The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are an excellent option for homeowners who live in smoke control zones. These stoves have been thoroughly tested and are able to operate within strict guidelines.
Stoves that have been approved will often be identified with the letter the letter 'SE', which means Smoke Exempt. They can only be used in areas with smoke control when burning Defra approved fuels that include wood or smokeless fuels.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA exempted wood burning stoves or Defra approved stoves are designed to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. These stoves were tested and inspected to ensure that they burn fuel efficiently and produce little or no smoke. They emit minimal levels of emissions and their efficiency in combustion allows them to re-burn part-burned combustibles such as ash and soot before they escape up your chimney.
If you reside in a large or a city town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area then it's essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt and can be used with fuels that are authorised. It is illegal to release smoke from your chimney if not using an exempt appliance or fuels that are authorised. Exempt stoves from Defra are better for your chimney because they burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke, so your flue and chimney remain cleaner for a longer period of time.
We offer a large selection of Defra exempt stoves made by the world's leading manufacturers including Stovax and Arada. We only offer the highest quality products, so you can be confident that your new stove will be a safe and efficient addition to your home.
It is a common myth that you need to buy an exempt stove from Defra even if your house is located within a smoke-control area. recommended DEFRA stoves 's not the case. You can still install an un-DEFRA stove in your home if it has a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and that you only use it with authorised briquettes or other smokeless fuels.
If you want to be sure that you are allowed to legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we suggest you select one of our Defra approved models. These stoves have been developed to meet the strict environmental standards and have been tested and certified to be DEFRA exempt which means they will only produce minimal amounts of smoke. They are also more efficient than older-style models, which means you can heat your home using fewer wood logs. Our selection of Defra stoves comes in a range of colors and styles, so you're bound to find the perfect model for your home.
Clean Burn
Wood-burning stoves and open fires produce smoke that could be harmful to the health of those living in your home as well the people who live nearby. This is due to the fine particles that make up the smoke can cause respiratory problems such as asthma. Modern stoves that are exempt from DEFRA are designed to reduce the harmful effects of this smoke.
The wood burners have been thoroughly tested and inspected to ensure they meet Department of Environment regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more effectively which means less pollutants. They also emit a clear vapour instead of the dark smoke typically associated with older open fires and stoves that burn logs.
Modern DEFRA-exempt stoves come with secondary and tertiary systems that are responsible for the lower smoke particles. This means that the air within the combustion chamber is always being circulated, which makes it much more difficult for these particles to escape the chimney.
This also means you must only use approved fuels in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such seasoned dry firewood). The airflow system of these modern stoves also helps keep the combustion chamber clean, so that the buildup of soot is reduced and gas can easily escape from the flue.
According to Defra, a brand new wood stove that is DEFRA-approved and has an EcoDesign baffle produces around 350 times less pollution than the traditional log burning stove or open fire. If you live in the Smoke Control Area, then installing one of these modern and efficient stoves is crucial to safeguard your health as well as the health of your neighbors.
Alternatively, you can install an DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and use a variety of different fuels like briquettes, peat and other kinds of manufactured solid fuel which are available for purchase in supermarkets. However, it is recommended to only use dry 'Ready burn' seasoned wood and never burn treated or painted timber since these can produce more pollutants than untreated wood.
Easy Maintenance
A DEFRA exempt wood burning stove is easy to maintain, with regular cleaning and maintenance check making sure it lasts for longer. These stoves are also very efficient, offering cost savings on your heating bill and cutting down on consumption of fuel by up to 50%. The carbon emissions generated by these stoves are also far lower than other types of stoves, and they are a greener alternative for fossil fuels.
These types of wood stoves are very easy to set up and are suitable for all homes especially if you reside in an urban area. They have passed Defra testing, which means that you can legally use them in smoke control zones without breaking the law or the risk of a large fine.
Defra approved wood stoves are also typically more affordable than other models of stoves due to their advanced combustion technology which ensures that the fire burns effectively. This means less carbon monoxide, particulates and other pollutants are released into the atmosphere. This is beneficial for your health and your family's.
In addition, DEFRA exempt stoves have been inspected through various initiatives, such as the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign which means that they meet rigorous emissions and efficiency requirements. These certifications are visible on the stoves we offer, and provide peace of mind knowing that you're buying a product that is safe and eco sustainable.
You can find a wide variety of Defra exempt stoves on Stoves Direct, including many classic styles that are ideal for an inglenook fireplace or fireplace chamber. We also offer modern, sleek designs that are perfect for a simple mantle or surround. If you're considering buying one of our Defra-exempt wood burning stoves it's important to consider the style you'd like to have for your home, and how it'll fit with the interior decor.
You can only use an exempt stove that is Defra-compliant in a Smoke Control Area. This will save you money if trapped with a wood-burning fire. The stove is also a great option for those looking to cut down their carbon footprint. The wood of the tree absorbs CO2 during its growth and releases it back into the atmosphere when burned.
Ideal for Smoke Control Areas
Many UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so a wood burning stove that has been DEFRA approved is essential. This means that it has passed stringent tests and is legal to use in these areas. These tests ensure that the air isn't contaminated with the combustion particles generated by the stove. These toxins are the reason for the dark smoke that is often seen coming from chimneys in areas of smoke control and they can have a negative effect on health and also making neighbors uncomfortable.
In response local councils have passed laws that prohibit the use of open fires and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to address the issue. The good news is you can still use your stove in your home as long as it is DEFRA-exempt and you only use authorised fuel.
Stoves that have been approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas will be marked and tested to ensure they meet or exceed the strict emission and efficiency standards. Stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are also more environmentally friendly in comparison to other types of woodburners since they use advanced secondary and tertiary burn systems that reduce their carbon footprint.
You can find out whether you live in a smoke-free zone by contact your local council. You can also look up your address online. However, it is best to consult your local council for further information.
Even if you're not in the Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood-burning stove is a smart choice as it's more environmentally and neighbour friendly. A stove that is Defra-approved will also produce less smoke, which keeps your chimney and flue clean for longer. For this reason, most major stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have a selection of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and won't be affected by the new law.