Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you reside in a Smoke Controlled area then choosing a DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt stove is crucial. They not only comply with building regulations, but they also guarantee that you are able to legally burn wood and multi fuel in your home.
Manufacturers of stoves are constantly improving their products, by adding secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions.
Defra Approved
If you live in a zone of smoke control then you will need to use a defra approved stove. This is because the UK government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has laws in place that prohibit the release of dark smoke from chimneys within smoke-controlled areas (most large towns and cities). Defra Approved stoves have been thoroughly tested and scrutinized to ensure they are in compliance with the legislation. They are specifically designed to burn fuel efficiently and produce significantly less pollutants. They are a better choice for you and your neighbours because the smoke levels will be kept to a minimum. Stoves that are approved by Defra will also have the logo, as well as the words SE (smoke-exempt) and the defra exemption in their titles and specifications.
The majority of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves we sell are approved by the Defra. We strive to source the top quality products and we want to make sure our customers get the most from their stove. Defra Approved stoves have a higher efficiency than non-approved models. This means they produce considerably less particulate matter. This is in turn, reducing the amount of dark smoke produced. Defra approved stoves also have a the most robust firebox which is another way in which they can help to reduce smoke emissions.
In addition to reducing the amount of smoke that is produced, Defra approved stoves will ensure that there is a steady supply of combustion air throughout the process. This will stop the stove from becoming depleted of air which causes it to smoulder or emit dark smoke. Most stove manufacturers now build Defra Approved models into their range of products as they become more and more well-known.
Defra approved fireplaces are an excellent choice for people living in smoke zones for control. They are also a great option for anyone who wants to increase the efficiency, safety and elimination of pollutants into the air. They're also an excellent option for those who are considering having their chimney lined with a stainless steel twin wall flexible liner. Most Defra-approved models have five" outlet, which permits them to be used in conjunction with a 125mm lining instead of the standard 6" liner. This will save you money on the liner as well as the installation.
Some homeowners may decide to sleep on their stove for the night by shutting the top vent down and burning it slowly, this can result in the build-up of soot and tar that can block their chimney. A stove that is Defra-approved will not let you shut down the top vent completely as this could trigger the fire to stop. It will also be more likely to send any combustibles not yet burned into the air, which is healthier for the environment and will be significantly less likely to block your chimney.
Exempt from Defra
It is common to see terms Defra Approved, or Defra-Exempt, when you are looking for a stove that burns wood. This is usually a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that is approved to be used in a smoke-free area.
This is accomplished by the appliances being subjected to rigorous tests and examinations to ensure they are operating at the lowest levels of emissions. This is achieved by using secondary combustion, in which the waste products generated by the burning process are burned again to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air. DEFRA Approved Stoves are the ideal choice for those who live in smoke-controlled areas and want to know that their appliance is legal.
Typically a Defra Exempt stove is marked with an SE logo or labelled as a DEFRA Stove. This means that the appliance has passed a testing procedure developed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) to show that it emits only a small amount of smoke when properly used. This is why Defra wood burning stoves are the only ones that can be installed legally in Smoke Controlled Zones.
A wood-burning stove that is Defra-approved can help keep your chimney and flue clean because they are engineered to ensure a cleaner burning of wood than other types. This is due to a sophisticated combustion process that allows airflow to enter the firebox.
Defra-approved wood burning stoves tend to be energy efficient. This is achieved by using the most modern technology to ensure that the maximum amount of heat is derived from the fuel and then transferred to your living space. You will also be able to enjoy lower heating costs as well as a safer, cleaner and a more eco-friendly home.
When choosing a Defra Approved stove, you'll discover that there are a variety of choices to pick from in terms of design, size and fuel type. Some are approved by Defra for burning wood, while others will be approved by Defra to burn authorized 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 sure to find the perfect stove to match your decor.
We've created a comprehensive guide on how to buy a DEFRA-approved stove. recommended DEFRA stoves contains everything you need to know about this kind of appliance including how to get the most value for your money when you purchase one, what to look out for when you are shopping for stoves, and more. You can read the guide in its entirety here. Additionally, we have an excellent selection of Defra Approved stoves from some of the UK's leading manufacturers. This includes brands like Stovax, Arada, Burley and more. So if you're looking for a multi fuel or wood burning stove that is Defra approved and CE certified then be sure to look at our range.