What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
When choosing a wood burner or multi-fuel stove, it is crucial to think about whether you live in a smoke control zone. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
These appliances are often referred to as SE stoves. (SE stands for smoke exempt). They have passed the UK government's strict testing requirements for emission levels and are able to be used in smoke controlled areas.
What is a DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA-approved stove is a multifuel or wood-burning stove that has passed an emission test for smoke created by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The tests guarantee that the stove emits very low levels when using fuels that are suitable, such as wood. Stoves that have been approved by Defra can be fitted in Smoke Control Areas and will usually have the DEFRA approval logo or the term SE (for smoke exempt) added to their name.
Many cities and towns will be classified as Smoke Control Areas and so if you live in one these areas, you will have to use a DEFRA approved Stove in order to burn wood or other DEFRA approved fuels. Stoves that are approved by Defra will have had their manufacturers modify them to reduce the amount of air they starve when they burn, which can cause black smoke.
Defra-approved stoves also feature secondary and tertiary systems that aid to eliminate any material that has not been burned in the fire that is then blown away through the chimney. This helps to keep the stove and flue system cleaner for longer and reduces emissions in general which is great news for both you and your neighbours.
When buying a stove for your home there are numerous factors to consider and it is easy to become overwhelmed by the volume of information available. You might hear terms such as DEFRA and smoke controlled zones. If you are in the market for a new stove this could be a bit confusing.
It is crucial to select a DEFRA-approved model when buying a new stove. Most large cities and towns are Smoke Control Areas, and if your stove isn't approved, you could face fines of a lot. Grate Expectations stocks a large variety of stoves that are DEFRA-approved. This means that you can shop with confidence, knowing that you're getting the best woodburning stove or multifuel stove.
Can I use a stove that is not DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled area?
When shopping for a new wood stove, you will come across some terms that could be confusing. There are a few terms that you can hear, such as DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. They simply indicate that the stove has passed a smoke-control test and is in compliance with UK government laws.
The major benefit of buying a DEFRA exempt stove is that you'll be permitted to use it in a smoke-free area without fear of being fined. This is because the stove was designed to limit the amount of smoke it produces. This is accomplished by shutting off a portion of air during combustion process, which deprives the fuel of oxygen.
To become DEFRA approved the stove must be able to pass the tests that are set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Typically, a Defra exempt stove will be marked with the word SE which means Smoke Exempt.
It is a good idea, even if you do not live in a smoke-controlled area, to buy a DEFRA-approved stove. This is because a DEFRA approved stove will burn much more efficiently than a non-DEFRA endorsed stove, which means you will get more heating output from your appliance and it is less likely to release part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere.
There are people who decide to install a non-DEFRA approved stove in their home because they like the design of it or simply because they do not reside in a smoke-free area. However it is important to remember that if you do live in a smoke controlled area and you install a non-DEFRA approved stove, you could face a substantial fine from your local council. It is therefore advisable to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove to reduce the risk.
Can I Burn Non-DEFRA Approved fuels in a DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove, also referred to as a DEFRA exemption wood burning stove, also known as a smoke-free multi fuel, is a stove which can be legally used within UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a rigorous test designed by UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This assures it produces low levels of emissions during combustion. It can burn a variety of fuels without producing smoke, which makes it an excellent choice for homeowners in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved wood burner or multi-fuel stove may include the Defra Approved logo on it or will be described as a DEFRA exempt stove. It might have an SE added after the stove's name to indicate that it can be used in smoke-controlled areas. The logo is widely used in the market and is easily recognized.
If you aren't sure whether or not your stove is DEFRA approved you can contact the manufacturer and ask them or
DEFRA stoves go to the website. It is important to keep in mind that even if your stove is marked with the DEFRA logo on it or is described as a DEFRA stove, you could still be prosecuted for producing excessive smoke if not using it properly in the Smoke Control Area.
It is simple to use your DEFRA-approved stove. All you have to do is ensure that you have plenty of dry, seasoned wood and that the stove is well lit prior to starting to burn it. It is also very important to regularly clean your stove and to keep a tank of water nearby in the event of an emergency or problems with the stove.
A DEFRA stove is more efficient and generates less smoke than traditional open fires, gas or electric stoves. This is healthier for the environment and for your neighbors.
DEFRA stoves will usually also feature a second phase of combustion that further reduces the amount of pollutants that is released into the atmosphere.
What is the difference between the DEFRA Approved Stove and a Non-DEFRA Approved Stove?
When discussing wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves there are several terms that are used frequently. Some of these terms are very confusing for novice buyers as they may not be familiar with these terms. You may have heard of the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. While it may appear like a lot of jargon it actually has a very simple meaning.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has passed a test and approved for use in areas of smoke control. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs also known as
DEFRA endorsed stoves, grants the DEFRA approval.
The DEFRA approval allows the stove to be used with authorised fuels, such as anthracite and certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be employed in a smoke control area without creating excessive quantities of black smoke. Defra approved stoves will usually be identified with the Defra approved logo or SE (smoke exempt) in their name.
To be DEFRA approved, a stove has to 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 authorized fuels.
The stove also has to pass additional tests to qualify for DEFRA approval. The stove must also be equipped with secondary and tertiary technologies. This allows the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and with less smoke.
Many manufacturers offer stoves that are DEFRA approved. They will usually have the Defra approved logo or be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalog. They will also typically be labeled as having Clean Burn technology, which aids in reducing the amount of smoke that is produced when burning authorised fuels.
It is beneficial to have a
DEFRA legislation stoves-approved stove in areas that are smoke-free.