What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A Defra Approved Stove (also known by the acronym SE) is a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that can be placed in smoke zones of control. defra stoves are frequently seen on these stoves or they are labelled accordingly in their specifications.
Even if you don't live in a smoke controlled area, these types of stove are better for the environment and can help you avoid causing trouble to neighbors with a noxious smoke. They are also subjected to rigorous testing.
What is a DEFRA approved stove?
When looking for wood burning stoves or multi fuel stove for your home, it's important to think about the type of fuel that you are going to be using. This is true especially when you live in a smoke-controlled area, as it can affect the types of fuels you can burn in your stove. Wood stoves are able to burn different fuels. However should you reside in a smoke-free area you'll require an approved DEFRA stove that is designed for burning authorised fuels with no smoke.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove, also known as a wood burning stove is a stove which has been tested rigorously to ensure that the emissions produced by the stove are minimized. This is achieved by ensuring that the stove is equipped with secondary combustion, which means that waste gasses are re-burned within the stove to reduce emissions.
In addition to cutting down on the amount of smoke that is produced by the stove, DEFRA approved stoves also provide cost savings through greater efficiency and by being specifically designed to efficiently burn wood. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking to heat their homes using renewable energy sources that is sustainable and offers an economical method to heat their property.
There are different styles of DEFRA approved stoves that are available from traditional to modern. This lets homeowners choose a stove that will fit to the style of their home. They can be fitted into existing fireplace chambers or inglenooks. They can be paired with a range of chimney liners that are compatible with both gas or natural sources.
The benefits of choosing a DEFRA approved stove aren't limited to those living in areas that are smoke-free Anyone can benefit from the improved efficiency and low levels of emissions that these stoves create. The purchase of a DEFRA approved wood stove can help to improve the air quality in your home and will aid in a greener future, because wood stoves absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere that is then released to the atmosphere when they are burned to generate warmth.
What fuels can be burned in a DEFRA-Approved Stove
A DEFRA approved stove (sometimes known as a Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance) is a wood burning stove that has passed the rigorous tests set by Defra to limit the amount of smoke it produces. If you live in the UK city or town that is classified as a "smoke control area", it's a obligation to only use the stove that is Defra-approved. Otherwise you could be fined for violating the law. Even if you don't reside in a zone of smoke control and you do not have a Defra-approved stove, it's an excellent option to keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer.
Stove makers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax have been working hard to create the most advanced clean burn technology which has led to the creation of Defra approved stoves that do not just limit the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, but also significantly reduce the amount of smoke that is produced during the combustion process. Defra approved stoves now include secondary and tertiary combustion methods to further reduce emissions and help burn fuel more efficiently, and make for a much more sustainable and environmentally eco-friendly method of heating your home.
It is important to remember that although a Defra approved stove can burn manufactured solid fuel such as Household coal, Coal fires, High Petroleum-based fuels and Petrol Coke as well as wood, you must be careful about what kind of firewood you burn. It is not permitted to burn damp or wet wood in the DEFRA approved stove because it produces excessive nuisance smoke that can cause a disturbance to your neighbors and create a fire risk in your home.
We recommend that when buying wood for your Defra approved fireplace, you only purchase logs and splits that have been dry and properly seasoned. We also recommend using only firewood that is stamped with the Ready to Burn logo. This confirms that the wood has been treated to have a low moisture level in order to prevent excessive smoke production.
The majority of Defra approved wood-burning stoves don't offer the option of burning smokeless coke. However there are some great traditional models that look fantastic with or without a mantle or surround. The fact that you have a DEFRA approved stove installed allows you to use 5" (125mm) wide stainless steel twin wall chimney liner, which is a more affordable alternative to the standard 6" (150mm) and is a great solution where your existing chimney stack is old or has some awkward bends along its route.
Can I install an unapproved stove in a smoke control area?
If you're in the market for a new wood-burning stove it's likely that you'll find DEFRA approved models. This is a term used in the industry to define the stove that is exempt from smoke control laws when it's burning using approved fuels, such as well-seasoned logs and mineral solid fuels such as anthracite.
It's important to know that non-Defra stoves can still be used in smoke-controlled areas but they must only be used to ignite authorised fuels like anthracite. If you utilize them in conjunction with different wood types or other solid fuels that can ignite, they could emit excessive amounts of smoke and lead to an infringement of fire being issued against the property.
Stoves that are Defra Approved are often adorned with the Defra logo on their descriptions of products. They may also be referred to as SE (smoke exempt) or simply as DEFRA stoves by their manufacturers.
To be approved by Defra the stove must meet the strict emission and performance requirements that are set by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. They have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure low emissions and efficiency. Buying a Defra approved wood-burning or multi-fuel stove can help reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your home warm at same time.
A DEFRA approved stove can be fitted with a 5-inch liner. This is a huge benefit because it means you save money on the cost of installation and also meet the building regulations.
The choice of a DEFRA approved wood burner for your home can be a bit difficult if you aren't familiar with all of the rules for burning wood in smoke control areas. It is important to choose an appliance that has been tested to meet the standards laid down by the UK government and that is designed to give you the most enjoyable experience when burning solid fuel.
Also, ensure that you only burn the wood that has been seasoned. It's wood that has 20% moisture percent or less to avoid the build-up of excessive quantities of smoke when it's burned. You can find seasoned wood in many local shops and through programs like Woodsure Ready to Burn.
What Is an DEFRA Exempt Stove?
There are a lot of things to think about when contemplating buying a wood-burning stove. There are a lot of things to consider before making a decision. If you reside in a smoke-free area an exempt DEFRA stove is one of the most important things to look for. A DEFRA approved wood stove has been independently test and has been proven to burn wood in a smoke-controlled zone.
These stoves are specifically designed to reduce particle emissions from the combustion process, meaning that less pollution is being created in the air. DEFRA approved appliances are better for the environment as well as your chimney system, since they stop part-burned material from entering the chimney and creating blockages.
A stove that is exempt from Defra's regulations will display the 'DEFRA-approved' logo either on the side or in the specifications. The logo is easily recognized and is a mark of quality that is widely adopted by stove makers. We stock a large number of wood-burning stoves that bear the DEFRA logo.
It is also important to ensure that the wood burner or multifuel stove you pick is fitted with 5" liner. Non-DEFRA models require a bigger chimney than DEFRA approved stoves and could cause the chimney to become blocked if it is not properly maintained.
If you are unsure whether or not you live in a Smoke Controlled area or what the regulations are regarding the kinds of fuels you can burn, please do contact us, and we'll be more than happy to assist. You can also visit the official website of your local council to find out more about the laws in your area.