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 is able to be installed in smoke zones for control. Defra approval logos are often present on these stoves, or are identified accordingly in their specifications.
Even if you don't live in a smoke controlled area, these types of stove are better for the environment and will help avoid upsetting neighbours with nuisance smoke. They also undergo rigorous tests.
What is an DEFRA approved stove?
It is crucial to think about the fuel type you will be using when choosing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove for your home. This is especially true if you live in a smoke controlled area since this will impact the types of fuels you are permitted to use in your stove. Wood stoves can burn many different kinds of fuels. However, if you live in a smoke-free zone you'll require a DEFRA-approved stove that is specifically designed to burn fuels that are authorised with no smoke.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove or wood burning stove is one which has been tested rigorously to ensure that the emissions created by the stove are reduced. This is achieved by ensuring that the stove has secondary combustion which means that waste gasses are re-burned inside the stove in order to reduce emissions.
In addition to decreasing the amount of smoke that is generated by the stove, DEFRA approved stoves also provide cost savings through greater efficiency and by being designed to burn wood efficiently. This makes them a great option for those looking to heat their home using renewable energy that is eco sustainable and an economical way to heat your home.
There are different styles of DEFRA approved stoves that are available from traditional to contemporary. This allows homeowners to select a stove which will match the decor of their homes and can be installed into existing fireplace chambers. They can be combined with a range of flue systems and chimney liners and are compatible with both gas or natural sources.
The advantages of using a DEFRA approved stove is not only for those living in areas that are smoke-free, anyone will benefit from the higher efficiency and low levels of emissions these stoves generate. Purchasing a DEFRA approved wood stove will help to improve the quality of air inside your home, and contribute to a greener future because wood stoves absorb carbon dioxide from the air that is then released when they are burned for warmth.
What fuels can I burn in a DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove (also called a Defra smoke exempt appliance) is an appliance that has passed Defra's rigorous tests to limit the amount of smoke. If you reside in a UK city or large town that is classified as a smoke-control zone then it's an obligation of law to only use a Defra approved stove or risk violating the law and getting fined. Even if you do not reside in a smoke control area or a smoke-control zone, a stove that is Defra approved is nevertheless a good idea to keep your chimney and flue clean for longer.
Stove manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax have been striving to create the most advanced clean burn technology which has led to the creation of Defra approved stoves that do not just limit the release of harmful pollutants into the air but also significantly reduce the amount of smoke that is generated during the process of combustion. Defra approved appliances now feature secondary and tertiary systems that cut down on emissions and make fuel burn more efficiently. They are also more eco-friendly.
It is important to know that a stove that is Defra-approved can burn wood and manufactured solid fuels, such as coal fires, household coal, high petroleum-based fuel, and Petrol Coke. However it is important to be cautious when it comes to the kind of firewood you use. It is illegal to use damp or wet wood in a stove that is DEFRA-approved. This could cause excessive smoke, which could upset your neighbors and create a fire risk within your home.
When you purchase wood to burn in your Defra approved stove, we recommend that you only purchase dry properly seasoned logs, properly seasoned and splits. We also recommend using only firewood stamped with the Ready to Burn logo. This means that the wood has been treated to have an extremely low moisture content, to avoid excessive smoke production.
The majority of Defra approved wood burning stoves don't offer the option of burning smokeless coke. However, there are some excellent traditional styled models that look great with or without a surround and mantle. A DEFRA-approved stove lets you to install a 5" (125mm), twin wall stainless steel flexible chimney liner. This is a cheaper alternative to the standard 6" 150mm liner and is particularly beneficial if your existing chimney stack has a few awkward bends.
Can I use a non-Defra approved stove in a smoke control area?
There are a good chance of finding DEFRA-approved models when searching for a fireplace with wood burning. This is a term employed in the industry to define the stove that is exempt from the smoke control laws when it's burned with approved fuels like well-seasoned logs mineral solid fuels, mineral solid fuels or anthracite.
It is important to note that non-Defra appliances may be used in smoke-controlled areas, but they should be only used to burn authorized fuels like anthracite. If you make use of them to burn various wood types or other solid fuels that are flammable, they may emit excessive smoke, which could result in an order for a fire violation.
Stoves that have been approved by Defra will usually display the Defra Logo on their product description. You will also see them being referred to as SE (smoke exempt) or simply as DEFRA stoves by their makers.
In order for a stove 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 have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure low emissions and high efficiency. Making the purchase of an Defra approved wood-burning or multi-fuel stove can help to reduce your carbon footprint and keep your home warm at the same while.
Another benefit of a DEFRA Approved Stove is that they can usually be fitted with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is a major benefit, as it allows you to save money on installation costs and ensures that you meet building regulations.
If you're not aware of the regulations governing the burning of wood in areas that are smoke-controlled, it can be difficult to select the best DEFRA-approved wood stove for your house. It is essential to select an appliance that has been tested and meets the UK government's standards. This will give you the most efficient burning experience.
Also, ensure that you burn only wood that is seasoned in your stove. The wood is moist with a that is less than 20% to prevent excessive smoke from building up when it is burned. It is available in a lot of local stores and through schemes such as Woodsure Ready to Burn.
What is an DEFRA Exempt Stove?
If fireplacesandstove considering buying wood burning stoves there's so much to consider. There are many things to consider before making a decision. If you are in a smoke-free area, one of the most important things to look for is an DEFRA exempt stove. A DEFRA approved wood stove has been independently tested and proved to burn wood in a smoke-controlled area.
These stoves are designed to reduce the emission of particles during the combustion process. This means less pollution will be created in the air. DEFRA approved appliances are better for the environment and your chimney system, as they stop part-burned material from entering and causing blockages.
A Defra exempt stove will have the logo "DEFRA approved" on the front of the unit or in the title of its specification. The logo is easily identifiable and is a mark of quality that is widely used by stove manufacturers. Many of the wood-burning stoves we offer have the DEFRA mark on them, and we also stock several multi-fuel models which are DEFRA approved.
As well as a Defra approval, it is important to always make sure that your selected wood burner or multi-fuel stove comes with a 5" chimney liner. Non-DEFRA models require a larger chimney than DEFRA approved stoves and can cause the chimney to become blocked if not taken care of.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding whether you live in a region that is smoke controlled or the rules regarding what 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.