The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners
DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves can be a fantastic option for homeowners who live in areas with smoke control. The stoves have been rigorously tested and can operate within the strict guidelines.
Stoves that are approved will have an 'SE' which stands for 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 designed to comply with the Department of Environment's (DEFRA) regulations. The stoves were tested and examined in order to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce minimal or no smoke. They emit low levels of carbon dioxide, and their combustion efficiency is so high that partially burned fuels such as soot and ash are reburned prior to allowing them to escape down your chimney and into the air.
If you reside in an area designated as a Smoke-Control Area, it is important that your stove be DEFRA exempt. It must also allow you to use authorised fuels. It is illegal to emit smoke from your chimney if you are not using an exempt device or fuels that are authorised. Defra exempt stoves are also more suitable for chimneys, because they burn fuel more cleanly and produce less smoke, meaning your chimney and flue stay cleaner for longer.
We offer a large selection of Defra exempt stoves from top manufacturers in the world including Stovax and Arada. We only offer the highest quality products and you can be confident that your new stove will be a safe and effective addition to your home.
There is a common misconception that you have to purchase a Defra exempt stove if you reside in a zone of smoke control but this isn't the case. You can still install an un-DEFRA stove in your home provided it is fitted with an 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with authorised charcoal or other smokeless fuels.
If you want to be sure that you are allowed to legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we suggest you select one of our Defra approved models. These stoves have been developed to meet the UK's strict environmental standards. They've been tested and verified to be DEFRA exempt This means that they will only produce minimal amounts of smoke. They also consume less energy than older-style stoves, so you can heat your property using fewer logs. Our range of Defra stoves is available in a variety of colors and styles, so you're bound to find the ideal model for your home.
Clean Burn
Open fires and wood-burning stoves produce smoke which can have a negative effect on the health of those living at home and those living close by. This is due to the fine particulates in this smoke can cause respiratory issues such as asthma. Luckily, modern DEFRA exempt stoves have been designed to drastically reduce these harmful impacts.
These wood burners were thoroughly tested and scrutinized in order to ensure they are in compliance with Department of Environment regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more efficiently which means less pollutants. They also emit a clear vapour instead of the dark smoke 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 always being circulated, making it far more difficult for the particles to escape into the chimney.
This also means you can only use authorised fuels in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such seasoned dry firewood). The airflow system of these modern stoves also keeps the combustion chamber clean so that the buildup of soot is reduced and gas is able to escape from the flue.
In actual fact, a brand new DEFRA approved wood stove fitted with an EcoDesign baffle will produce around 450 times less pollution than a traditional open fire or old fashioned log burning stove, according to Defra. If you reside in an area that has a Smoke Control Area, then installing one of these efficient and modern stoves is vital to protect your health as well as the health of your neighbours.
You can also put in a DEFRA Approved Multi-Fuel Stove and make use of a variety of fuels such as peat, briquettes and other solid fuels made by manufacturers that are sold in supermarkets. However, it is recommended to only use dry 'Ready Burn' seasoned wood and never burn treated or painted timber as these will produce more pollution than untreated wood.
Easy Maintenance
A DEFRA exempt wood-burning stove is simple to maintain, with regular cleaning and maintenance check making sure it lasts longer. These types of stoves also are very efficient, offering cost savings on your heating bill and reducing the amount of fuel you use by up to 50%. These stoves emit far less emissions than other stoves, and are a more eco green alternative to fossil fuels.
These wood stoves can be easily installed and are suitable for a variety of homes, especially in urban areas. They have passed the Defra tests and are able to legally use them in smoke control areas without breaking the law or risking a hefty penalty.
Defra approved wood stoves are also often more affordable than other models of stoves, as they have advanced combustion technology that ensures that the fire burns efficiently. This means that less carbon monoxide and other particulates are released into the atmosphere. This is beneficial to your health and your family's.
The DEFRA exempted stoves are also certified by other initiatives, including Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means that they comply with strict emissions and efficiency standards. You may see these certifications displayed on the stoves we carry, and they provide you with peace of mind that you are buying a safe and environmentally responsible model.
Stoves Direct offers a large choice of stoves that are Defra exempt, including many traditional designs that are ideal for an inglenook or a fireplace chamber. We also have contemporary sleek models that look stunning with a simple fireplace mantle or surround. If you're considering buying one of our Defra-exempt wood burning stoves, it's crucial to consider the style you'd like to see for your home, and how it will blend with the decor.
A Defra exempt stove is the only type of stove that can legally use in a Smoke Control Area, and it will help you avoid 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 is used to make the wood absorbs CO2 as it grows, and releases it back into the atmosphere when it is burned in a stove.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
It is crucial to have a stove that burns wood that is DEFRA-approved for use in UK cities and towns. This means that the appliance has passed rigorous tests and is able to be legally used in these areas. These tests ensure that the air isn't contaminated with the combustion particles produced by the stove. These toxins cause the dark smoke that is often seen coming from chimneys in areas of smoke control and could have a negative impact on health, as well as being a nuisance to neighbours.
In the wake of this, local councils have introduced laws banning the use of open fires and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to manage the problem. However, the good part is that you can still have an appliance in your home if it is DEFRA exempt and you only burn fuel that is approved for burning.
www.fireplacesandstove.com that are approved for use in a Smoke Control Area will be marked as in the Smoke Control Area and have been tested to make sure that they are in compliance with strict emissions and efficiency standards. Defra-exempt stoves are also more sustainable in comparison to other types of woodburners because they have advanced secondary and tertiary burning systems which reduce their carbon footprint.
You can find out if you live in a smoke-free area by contact your local council. You can also find out the address of your property's postcode online, although it is recommended to go to the website of your local council to find out more in-depth information since every district of the UK might be different.
Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood-burning stove is a good investment as it will be 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 leading stove manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have a range of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and will not be affected by the new law.