What Is Defra Exempt Stove And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
When choosing a wood burner or multi-fuel stove, it is important to consider whether you reside in a smoke-free area. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
These appliances are often referred to as SE stoves. (SE stands for smoke exempt). These appliances have passed the strict UK government testing criteria for emissions levels and are able to be used in smoke-controlled zones.
What is an DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has passed the smoke emissions test developed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The tests ensure the stove emits very low levels of smoke when it is using the right fuels, such as wood. Stoves that have been approved by Defra can be fitted in Smoke Control Areas and will usually be branded with the DEFRA approval logo or have the word SE (for smoke exempt) added to their name.
Most towns and cities are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, you will need a DEFRA-approved stove that can burn wood or other approved fuels by DEFRA. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will have their manufacturers modify them to reduce the amount of air they starve during combustion, which could cause black smoke.
Defra approved stoves also come with secondary and tertiary systems in place that allow to burn any unburned matter in the fire into gas, which is then blown away of the chimney. This will keep your flue and stove cleaner for longer and lower the overall emissions.
When you are looking to purchase a stove for your home, there are many factors to consider and it is easy to become overwhelmed by the volume of information available. You may hear terms like DEFRA and smoke controlled zones mentioned and if you are searching for a new stove, this can be quite confusing.
It is essential to select an approved DEFRA model when purchasing a new stove. Most large cities and towns are Smoke Control Areas, and if your stove isn't approved, you could be fined quite a bit. Fortunately, the majority of the stoves we stock here at Grate Expectations are all DEFRA approved and so you can shop with confidence knowing you will receive the highest quality woodburning stove or multifuel stove for your home.
Can I put a non-DEFRA Approved Stove in a Smoke Controlled Area?
You may come across some confusing terminology when shopping for a wood-burning stove. One of the terms you might hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, which simply indicate that the stove been tested and is in compliance with the UK government's smoke control laws.
The main advantage of purchasing a DEFRA exempt stove is that you are permitted to use it in a smoke controlled area without fear of being fined. The stove is designed to create less smoke. This is accomplished by closing off some air during the combustion, which starves the fuel of oxygen.
To become DEFRA approved, a stove must be able to pass a series of tests that are set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The stoves that are Defra-exempt are usually identified with SE, which stands for Smoke Exempt.
Although the main purpose of the DEFRA approved stove is to allow you to use it in a smoke control zone, it's a good idea to purchase one even if you don't reside in a smoke-free area. This is because a DEFRA approved stove will burn more efficiently than a non-DEFRA approved stove, meaning that you will get more heating output from your appliance and it will be less likely to emit part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere.
Some people opt to install a non DEFRA approved stove in their home due to its appearance or because they don't live in a smoke-controlled area. It is crucial to remember that if you live in a smoke-controlled area and install an non DEFRA approved stove, you could face a fine from your local authority. To avoid this possibility, it's best to buy a DEFRA-exempt stove.
Can I burn fuels that aren't DEFRA approved in a DEFRA approved stove?
A DEFRA approved stove, also known as a DEFRA exempt wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove that is smoke-free, is a stove that is legal in UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a stringent test developed by the UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This ensures that it produces very low levels of emissions during combustion. This means it's capable of burning a broad range of different types of fuels without generating unpleasant smoke, making it a good option for homeowners living in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel or wood burner is typically identified with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes, an SE may be added to the stove's name, indicating that it is able to be used within smoke controlled areas. This logo is widely used in the industry and is easily identifiable.
If you're unsure if your stove is DEFRA-approved you can ask the manufacturer or review the specifications online. Even even if your DEFRA stove is marked with the logo or described as such, you could still be charged if you are not using it correctly in an area that has smoke control in place.
Using your DEFRA approved stove correctly is simple and requires making sure that you have plenty of seasoned dry wood and that it is well lit before you start to burn it. It is important to keep the stove clean and have a water tank close to the stove in case there are any emergencies or problems.
A DEFRA stove can provide you with a much more efficient burn and also provides an environment-friendly option than traditional open fires, or even electric or gas stoves as they will produce less smoke which is better for the environment and your neighbours. DEFRA stoves usually include a second phase of combustion that reduces the amount of smoke released into the air.
What is the difference between the DEFRA approved stove and a non DEFRA approved stove?
There are a variety of terms used when discussing wood burning and multi fuel stoves. Some of these terms are extremely confusing for buyers who are new because they might not be familiar with them. You might have heard the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. It may appear like a lot of words, but it actually has a very simple meaning.
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and has been approved for use in a smoke control zone. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs also known as Defra is the entity that grants DEFRA approval.
The DEFRA approval permits the stove to be used with approved fuels like anthracite and certain manufactured smokeless fuels. The stove is capable of not producing excessive amounts of black fumes in areas of smoke control. Defra-approved stoves are often labelled with a Defra-approved logo, or SE (smoke exemption) after their names.
To be DEFRA approved the stove must be able to meet certain requirements, including testing for emissions. This test is conducted to ensure that the stove doesn't emit excessive amounts of smoke when burning approved fuels.
The stove must also pass some additional tests in order to be eligible for DEFRA approval. DEFRA compliant stoves list must also be equipped with secondary and tertiary technology. This allows the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and emit less smoke.
Many manufacturers sell stoves that are DEFRA-approved. These stoves are typically identified with the Defra logo or described as a DEFRA-approved stove on their website or catalog. They will also be identified as having a Clean Burn technology, which will help reduce the amount of smoke created when burning approved fuels.
While having a DEFRA approved stove isn't an obligation in smoke-free areas there are a myriad of reasons it's a good idea to do so. This will not only help to prevent any fines handed out to the owner and their property, but it can also make the stove more efficient and produces a much cleaner burn. This is not just better for the environment, but it's also beneficial for the chimney as well as the flue system of the stove.