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Blog entry by Violette Deville

5 Must-Know Hismphash Practices You Need To Know For 2023

5 Must-Know Hismphash Practices You Need To Know For 2023

Defra Approved Log Burner

The Defra approved log burner is among the most popular stoves used by homeowners. This is due to the fact that they provide a cleaner burn, and allow for greater control of heating costs.

You can also use wood legally in Smoke Control Areas, which is a major benefit since it helps you avoid the fines levied on people who use stoves that are not approved. They come in different designs to match your home.

Clean Burn Technology

nrg-defra-5kw-eco-design-stove-multifuel-cast-iron-fireplace-portable-1846.jpgThe clean burn technology in defra approved log burners works to reduce the amount of smoke and particulate that is released during combustion. It has been demonstrated to significantly reduce the negative health effects of poor air quality in urban areas, especially when the traditional fireplace or wood burning stove is being used. Bergen, for instance, realized the importance of implementing measures to improve the quality of air. As a result, stoves that are not cleanburn have been banned in the city. The program to trade in stoves was a great success. Bergen ranked fifth among 320 European cities in 2021 when it came to its air quality.

To accomplish this, Defra approved stoves have been designed to ensure that the fire is always supplied with sufficient oxygen to ignite and burn the fuel. This is achieved by having a secondary or tertiary air feed which allows extra combustion air to flow into the appliance in addition to the main air intake. A typical secondary feed is situated on the back of the stove, underneath or inside the stove's fire box and a tertiary air intake is situated in the middle.

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 type of wood, that is seasoned and dried to less than 20% moisture content. This can be 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 many UK towns and cities. If a stove is found to emit excessive emissions, the owner will be penalized with a fine of PS300 or more.

A stove that is approved by Defra will carry the Defra mark on it, and also an Ecodesign label. This will go into effect in 2022. Ecodesign-compliant stoves must be able to pass rigorous emission tests and have an efficiency rating of at minimum 72%. Selecting a stove that has more efficiency will help to further reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the stove, as well as saving you money on heating expenses.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

The UK's government has set high limits on the emissions of stoves and fireplaces. They are designed to make the country clean and healthier living space. Smoke Control Areas are found in numerous cities and towns in which the dark smoke can be a nuisance to residents. If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and are using an older open fire or wood-burning stove, then you must upgrade to an approved log burner from defra stoves.

They are greener than traditional log burners and have the most advanced clean burning technology. Leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax continue to develop their products and are introducing models that have secondary and third-party combustion systems that further reduce emissions. These advanced burners will save you money in the long term on fuel costs.

DEFRA approved or Defra Exempt are words that indicate that the stove has passed a test designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in the UK. This test makes sure that the stove is safe to use in smoke controlled areas. The term Defra Exempt is also applied to certain models that have passed the test and is able to burn approved 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 is not DEFRA approved and you use it in a smoke controlled area you could be penalized for violating the law. You can find out if you are in a smoke-control area by visiting the official Defra website. To avoid a fine, you should only burn dry wood that has been dried and seasoned, and Defra approved smokeless fuels and not logs or any other wet woods.

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 fireplaces, stoves, and fires by visiting the official Defra website.

Easy to Clean

Keeping your log burner clean is essential to help maintain its performance and reduce the accumulation of harmful creosote which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning can also ensure that your stove's glass is clean and clear so you can enjoy the view of your stunning flames without obstructions.

There are a number of tools you may need to aid in the maintenance of your wood stove that include cleaning brushes as well as a ash vacuum cleaner, and polish for your stove. It is essential to complete the cleaning process while your stove is cool and we recommend wearing gloves that are heat-resistant.

The first step is to sweep any ash from the bottom of your stove using the grates brush, making sure you reach all small spaces and nooks. Then, you can employ an ash vacuum take out any remaining ashes and dispose of them in a metal container. Once your stove is completely clean you can apply a stove polish with a soft cloth taking care not to contact the hot surface.

It is important to only burn seasoned, high-quality wood on your defra-approved log burner to ensure that you are not producing large amounts of particulates. Look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn Logo or use a moisture-meter ensure the moisture content of the wood is less than 20%. You can also make your own seasonings for your logs, but it can take as long as 2 years for the moisture content to evaporate.

Avoid burning stained, painted, or chemically-treated wood (including pallets, MDF, and Medium Density Fiberboard). These types of wood produce dangerous chemicals when burned and are not suitable to burn in a log burner.

It is crucial to set up your log burner correctly in order to keep its performance and effectiveness. Make sure that it's installed by a qualified professional, and that it is located in an area where it will not be subject to drafts. Stoves that are installed incorrectly could be dangerous and cause damage, in addition to diminishing the performance of the stove and causing higher running costs.

Energy Efficient

Log burners with Defra approval are generally more efficient in energy than their counterparts. The reason for this is because they have passed the tests that ensure that the correct amount of air is delivered to the wood stoves or fuel burning stoves during combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke and consequently, reduces emissions and heat losses from the stove.

If you buy a defra-exempt wood burner you can also be sure that it is going to be safe to use with your chimney system as it will have a flue size of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra approved stoves typically have a bigger flue outlet and this could cause problems when trying to install the chimney liner. At The Stove Yard we can provide a variety of 5" chimney liner for your wood stove or multi fuel defra approved efficient stoves (Fireplacesandstove.com) exempt stove.

The Stove Yard sells a variety 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 intakes to help ensure that the fuel is burning efficiently. This increases the efficiency of the stove and reduces the amount smoke produced.

A DEFRA-approved log burner will also allow you to use it legally in Smoke Control Area. UK cities and towns with large populations are classified as Smoke Control Areas. To comply with the law you must use a DEFRA approved appliance when burning wood and smokeless coal.

You can buy a clearSkies-certified defra-approved stove to prove that it meets the latest Ecodesign emission standards that came into effect a year ago. This is the best option when you live in an area with Smoke Control. It will make your stove eco-friendly and also comply with the law. The ESSE 700 Vista is one example of an ultra stylish and highly efficient Defra Approved log burner that can be equipped with a smoke control kit when needed.

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