What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A Defra Approved Stove (also known by the abbreviation SE) is a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that is able to be installed in smoke zones of control. They usually feature the Defra approved logo or are labelled as the same in their specifications.
Even if you're not in a zone that is smoke-free the stoves are more eco-friendly and will help avoid upsetting neighbors with a noxious smoke. They also undergo rigorous tests.
What is an DEFRA Approved Stove?
When searching for a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove for your home, it is important to think about the kind of fuel you'll be using. affordable DEFRA stoves is particularly true if you live within a smoke-controlled area, as it can affect the types of fuels you can burn in your stove. There are many different types of fuels that can be used in wood stoves however, if you live in a smoke-free area, you must select a DEFRA approved stove that can burn authorised fuels and not produce any smoke.
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove has been rigorously tested to ensure that emissions are reduced. This is achieved by making sure that the stove has secondary combustion which means that the waste gasses are re-burned inside the stove in order to reduce the level emissions.
In addition to decreasing the amount of smoke produced by the stove, DEFRA approved stoves also provide cost savings through greater efficiency and being designed to burn wood efficiently. This makes them a great option for those who want to heat their home with renewable energy that is eco sustainable and a cost-effective way to heat the home.
There are a range of different styles of DEFRA approved stoves available, from traditional to modern. This lets homeowners pick a stove which will match the style of their home and can be fitted into existing fireplaces. They can be combined to a variety of chimney liners, flue systems and are compatible with natural or gas supply.
The advantages of a DEFRA approved stove are not restricted to those who live in smoke-free areas, anyone can benefit from the improved efficiency and reduced emissions that these stoves produce. A DEFRA approved wood stove will aid in improving the quality of air inside your home, and aid in a greener future, since wood stoves absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere which is returned when they are used for warmth.
What Fuels Can Be Burned in a DEFRA-approved Stove
A DEFRA approved stove (sometimes known as a Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance) is a wood burning stove that has passed the rigorous tests imposed by Defra to limit the amount of smoke it creates. If you reside in a UK town or city that is classified as a "smoke control area" it is a requirement to only use an approved stove from Defra. Otherwise you could be fined for breaking the law. However, even if you don't reside in a smoke control area and you don't have a smoke control area, using a Defra approved stove is recommended to ensure that your chimney and flue system is more clean for a longer period of time.
Stove makers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax have been working to create the most advanced clean burn technology which has led to the development of Defra approved stoves that not only reduce the emission of toxic pollutants into the air but also significantly reduce the amount of smoke that is produced during the combustion process. Defra approved stoves now have secondary and tertiary systems of combustion to further reduce emissions and make use of fuel more efficiently and provide a more eco-friendly and neighbour friendly way to heat your home.
It is crucial to know that a Defra-approved stove can burn wood as well as manufactured solid fuels like household coal, coal fires and high petroleum-based fuels and Petrol Coke. However it is important to be cautious with the type of firewood that is used. It is not legal to use damp or wet wood in a DEFRA-approved stove. This will create excessive smoke, which could cause a disturbance to your neighbors and cause an hazard of fire within your home.
We suggest that when buying wood for your Defra approved fireplace, you only purchase splits and logs that are dry and properly seasoned. We also recommend that you only buy firewood with the 'Ready to Burn' logo, this confirms that the timber has been treated with a low moisture content, to prevent excessive smoke production.
Most Defra approved stoves are wood burners and do not offer the option of burning smokeless coal but there are some great traditional styled models that look fantastic with or without a fireplace surround and mantle. A DEFRA-approved stove allows you to install a 5" (125mm) twin wall stainless steel chimney liner that is flexible. This is a less expensive option than the standard 6" 150mm liner and is particularly useful if your existing chimney stack has some awkward bends.
Can I put a Non-Defra Approved Stove into a Smoke Control Area?
There are a good chance of finding DEFRA-approved models when you're looking for a fireplace with wood burning. This is a term used in the industry that refers to a stove being exempt from areas of smoke control when it is burned with approved fuels like anthracite, seasoned logs, or other mineral solid fuels (DEFRA approved).
It is important to remember that non-Defra stoves are able to be installed within smoke controlled areas, but they must only be used to burn approved fuels such as anthracite. If you utilize them in conjunction with different wood types, or other solid fuels that are flammable, they may emit excessive amounts of smoke, which could lead to a fire infringement being issued against the property.
Stoves that are Defra Approved will often feature the Defra logo on their descriptions of the product. You will also see them being referred to as SE (smoke exempt) or simply as DEFRA stoves by their manufacturers.
To be Defra approved a stove must meet strict requirements set by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs in relation to performance and emissions. They have undergone stringent testing to ensure low emissions and high efficiency. Defra-approved wood-burning and multi fuel stoves can help reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your home warm.
Another benefit of a DEFRA-approved Stove is that they are typically equipped with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is an enormous benefit because it lets you reduce the cost of installation and meet the building regulations.
Selecting the best DEFRA approved wood burner for your home could be a bit confusing if you aren't familiar with the rules for burning wood in smoke control zones. It is essential to select an appliance that has been tested and meets the UK government's standards. This will provide you with the most efficient burning experience.
It is also important to only burn seasoned wood in your stove. This is wood that has a moisture content of 20 percent or less to avoid the accumulation of large amounts of smoke when it's burned. You can find seasoned firewood in many local stores, and through schemes like Woodsure Ready to Burn.
What is an DEFRA Exempt Stove?
If you're considering buying wood burning stoves there's a lot to think about. There are numerous aspects to take into consideration before making a final decision. If you live in a smoke-controlled area and want to buy a DEFRA-exempt stove, it is among the most crucial features to look for. A DEFRA approved wood stove has been independently test and proven to burn wood in a smoke-controlled zone.
They are designed to minimize the emission of particles during the combustion process. This means less pollutant will be released in the air. DEFRA approved appliances are more sustainable for the environment as well as your chimney system, as they keep part-burned substances from entering the chimney and creating blockages.
A stove that is exempt from Defra will have the logo 'DEFRA-approved' on the side or in the specification. The logo is easily recognized and is a sign of quality that is widely adopted by stove makers. A large number of wood-burning stoves we offer have the DEFRA mark on them We also carry various models that are multi-fuel which are DEFRA approved.
Alongside a Defra approval, it is important to make sure that the wood burner or multi-fuel stove is equipped with a 5" chimney liner. This is because non-DEFRA stoves need a larger flue size than DEFRA approved models and can cause the chimney to become blocked if you are not careful.
Contact us if you have any queries about whether you live in a region that is smoke controlled or the rules governing the types of fuels you can burn. We will be happy to help you. You can also go to the website of your local council to learn more about the regulations that apply in your area.