What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A Defra Approved Stove (also known by the acronym SE) is a multi-fuel stove or wood-burning stove that can be placed in smoke zones of control. They typically have the Defra approved logo or are identified as an approved stove in their specifications.
Even if you don't live in a zone that is smoke-free These stoves are more eco-friendly and will help avoid upsetting neighbors with noisy smoke. They are also subjected rigorous tests.
What is a DEFRA Approved Stove?
It is crucial to think about the fuel type you will be using when selecting a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove for your home. This is true especially if you live within an area that is smoke-free, since it can affect the types of fuels that you can burn in your stove. Wood stoves are able to burn different fuels. However, if you live in a smoke-controlled area, you will need a DEFRA-approved stove specifically designed to burn authorised fuels without smoke.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel or wood burning stove has been thoroughly tested to ensure that emissions are minimized. This is accomplished by ensuring that the stove has a secondary combustion process which means that waste gases are burned inside the stove, thereby reducing the level of emissions.
In addition to decreasing the amount of smoke that is produced by the stove, DEFRA approved stoves also offer cost savings by offering greater efficiency and by being designed to burn wood efficiently. This makes them an excellent option for those who want to heat their home using renewable energy that is also environmentally friendly and can be an affordable method of heating your home.
There are a variety of DEFRA-approved stoves that range from traditional to modern. This allows homeowners to choose the stove that best fits the decor of their homes and can be fitted into existing fireplaces. They can be used in conjunction with a variety of chimney liners that are compatible with both gas or natural sources.
The benefits of choosing a DEFRA approved stove are not limited to those living in areas that are smoke-free everyone can benefit from the increased efficiency and lower levels of emissions that these stoves create. A DEFRA-approved wood stove can improve the air quality in your home, and help to create the creation of a more sustainable future. This is because wood stoves absorb carbon dioxide, which is then released back into the air when they are used to heat the home.
What kinds of fuels can I burn in a DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove (also called a Defra smoke exempt appliance) is a stove that has passed Defra's strict tests to limit the amount it can produce of smoke. If you reside in the UK town or city that is classified as a "smoke control area", it's a requirement to use only the stove that is Defra-approved. Otherwise, DEFRA stoves installation could be fined for violating the law. Even if you don't reside in a smoke control area and you do not have a Defra-approved stove, it's still a great idea to keep your chimney and flue clean for longer.
Stove manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax have been working to develop the latest clean-burn technology that has led to the development of Defra approved stoves that do not just limit the emission of toxic pollutants into the air, but also significantly reduce the amount of smoke produced during the combustion process. Defra approved stoves now have secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions and burn fuel more efficiently. They are also more environmentally friendly.
It is important to know that a stove that is Defra-approved can be used to burn wood and solid fuels like household coal, coal fires and high petroleum-based fuels, and Petrol Coke. However, you should be careful with the type of firewood used. It is not legal to use damp or wet wood in a DEFRA-approved stove. This could result in excessive smoke that could cause a disturbance to your neighbors and create a fire risk within your home.
We suggest that when buying wood for your Defra approved fireplace, you only buy logs and splits that are dry and properly seasoned. We also recommend using only firewood that is stamped with the Ready to Burn logo. This confirms that the wood is treated to have a a low moisture level in order to prevent excessive smoke production.
Most Defra approved stoves are wood burning and don't offer the option to burn smokeless coal, but there are some great traditional-styled models available that look great with or without a fireplace surround or mantle. Having a DEFRA approved stove will allow you to install 5" (125mm) wide stainless steel twin wall chimney liner that is a more affordable alternative to the standard 6" (150mm) and is a great option if your chimney stack is quite old or has a few awkward bends along its route.
Can I put a Non-Defra Approved Stove in a Smoke Control Area?
If you're looking to buy a new wood-burning stove it's likely that you'll come across DEFRA approved models. This is the term used by industry professionals that refers to a stove being exempt from areas of smoke control when it is burned with approved fuels like anthracite, seasoned logs, or other mineral solid fuels (DEFRA approved).
It is important to remember that non-Defra stoves can still be used in smoke-controlled areas but they must only be used to burn approved fuels such as anthracite. If you are using them with a variety of different wood types, or other solid fuels that are flammable, they may emit excessive amounts of smoke, which could result in a fire infringement being issued against the property.
Stoves that are Defra Approved will often feature the Defra logo on their descriptions of the product. You will also see them called SE (smoke exempt) or simply as DEFRA stoves by their makers.
To be Defra approved, a stove needs to meet the strict requirements of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs in relation to emissions and performance. They have passed rigorous tests to ensure low emissions and high efficiency. 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 can usually be fitted with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is a huge advantage because it allows you to save money on installation costs and ensures that you meet the building regulations.
The choice of a DEFRA approved wood burner for your home can be a little confusing if you aren't familiar with the rules for burning wood in smoke control areas. It is crucial to select an appliance that has been tested and is in compliance with the UK government's standards. This will give you the most efficient burning experience.
It is also important to only use seasoned wood in your stove. This wood has a moisture that is less than 20%, which will prevent excessive smoke from accumulating when it is burned. You can purchase seasoned firewood in most local stores and through schemes such as Woodsure Ready to Burn.
What Is an DEFRA Exempt Stove?
When you're looking to purchase a wood-burning stove there's so much to consider. From style and heat output to the type of fuel there's plenty to consider before you make your final decision. If you are in a smoke-free zone, a DEFRA-exempt stove is among the most important things to look for. A DEFRA approved wood stove has been independently tested and proven 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 pollutant will be released in the air. Additionally, DEFRA approved stoves are beneficial for the environment as well as your chimney system since they prevent part-burned combustibles from entering the flue and causing blockages.
A stove that is exempt from Defra's regulations will display the DEFRA-approved logo on the side or in the specifications. The logo is easily recognized, and it is a symbol of high quality that is widely accepted by stove makers. A large number of wood-burning stoves that we sell bear the DEFRA mark on them and we also have several multi-fuel models which are DEFRA approved.
In addition to in addition to Defra approval, you must always ensure that your chosen wood burner or multi-fuel stove is equipped with a 5" chimney liner. Non-DEFRA models require an even bigger chimney than DEFRA approved stoves and can cause the chimney to become blocked if it is not properly maintained.
Contact us if you have any queries about whether you live in an area which is smoke-free or the rules governing what kind of fuels you are allowed to burn. We'll be glad to assist you. If you prefer, you can go to your local council website to learn more about the regulations in your local area.