Why Defra Exempt Stove Is Your Next Big Obsession

What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove? It is important to consider whether you live in an area with smoke control laws before you choose a wood stove or multi-fuel. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove. These appliances are also sometimes referred to as SE stoves (SE is for Smoke Exempt). They have met the strict UK government testing standards for emissions levels and are able to be used in smoke-controlled zones. What is a DEFRA Approved Stove? A DEFRA-approved stove is a wood-burning or multifuel stove that has passed a smoke emission test designed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The tests guarantee that the stove produces very low levels of smoke when it is used with the right fuels, such as wood. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra can be fitted in Smoke Control Areas and will usually carry the DEFRA approval logo or the word SE (for smoke exempt) added to their name. The majority of cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you'll require an approved DEFRA stove to burn wood and other approved DEFRA fuels. Stoves that are Defra approved will be modified by their manufacturers to limit the amount they starve air during the combustion process which can result in black smoke. Defra-approved stoves also feature secondary and tertiary systems that aid to burn unburned material in the fire which is then blown away through the chimney. This helps keep your stove and flue clean for longer, and reduce the overall emissions. When buying a stove for your home, there are numerous factors to consider and it is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of information on offer. You might hear terms such as DEFRA or smoke controlled zones and this could be confusing if you're looking for a new appliance. If you are buying a new stove to fit in your home, it is essential to select a DEFRA approved model since the majority of cities and towns will be Smoke Control Areas and if you install a stove that isn't approved, you could be subject to a significant fine. Luckily, the majority of the stoves that 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 might encounter unclear terms when looking for a wood-burning stove. There are a few terms that you can hear, such as DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. They simply mean that the stove was able to pass a smoke test and is in compliance with UK government laws. The most important benefit of buying a DEFRA-exempt stove is the possibility of using it in smoke-controlled areas without fearing of being fined. The stove is designed to produce less smoke. This is achieved by shutting off the airflow during the process of combustion, thereby starving the fuel of oxygen and preventing excessive amounts of smoke from being produced. To be DEFRA approved, a stove must pass several tests that are set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The stoves that are Defra-exempt are usually identified with SE, which stands for Smoke Exempt. It is a good idea, even if you're not in a smoke-free area to purchase a DEFRA approved stove. A DEFRA-approved stove will burn more efficiently than a stove that isn't DEFRA-approved. This means you will have better heat output and less part-burned combustibles that are present in the air. Some people still choose to install an non DEFRA approved stove in their home due to its design or don't live in a smoke-controlled area. However it is important to note that if you reside in a smoke-free area and you install a non-DEFRA certified stove then you could be liable to a substantial fine from your local council. To avoid this risk, it's recommended to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove. Can I burn non-DEFRA-approved fuels 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 to use in UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a rigorous test conducted by the UK government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) which ensures that it emits low levels of emissions when it is burning. This means that it is able to burn a wide range of different types of fuels without creating nuisance smoke and therefore is an ideal choice for homeowners who live in urban areas. A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove or wood burner will often be identified with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes, an SE will be added to the stove's name, indicating that it is able to be used in smoke-controlled areas. This logo is widely used in the industry and is easily identifiable. If you are unsure whether your stove is DEFRA approved you can contact the manufacturer and ask or go to the website. Even even if your DEFRA stove is marked with the logo or referred to as such, you may still be charged if you are not using it correctly in an area where smoke control is in place. Making use of your DEFRA approved stove is easy and involves making sure you have plenty of dry and seasoned wood, and that it is well-lit before starting to burn it. It is also crucial to regularly clean your stove and keep a water tank in the vicinity in the event of emergencies or issues with the stove. A DEFRA stove is more efficient and generates less smoke than traditional open fires, gas or electric stoves. This is better for your environment and for your neighbors. DEFRA stoves usually come with a second combustion stage which reduces the amount of smoke released into the air. What is the difference between a DEFRA approved stove and a non-DEFRA approved stove? There are many terms used when discussing wood burning and multi fuel stoves. These terms can be confusing for new buyers who may not know what they mean. You might have heard the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. It may sound like a lot words, but it actually is a simple definition. A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and approved for use in a smoke control area. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs or Defra, grants the DEFRA approval. The DEFRA approval allows the stove to be used with approved fuels, like anthracite and certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be used in a smoke control area without causing excessive amounts of black smoke. defra exempt stoves approved stoves may be labelled with the Defra approved logo or SE (smoke exempt) after their name. To be DEFRA approved the stove must be able to meet certain requirements, including testing for emissions. The test is conducted to ensure that the stove doesn't emit excessive amounts of smoke when burning approved fuels. There are also some additional tests that the stove has to go through to be able to be eligible for DEFRA approval. These include ensuring that the stove is equipped with secondary and tertiary combustion technologies. This lets the stove burn fuel with less smoke and greater efficiency. There are many manufacturers that offer stoves that are DEFRA approved. These stoves will often have the Defra approved logo or be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalogue. They will also be labeled as having Clean Burn technology, which will help reduce the amount of smoke produced when burning approved fuels. While having a DEFRA approved stove isn't a legal requirement in smoke controlled areas there are a myriad of reasons why it's recommended to have one. Not only will this help to avoid any fines assessed against the owner and their property, but it can also make the stove more efficient and has more clean burning. This is not only better for the environment, but it's also better for the chimney and the flue system of the stove.