Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you live in an area with a smoke control and you want to choose a DEFRA Approved stove or a stove that is smoke exempt is essential. They do not only meet the building regulations, but they also permit burning wood or multi-fuels in your home.
Stove manufacturers are continually making improvements to their products using secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that reduce emissions as well as the user's carbon footprint.
Defra Approved
If you reside in an area that is controlled by smoke and requires a stove that is defra-approved. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has adopted laws that prohibit the emission of dark smoke in areas that are smoke-controlled, which includes most large towns and cities. Defra Approved stoves have undergone rigorous tests and inspections to ensure they comply with this legislation. They are designed to burn more fuel efficiently and produce a lot less pollutant emissions. This makes them a better choice for you and your neighbors as the less smoke they produce means that nuisance levels of smoke are reduced to the minimum. Stoves that are Defra approved will also bear the logo and words defra exempt or SE (smoke exempt) in their titles and specification.
The majority of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves we sell are Defra approved. We always strive to find the best quality products and we wish to ensure that our customers get the most from their stove. Defra-approved stoves are more efficient than non-approved models, which means they produce considerably less particulate matter. This is in turn, reducing the amount of dark smoke that is produced. The stoves that are Defra-approved tend to have a more robust firebox that will also reduce smoke emissions.
Defra approved appliances will not only reduce the amount of smoke that is produced but also ensure the air that is used for combustion remains constant throughout the entire combustion process. This will stop the stove from becoming depleted of oxygen, which is what causes it to smoulder and emit dark smoke. Many stove manufacturers are now building Defra Approved models into their range of products as they are becoming more and more popular.
Defra approved stoves aren't only an choice for those who live in areas with smoke control, but they are an excellent option for anyone looking to increase the efficiency and safety of their fireplace, and also reduce the amount of toxins that are released into the air. They are also a great choice for those who are thinking of having their chimney lined with a stainless steel twin wall flexible liner. Since the majority of Defra approved models have a 5" outlet, this allows them to be used with a 125mm liner instead of the standard 6" outlet, which could reduce the cost of the liner and installation.
Some people opt to sleep on the stove for a night by closing the top vent and letting it burn slowly. This can lead to an accumulation of soot and other tars which can block your chimney. A Defra approved stove won't allow you to close the top vent completely, since this could cause the fire to die. It is also a lot less likely to release any combustibles that are not burned into the air, which is healthier for the environment. It will also be much less likely to block your chimney.
Defra Exempt
You will often see the terms Defra Approved or Defra Exempt when searching for a wood-burning stove. This typically refers to a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove that is approved to be used in Smoke Controlled Area.
This is achieved by these appliances undergoing rigorous tests and examinations to ensure they are operating at the lowest levels of emissions. This is achieved by using secondary combustion, whereby waste products from the burning process are burned again to limit the amount of pollutants released into the air. DEFRA Approved Stoves are the best option for those who live in smoke-controlled areas and want to know that their stove is legal.
Defra stoves that are exempt from a permit are typically marked with a SE logo or labeled DEFRA Stove. This means that the appliance has passed a test developed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) to show that it emits very little smoke when it is used in a proper manner. This is why Defra wood-burning stoves are the only stoves that are permitted to be used in Smoke Controlled Zones.
A Defra approved wood burning stove can help to keep your flue and chimney cleaner since they are engineered to burn wood more efficiently than other types of stove. This is because of an advanced combustion system that doesn't restrict airflow to the firebox, and allows for what's known as slumbering, which prevents combustibles that have been partially burned from escaping your chimney.
Wood burning stoves that are Defra-approved are more energy efficient. This is achieved by using the most recent technologies to ensure that the greatest amount of heat is extracted from the fuel, and transferred to your room. Additionally, you will be able enjoy lower heating costs as well as a safer, cleaner and more sustainable home.
When you choose a Defra Approved stove, you'll find that there are numerous choices to pick from in terms of style, size and the type of fuel. DEFRA list stoves are only approved for burning wood, while some are also Defra-approved to burn smoking coal that is authorised. There are stoves that are Defra approved in both traditional and modern styles, so you're sure to find one that is compatible with your decor.
We've put together a complete guide to buying an DEFRA approved stove that outlines everything you should know about this type of appliance that will help you get the most value for your money when buying one, what to look out to look for when purchasing the right stove, and much more. The guide is available in full here. In addition we offer a great selection of Defra Approved stoves from some of the UK's leading manufacturers. This includes brands such as Stovax, Arada, Burley and many more. So if you're looking for a wood burning or multi fuel stove that is both Defra Approved as well as CE certified, make sure to look at our selection.