What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A Defra Approved Stove (also known by the acronym SE) is a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that can be placed in smoke zones of control. They usually feature the Defra approved logo or are labelled as an approved stove in their specifications.
These kinds of stoves are better for the environment and will stop the neighbors from being irritated with smoke. They also undergo rigorous tests.
What is an DEFRA Approved Stove?
If you are looking for a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove for your home, it is crucial to think about the kind of fuel you are going to be using. This is especially true if you reside in a smoke-free area as this will affect the types of fuels you are permitted to use in your stove. DEFRA regulations stoves can burn many different types of fuels. However, if you live in a smoke-free zone you'll need a DEFRA-approved stove specifically designed to burn fuels that are authorised without smoke.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove, also known as a wood burning stove is a stove that has undergone rigourous testing to ensure that the emissions generated by the stove are less. This is achieved by ensuring that the stove is equipped with secondary combustion which means that the waste gasses are burned within the stove in order to reduce emissions.
DEFRA approved stoves provide cost savings in addition to lessening the production of smoke. They are designed to burn wood efficiently and have higher efficiency. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking to heat their homes using an energy source that is renewable, is environmentally responsible and offers an affordable way to heat their home.
There are a variety of styles of DEFRA-approved stoves that range from traditional to modern. This allows homeowners to find the stove that fits to the style of their home and can be installed into existing fireplace chambers or inglenooks. They can be used in conjunction with a variety of flue systems and chimney liners that can be used with gas or natural sources.
The advantages of using a DEFRA approved stove aren't only for those living in smoke controlled areas, anyone will benefit from the higher efficiency and lower levels of emissions that these stoves create. Purchasing a DEFRA approved wood stove can help to improve the quality of air inside your home and contribute to a greener future, as wood stoves absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere which is returned when they are burned for warmth.
What Fuels Can Be Burned in a DEFRA-approved Stove
A DEFRA approved stove (sometimes called a Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance) is a wood burning stove that has passed the stringent tests set by Defra to limit the amount of smoke it can make. If you reside in a UK town or city that is classified as a "smoke control area" it is a requirement to use only a Defra-approved stove. Otherwise you could be fined for breaking the law. However, even if you aren't in a smoke control area or a smoke control zone, using a Defra approved stove is a good idea to ensure that your chimney and flue system stays cleaner for longer.
Stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax have been working hard to create the most advanced clean-burn technology that has led to the development of Defra approved stoves that not only limit the release of harmful pollutants into the air, but also drastically reduce the amount of smoke generated during the process of combustion. Defra approved appliances now come with secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions and burn fuel more efficiently. They are also more eco-friendly.
It is important to remember that even though a Defra approved stove can burn manufactured solid fuel such as household coal, Coal fires, High Petroleum-based fuel and Petrol Coke and wood, you should be careful about what kind of firewood you choose to use. It is illegal to use damp or wet wood in a DEFRA-approved stove. This will cause excessive smoke, which could cause a disturbance to your neighbors and cause a fire risk within your home.
When purchasing wood for burning in your Defra approved stove, we suggest that you only purchase dry, properly seasoned logs and splits. We also recommend using only firewood stamped with the Ready to Burn logo. This means that the wood has been treated to maintain a a low moisture level, to avoid excessive smoke production.
The majority of Defra approved wood burning stoves do not offer the option of burning smokeless coke. However, there are some excellent classic models that look stunning with or without a surround and mantle. A DEFRA-approved stove permits you to install a 5" (125mm), twin wall stainless steel flexible chimney liner. This is a cheaper option than the standard 6" 150mm, and is particularly beneficial if your existing chimney stack has some awkward bends.
Can I use an unapproved stove in a smoke control zone?
If you are in the market for a new wood-burning stove, it's likely that you'll find DEFRA approved models. This is the term used by industry professionals that refers to stoves being exempt from laws in smoke control zones when it is used with authorised fuels such as anthracite, seasoned logs, or other mineral solid fuels (DEFRA approved).
It is important to note that non-Defra devices can be installed in smoke controlled areas, but they should be used only to burn authorised fuels such as anthracite. If you use them with a range of different wood types or solid fuels that are flammable, they may emit excessive amounts of smoke and could lead to a fire infringement being issued against the property.
Stoves that are Defra Approved often have the Defra logo on their product descriptions. You will also see them referred to as SE (smoke exempt) or simply as DEFRA stoves by their manufacturers.
To be approved by Defra it must meet the strict performance and emission requirements set forth by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. They've been put through rigorous tests to ensure low emissions and efficiency. Defra-approved wood-burning and multi fuel stoves can help you reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your home warm.
Another benefit of a DEFRA-approved Stove is that they are usually equipped with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is a huge benefit because it means you save money on installation and comply with the building regulations.
If you're not aware of the rules surrounding the burning of wood in smoke-controlled areas, it can be difficult to select the best DEFRA-approved wood stove for your home. It is important to choose an appliance that has been tested to comply with the standards set by the UK government and that is specifically designed to provide you with the best experience when burning solid fuel.
Also, ensure that you only burn seasoned firewood in your stove. This is wood that has 20% moisture% or less to prevent the build-up of excessive amounts of smoke when it's burned. You can find seasoned firewood in most local stores and through schemes such as Woodsure Ready to Burn.
What is what is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?
There are a lot of things to consider when you are contemplating buying a wood-burning stove. From style and heat output to fuel type there's plenty to consider before you make your final choice. If you live in a smoke-controlled area and want to buy a DEFRA-exempt stove, it is one of the most crucial features to look for. A DEFRA approved wood stove has been independently test and has been proven to burn wood in a smoke-controlled area.
These stoves are specially designed to reduce the amount of particle emissions from the combustion process, meaning that less pollution is generated in the atmosphere. As well as this, DEFRA approved stoves are also better for the environment as well as your chimney system because they stop part-burned combustibles from entering the flue and creating blockages.
A Defra exempt stove will display the logo "DEFRA approved" on the outside of the unit, or in the title of the specification. The logo is easily identifiable, and it is a sign of quality that is widely used by stove makers. Many of the wood-burning stoves that we sell bear the DEFRA mark on them and we also have various models that are multi-fuel that are DEFRA approved.
Also, make sure that the wood burner or multifuel stove you pick comes with a 5" liner. This is because non-DEFRA stoves need a larger flue size than DEFRA approved models and could cause the chimney to get blocked if you're not careful.
If you aren't sure whether or not you live in a Smoke Controlled area or what the regulations are regarding the kinds of fuels you can burn, please contact us and we'll be more than happy to assist. Alternatively, you can visit the website of your local council to learn more about the laws in your local area.