Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you reside in an area that is smoke controlled, then choosing a DEFRA Approved stove or a smoke exempt stove is essential. They are not only compliant with building regulations, but also permit burning wood or multi-fuels in your home.
Stove manufacturers are continually improving their products with secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce emissions and the user's carbon footprint.
Defra Approved
If you reside in an area that is controlled by smoke, you will need a stove that is defra-approved. This is because the UK government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has laws in place to prevent emissions of dark smoke from chimneys in smoke controlled areas (most large towns and cities). Defra Approved stoves have undergone rigorous tests and examinations to ensure they comply with this law. They are designed to efficiently burn fuel and produce significantly less pollution. They are a better option for you and your neighbours as the smoke levels will be reduced to an acceptable level. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will also have the logo as well as the words
DEFRA Approved High-Quality Stoves exempt or
DEFRA Approved high-quality stoves SE (smoke exempt) in their title and specification.
The majority of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves we sell are approved by the Defra. We always strive to source the highest quality products and 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 produced.
Defra approved stoves also tend to have the most robust firebox which is another way they can help to cut down on smoke emissions.
In addition to lessening the amount of smoke that is produced, Defra approved stoves will also make sure that there is a consistent supply of combustion air throughout the burning process. This will stop the stove from becoming starved of air and causing it to smolder or release dark smoke. As they become more popular, most stove manufacturers are now building Defra Approved Models into their range of products.
Defra approved fireplaces are an excellent choice for those living in smoke control zones. They are also an excellent option for anyone looking to improve the efficiency, safety and release of pollutants into the air. These stoves are also great for those who wish to line their chimneys with a flexible stainless twin wall liner made of steel. The majority of Defra-approved models come with 5" outlet, which allows them to be used in conjunction with a 125mm liner instead of the standard 6" liner. This will save you money on the liner, as well as the installation.
Some people opt to sleep on the stove over night by closing the top vent and let it burn slowly. This could lead to the accumulation of soot as well as other tars that can hinder the chimney's flow. A stove that is approved by Defra won't allow you to close the top vent completely, as this could cause the fire to go off. It is also less likely that combustibles that have not burned will be released into the air. This is healthier for the environment and less likely to cause your chimney to become blocked.
Defra Exempt
If you're in search of a wood burning stove you will often come across the term Defra Exempt or DEFRA Approved. This usually refers to a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that has been deemed to be utilized in a smoke-controlled area.
This is achieved by these appliances undergoing rigorous testing and examinations to ensure they are operating at the lowest levels of emissions. This is achieved by using a secondary combustion, whereby the waste products generated by the burning process are re-burned to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air. This is what makes DEFRA Approved stoves the ideal option for those who live in a smoke controlled area and want to ensure that they are using a device that is safe to use.
Defra stoves that are exempt from a permit are typically marked with an 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 used properly. This is the reason Defra stoves are the only wood burning stove that is legal to install in Smoke Controlled areas.
A Defra approved wood-burning stove can also help to keep your chimney and flue system clean because they are designed to burn wood more cleanly than other types of stove. This is because of an advanced combustion system that does not restrict airflow into the firebox and permits what's known as slumbering, which prevents combustibles that have been partially burned from escaping up your chimney.
Wood burning stoves that have been approved by Defra are more energy efficient. This is done with the most modern technology to ensure as much heat as possible is extracted from the fuel and pumped into your room, meaning you will be able to have lower heating costs as well as a healthier more secure and environmentally responsible home.
There's a variety of options for an approved Defra stove in terms of style size, dimensions and the type of fuel. Some will only be approved by Defra to burn wood while others are Defra Approved to use authorised smokeless coal, too. You'll also find that there are both traditional and modern style Defra approved stoves to choose from so you can be certain to find the ideal choice to complement your style.
We've put together a complete guide to buying a DEFRA-approved stove. It contains everything you need to know about this kind of appliance including how to get the best value for your money when purchasing one, what to look out for when you are shopping for stoves, and more. You can read the guide in its entirety here. We also have a fantastic selection of Defra Approved Stoves from some prominent UK manufacturers. Brands such as Stovax and Burley are also included. If you're searching for a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that is also Defra certified and CE certified, then take to look at the options.
