What is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?
A DEFRA exempt stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that is certified to burn certain kinds of fuel in smoke control areas. They ensure maximum combustion while reducing amount of smoke.
Many major stove manufacturers offer DEFRA exempted stoves equipped with secondary or tertiary combustion systems that help to reduce emissions and help to make them more eco-friendly.
Selecting a Defra-Exempt Stove
When purchasing a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove it is important to be aware that not all kinds of stoves are made equal. There are many aspects to consider, ranging from the size to the power output and whether it is approved by the defra.
Defra Approved Stoves Also known as smoke-free stoves have been tested and found to be in compliance with the strict environmental standards of the UK government. They can be used in smoke-control areas and can burn fuels that are not typically be allowed, such as wood.
These stoves are made to emit less smoke and less harmful emissions when burning fuel, which helps protect the environment. They also help reduce energy costs in a way that other open fire or wood burner are unable to. This is because they generally have higher combustion rates which mean that they can produce more heat with the same amount of fuel.
The Defra exempt stoves we offer also come with secondary and tertiary combustion systems which help to further reduce the amount of harmful gases that are produced during the burning of fuel. They are therefore more environmentally friendly and help to keep your chimney clean longer than other kinds of open stoves or wood burning stoves that aren’t Defra approved.
If you live in the Smoke Control Area then it is vital that you use a Defra exempt stove because this will ensure that you do not violate the law and could face a large fine. However, if you do not reside in a smoke-free area, we suggest that you buy a Defra exempt stove as these kinds of stoves typically burn fuels more efficiently, which is more sustainable and can help keep smoke from escaping into your home.
We offer a wide range of wood burning stoves as well as multi-fuel stoves made by top manufacturers like Arada, Burley and Parkray. All of these are Defra exempt and are available in a range of styles that will fit your home. Please contact our stove experts if you have any questions regarding our Defra-approved stoves.
Defra Approved Stoves for Smoke Control Areas
When looking to purchase a brand new wood burning or multi fuel stove for your home there are many choices to pick from. Some of these stoves are marked as DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. While this terminology may seem like jargon you don’t have to be concerned about, it is important to understand that these stoves have been designed specifically to be used in smoke control areas.
You must purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove if you live in a zone of smoke control to avoid a fine. The DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) has tested this type of stove to ensure that it can be used without creating excessive smoke in Smoke Control Areas. The testing is conducted by a reputable testing company to ensure that the stoves meet strict guidelines set by the government.
As you can imagine there is a great deal of engineering and design when creating a stove that is DEFRA compliant stoves UK approved. You won’t be able tell the difference between stoves which have been DEFRA approved and those that aren’t. The primary difference between a DEFRA approved stove and one that is not will be that the DEFRA endorsed stove will emit less smoke and is able to be used with fuels such pellets, briquettes or logs.
Whether you live in a Smoke Control Area or not, buying a DEFRA Exempt Stove is a wise decision since they offer a cleaner and more efficient combustion that can help reduce your fuel bills. They also are better for your chimney since they can prevent the build-up of soot and other particles.
Our range of Defra approved multi-fuel stoves and wood burners all meet the strict UK legal requirements for this status. The stoves and wood burners we offer in our collection all comply with the strict UK legal requirements to earn this status.
Defra Approved Stoves for Non-Smoke Control Areas
It is crucial to determine if you live in an area designated for smoke control before purchasing an appliance. If yes, it is crucial that your stove is DEFRA approved. If you use a non-approved stove in a Smoke Control Area can result in fines.
If you are living in a Smoke Control Area it is also crucial to make use of a stove that is approved for burning wood (and other approved fuels). DEFRA is the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs and is the government authority who enforces the Clean Air Act in these areas. Contact your local authority to determine if your house is located in the Smoke Control Area.
A DEFRA approved stove is one that has passed a rigorous government test for emission levels in normal operation. This means the stove produces low emissions, which are healthier for the environment and you as well as being more efficient when burning wood or other approved fuels.
You can often spot an 5kw defra multifuel Stove approved stove because they’ll display the Defra Approved logo or may include SE (smoke exempt) in the title or specification. The logo is well recognised by the industry and widely adopted so you should be able to find one easily enough.
Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits. They are more efficient than standard models and are able to burn at lower levels. Some manufacturers offer a 5-year warranty on their stoves.
If you own a DEFRA approved stove, then it is suitable for use with the majority of types of wood. To avoid excessive smoke, only burn firewood with an average moisture of 20% or less. This can be achieved through a log supply company which uses the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme, or by buying dry firewood from the nearest timber merchant.
A DEFRA stove always provides an adequate amount of combustion air to ensure that the fuel burns efficiently and correctly, without producing excess smoke. This makes it ideal for use with slumber burn, which is the time when you allow your stove running overnight and allow the fuel to continue to burn without releasing any excess smoke into the room.
Defra Approved Multi-Fuel Stoves
When it comes time to select a wood burning or multi fuel stove for your home, you might find yourself being drawn towards one that is a DEFRA permitted stoves approved model. Although this may seem like jargon to some homeowners, it’s crucial to be aware that DEFRA approved models are safer for the environment and your chimney.
Defra approved appliances are constructed to ensure that they don’t deprive the flames of oxygen during combustion. This is to avoid the fire from producing large quantities of smoke, particularly in Smoke Control Areas. Certain stoves can be modified to become Defra approved with a manufacturer supplied kit. The kit limits how much the vents on the airways are shut during the burning process. If you are someone who is prone to load a stove with fuel and rest it over night to prolong the burn, this is referred to as ‘slumber burning’, in which the stove is depleted of oxygen, the flames can burn slower and produce more part-burned combustibles such as tar and soot which can block the flue. A stove that is approved by DEFRA list stoves doesn’t slumber, therefore it is less likely to emit this material into the atmosphere. It is also the case that if your stove is switched from solid fuel to smokeless for overnight burning, a minimum amount of fuel will always be supplied.
Stove Supermarket stocks a selection of DEFRA approved stoves that can be used in a variety of applications. These include traditional stoves like our Bassington Eco, which features cast iron construction and a huge glass window that makes it ideal for the fireplace chamber of a traditional style or inglenook. This stove is DEFRA-approved to use for burning wood within a smoke control area however, it can also be used with solid fuels and a variety of smokeless coals.
All of our Defra approved stoves have been thoroughly tested to ensure they are of the highest level of efficiency and emissions. These stoves are suitable for Smoke Control Areas, and will keep your chimney and home more clean than non-DEFRA stoves.