they generate significantly less heat than other types of stoves, and therefore require less fuel to operate. This makes them an excellent alternative to oil or gas burners.
Eco-Friendly
As you may already know, using log burners to heat your home can be very green. It is crucial to select the right type of fuel. The wrong fuel could cause damage to your stove, alter the chimney, and could 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, kiln-dried wood has a moisture level of 20% or
Defra Stoves Specifications less and is able to burn much more effectively than untreated or wet wood. Wet or untreated wood causes excessive smoke emissions, which can be harmful to health. Even a short exposure can trigger respiratory problems. It's also important to bear in mind that some areas of the UK are now smoke control zones - which means that you can only legally emit 3g of smoke per hour or risk an expensive fine. The best way to avoid being exposed is to use a certified log burner and always checking that the fuel you're burning meets the required standards.
When used correctly when it is properly used, a stove that is Defra-approved will also produce very low emissions. If you have one located in a smoke-free space it can reduce by half PM2.5* pollution compared with an inefficient stove. The best way to ensure your stove is as green as possible is to choose a Defra approved model and only use sustainable, renewable wood that has been kiln dried to reduce the moisture content.
Avoid burning treated wood in any form including old furniture and fence panels. These emit toxic pollutants which can have a significant impact on the environment and health of humans. To make your Defra approved stove as environmentally sustainable as you can it is important to clean it regularly and check the flue for obstructions. Regular maintenance will help to prolong the lifespan of your stove and ensure that it runs efficiently. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how to operate and maintain your stove. This includes regular cleaning of the chimney, sweeping it and checking for any obstructions.
Neighbour Friendly
It is vital to maintain your stove in a proper manner. Failure to do this could result in dangerous pollutants, like carbon monoxide (CO) that are released into your home. CO is a colorless and odourless gas that can cause death if breathed in high concentrations.
You could be fined as high as PS1,000 if you don't own a Defra-approved stove and reside in a smoke-free area. Appliances that aren't Defra-approved produce more smoke in smoke controlled areas than is allowed. Therefore, it is essential to use a Defra-approved stove and only burn approved materials in smoke-controlled areas.
If you are burning wood in a Defra approved stove, you should select seasoned hardwood logs instead than softwood types. Hardwoods are less moist and hold heat better. They also burn faster and this means you'll need to refill your stove less frequently.
It is also essential to only use stoves that are Defra-approved and in line with the guidelines of the manufacturer. This will ensure that the stove is properly vented and doesn't emit harmful toxins into your home.
A Defra-approved stove has many other benefits. It will help you avoid fines if you use a non approved Defra stove in a smoke-free area.