The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are an excellent option for homeowners who live in smoke control zones. These particular stoves have been tested thoroughly and are operating within the strict guidelines.
Stoves that have been approved will often be branded with the letter 'SE', which means Smoke Exempt. They can be used in smoke-controlled areas but only when burning approved fuels from Defra including wood and manufactured smokeless fuels.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA exempt wood burning stoves, or Defra approved stoves are constructed to comply with the Department of Environment's (DEFRA) regulations. These stoves were tested and inspected in order to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce very little or no smoke. They emit very little carbon dioxide, and their combustion efficiency is so high that even part-burnt fuels such as soot and ash are reburned before they can escape through your chimney and into the air.
If you live in a city or town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area then it's crucial that your stove is DEFRA exempt and can be used with authorised fuels. It is unlawful to emit smoke from your chimney if you're not using an exemption appliance or fuels that are authorised. Exempt Defra stoves are better for your chimney as they burn fuel cleaner and produce less smoke. Your flue and chimney will remain cleaner for longer.
We have a range of stoves that are Defra-exempt, including models from Stovax and Arada. We only sell the best quality products which means you can be certain that your new stove is a safe addition to your home.
It is a common myth that you have to purchase an exemption from Defra-compliant stove even if your house is located in a smoke-control zone. This is not true. You can still fit a non-DEFRA stove into your house provided that it has a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with approved brquettes or other fuels that are smokeless.
We suggest you select an Defra approved model if you want to be sure that you can use wood legally in your DEFRA-exempt stove. These stoves were developed to comply with UK environmental standards. They have been tested and verified as DEFRA exempt. This means they emit very little smoke. They also consume less energy than traditional stoves, meaning you can heat your property with fewer logs. You can pick from a range of Defra models in a vast range of styles and colours.
Clean Burn
Wood-burning stoves and open fires can generate smoke that can be hazardous to the health of those living in your home as well as those nearby. The fine particles that are present in the smoke can cause respiratory issues, like asthma. Modern stoves that are exempt from DEFRA are designed to lessen the harmful effects of this smoke.
These wood burners have been thoroughly tested and scrutinized to ensure that they comply with the Department of Environment regulations. They also have been designed to burn fuel more efficiently so that they release less pollutants. They also emit a clear vapour instead of the dark smoke associated with older open fires and log burning stoves.
Modern DEFRA-exempt stoves feature secondary and tertiary systems that are responsible for the lower smoke particles. This means the air in the combustion chamber is continuously circulated. This makes it much harder for the particles to escape.
This also means that you can 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 clear, reducing soot and permitting gas to escape easily from the flue.
According to Defra, a new DEFRA-approved wood stove fitted with an EcoDesign baffle can produce 350 times less pollution than a traditional log burning stove or open fire. If you live in an area that has a Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, then installing one of these efficient and modern stoves is vital to protect your health and the health of your neighbors.
You can also put in an DEFRA Approved Multi-Fuel Stove and utilize a variety of different fuels like peat, briquettes, and other solid fuels manufactured by companies that are available in supermarkets. However, it is advised to only use dry 'Ready To Burn' seasoned wood, and never burn treated or painted timber as these will produce more pollution than untreated wood.
DEFRA lawful stoves burning stove is simple to maintain, with a regular clean and maintenance checks helping to ensure it lasts for longer. These stoves also are very efficient, offering cost savings on heating bills as well as cutting down on consumption of fuel by up to 50 percent. The carbon emissions generated by these stoves are also significantly lower than other types of stoves. They also are a greener alternative for fossil fuels.
These wood stoves can be easily installed and are suitable for a variety of homes, particularly in urban areas. They have passed the Defra tests which means that you can legally use them in smoke control zones without breaking the law or risking the hefty penalty.
Defra-approved wood stoves may also be more affordable to operate than other stove models, because of their advanced combustion technology that ensures that the fire burns efficiently. This means that less carbon monoxide, particulates and other pollutants are released into the air. This is beneficial for the health of your family and for your own.
The DEFRA exempted stoves can also be certified by other initiatives, including Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means that they meet strict standards for efficiency and emission. These certifications are displayed on the stoves we stock, and they provide you with assurance that you are purchasing an environmentally-friendly and safe model.
There's a broad variety of Defra exempt stoves here at Stoves Direct, including many classic styles that are ideal for an inglenook fireplace or a fireplace chamber. We also have modern, sleek options that go well with a simple mantle or surround. If you're considering buying one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, it's crucial to think about the style you want for your home, and how it will fit with the decor.
A Defra exempt stove is the only type of stove that can legally burn in a Smoke Control Area, and it will save you from paying a fine if you are caught with a rogue wood-burning fire. It is also an excellent option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint since the tree the wood comes from absorbs CO2 as it grows, and returns it back to the atmosphere when it is burned in a stove.
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 that the appliance has passed rigorous tests and can be used legally in these areas. These tests guarantee that the particulates of combustion produced by the stove do not pollute the air. These toxins are the reason for the dark smoke that is often seen emanating from chimneys in smoke control areas and could have a negative impact on health, as well as making neighbors uncomfortable.
Local councils have also enacted laws to tackle the issue by prohibiting the use of open fireplaces and non-DEFRA-exempt appliances. But the good news is that you are able to still install a stove in your home if it is DEFRA exempt and you only burn fuel that is approved for burning.
Stoves that are approved for use in Smoke Control Areas will be marked and tested to ensure that they are in compliance with the strict emission and efficiency standards. The stoves that are Defra-exempt are also more sustainable than other kinds of woodburners since they utilize advanced secondary and tertiary burning systems which reduce their carbon footprint.
The simplest way to find out if you live in a zone of smoke control is to contact your local council and ask for more details. You can also check your property's address online. However, it is best to consult your local council for more details.
Even if you don't live in the Smoke Control Area a Defra-exempt wood burning stove can be a wise investment. It is more environmentally friendly and also more considerate of neighbors. A Defra-approved stove will also produce less smoke, which will keep your chimney and flue clear for longer. The majority of the top stove manufacturers, such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have a variety of smokeless models which are DEFRA exempt.