The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a great choice for homeowners living within smoke control areas. These particular log burners have been tested thoroughly and are able to operate within strict regulations.
Stoves that are approved will usually be identified with the letter the letter 'SE', which means Smoke Exempt. They can only be used in smoke-controlled zones in the event of burning approved fuels from Defra such as wood or manufactured smokeless fuels.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA exempted wood burning stoves or Defra approved stoves are designed to be in compliance with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. These stoves were tested and examined to ensure that they burn fuel efficiently and produce minimal or no smoke. They emit very little carbon dioxide, and their combustion efficiency is so high that partially burned fuels such as soot and ash are reburned before they can escape down your chimney and into the air.
If you live in a city or large town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area then it's crucial that your stove is DEFRA exempt and is able to be used with fuels that are authorised. multi fuel stove defra approved from your chimney is a crime when you don't use an appliance exempt from the law, or fuels that have been approved. Defra exempt stoves are also better for your chimney since they burn fuel effectively and produce less smoke meaning your chimney and flue stay cleaner for longer.
We have a variety of stoves that are Defra-exempt such as models from Stovax and Arada. We only sell the best quality products, so you can be confident that your new stove will be a safe and efficient addition to your home.
There is a common misconception that you must purchase a Defra exempt stove if you reside in a smoke control area but this isn't the case. You can still install a non-DEFRA stove to your home if it is fitted with a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with authorised briquettes or other smokeless fuels.
If you want to ensure that you are able to legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, we suggest you select one of our Defra approved models. These stoves were designed to comply with UK standards for environmental protection. They have been tested and approved as DEFRA exempt. This means that they emit a minimal amount of smoke. They are also more efficient than the older models, so you can heat the property using fewer wood logs. You can pick from a variety of Defra models that come in a range of styles and colours.
Clean Burn
Open fires and wood-burning stoves can generate smoke that can be detrimental to the health of those in your home as well as those nearby. This is due to the fine particulates in this smoke can cause respiratory problems like asthma. Luckily modern DEFRA exempt stoves have been designed to greatly reduce the negative impacts.
These clean burning wood burners, which are often also known as SE or Defra approved stoves are rigorously tested and examined to ensure that they comply with the Department of Environment's regulations. They are also designed to burn fuel more efficiently so that they release less pollutants. These stoves also emit clear vapour instead of the dark smoke that is typically associated with older open fires and log burning stoves.
These modern DEFRA-exempt stoves have secondary and tertiary mechanisms that are responsible for the smaller smoke particles. This means that the air within the combustion chamber is continuously being circulated, which makes it far more difficult for these particles to escape into the chimney.
This also means that you are able to only burn authorised fuels on your DEFRA exempt wood stove (such as dry seasoned firewood). These modern stoves have an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clean, reducing the amount of soot and permitting gas to escape easily from the flue.
In reality, a new DEFRA approved wood stove with an EcoDesign baffle will generate around 350 times less pollution than a traditional open fire or traditional log burning stove, according to Defra. Installing one of these modern, efficient stoves in a Smoke-Control Area is essential to safeguard both your health and the health of your neighbors.
You can also put in an DEFRA Approved Multi-Fuel Stove and make use of a variety of fuels, including briquettes, peat and other solid fuels made by manufacturers that are available in supermarkets. It is recommended to only burn 'Ready to Burn" dry wood that has been seasoned. Never burn painted or treated wood as they will produce more pollution than timber that is untreated.
Easy Maintenance
A DEFRA exempt wood burning stove is simple to maintain, with regular cleaning and maintenance check helping to ensure it lasts longer. These types of stoves are also very efficient, providing savings on heating bills as well as reducing fuel consumption by up to 50 percent. These stoves produce far fewer emissions than other types, and are a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
These wood stoves can be easily installed and are suitable for a variety of homes, particularly in urban areas. The wood stoves that are available have passed Defra tests, which means you can use them legally in smoke control areas without violating the law or committing an expensive fine.
Defra approved wood stoves are often more affordable than other models of stoves, as they have advanced combustion technology that ensures that the fire burns effectively. This means less carbon monoxide, particulates and other pollutants are released into the atmosphere. This is good for your health and that of your family.
The DEFRA exempted stoves are certified by other initiatives, like Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means that they comply with strict emissions and efficiency standards. These certifications are listed on the stoves we sell, and give you peace of mind that you are purchasing a safe and environmentally responsible model.
There is a wide variety of Defra exempt stoves on Stoves Direct, including many traditional styles that are perfect for an inglenook fireplace, or a fireplace chamber. We also offer modern, sleek designs that go well with simple mantles or surrounds. If you're considering buying one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, it is important to think about the style you want to have in your home and how it will fit with the decor.
You can only use a Defra-exempt stove in the Smoke Control Area. This will save you money if trapped with a wood-burning fire. The stove is also a great choice for those who want to lower their carbon footprint. The wood of the tree absorbs CO2 during the process of growing and releases it back into the atmosphere when burned.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Many UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so a wood-burning stove that has been DEFRA approved is essential. This means it has passed stringent tests and is legal for use in these areas. The tests make sure that the air isn't contaminated with the combustion particles created by the stove. These toxins are the reason for the dark smoke often seen coming from chimneys in smoke control areas and they could have a negative impact on health as well as creating a nuisance for neighbours.
Local councils have therefore introduced laws to address the issue by prohibiting the use open fireplaces as well as non-DEFRA-exempt appliances. But the good news is that you are able to still put an appliance in your home if it's DEFRA exempt and you burn authorised fuel.
Stoves that have been approved to be used in a Smoke Control Area will be marked as such and have been tested to make sure that they are in compliance with strict emissions and efficiency standards. Defra exempt stoves also are more eco-friendly than other types of wood burners since they have advanced secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that help to minimise their carbon footprint.
You can find out if you are in a smoke-free area by calling your local council. You can also check the address of your home online. However, it is recommended to contact your local council for more information.
Even if you're not in the Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood-burning stove is a good purchase because it is more sustainable and friendly to neighbours. A stove that is Defra-approved will also produce less smoke, which can keep your chimney and flue clear for a longer time. Because of this, many top stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have a range of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and won't be affected by the new regulations.