Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you live 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 always improving their products by adding secondary and tertiary components that reduce emissions.
Defra Approved
If you live in a zone of smoke control then you must use a defra approved stove. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has passed laws prohibiting the release of dark smoke in smoke-controlled areas, which includes most large towns and cities. Defra Approved Stoves have been thoroughly tested and scrutinized to ensure that they comply with the legislation. They are specifically designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce significantly fewer pollutants. They are a better option for your family and friends as the smoke levels will be kept at a minimum. Stoves that are Defra approved will also feature the logo and words defra exempt or SE (smoke exempt) in their titles and specifications.
Most of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves that we sell are Defra approved. This is because we strive to source the highest quality products and we hope that our customers will be able to get the most benefit from their stove. The stoves that are Defra-approved are more efficient than non-approved models and produce less particulate matter. This, in turn, reduces the amount of dark smoke that is produced. Defra approved stoves also have a a more robust firebox, which is yet another way they can help cut down on smoke emissions.
In addition to reducing the amount of smoke produced, Defra approved stoves will ensure that there is a constant supply of combustion air throughout the burning process. This will stop the stove from being depriving of oxygen, which causes it to smoulder and emit dark smoke. As they become more popular and more stove makers are now incorporating Defra Approved Models into their range of products.
Defra approved stoves aren't only a great option for people who live in areas that have smoke control however, they are a great choice for anyone who wants to improve the safety and efficiency of their fireplace and reduce the amount of toxins that are released into the atmosphere. They are also an excellent option for those who are thinking of having their chimney lined with a stainless steel twin wall liner that is flexible. Most approved models by Defra have 5" outlet, which allows them to be used in conjunction with a 125mm lining instead of the standard 6" liner. This can save you money on the liner, as well as the installation.
While some people may choose to sleep on their stove for the night, which involves closing the top vent and letting it burn slowly, this could result in the build-up of soot and tar that could block the chimney. Related Homepag -approved stove will not let you 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.
Exempt from Defra
You will often see the terms Defra Approved or Defra Exempt when searching for a stove that burns wood. This typically refers to a wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove that is approved to be used in a Smoke Controlled Area.
These appliances typically get this status by passing rigorous testing and inspection to ensure they have ultra low emission levels. This is accomplished by using secondary combustion, whereby waste products from the burning process are re-burned to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air. DEFRA Approved Stoves are the ideal choice for those who live in areas that are smoke-free and want to know that their appliance is legal.
Defra stoves that are exempt from a permit are typically marked with a SE logo or are branded 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 demonstrate that it emits only a small amount of smoke when properly used. This is why Defra wood-burning stoves are the only stoves that are legal to install in Smoke Controlled areas.
A Defra approved wood burning stove will also help to keep your chimney and flue system clean since they are engineered to burn wood more efficiently than other types of stove. This is due to a sophisticated combustion process that allows airflow to enter the firebox.
In addition, Defra approved wood burning stoves are typically built to be energy efficient. This is accomplished through the latest technologies to ensure that the greatest amount of heat is absorbed from the fuel, and transferred to your room. You will also be able to enjoy lower heating costs as well as an easier, safer and more environmentally friendly home.
When choosing a Defra Approved stove, you'll find that there are a variety of options to choose from in terms of style size, dimensions and the type of fuel. Some are only approved for burning wood, while some are also Defra approved to burn authorised smoking coal. There are Defra-approved stoves available in both modern and traditional styles, so you're sure to find one that matches your style.
We've put together a complete guide to buying a DEFRA approved stove that covers everything you should know about this appliance that will help you get the most value for your money when purchasing one, what to look out for when buying the right stove, and much more. You can read the guide in its entirety here. In addition we have a fantastic selection of Defra Approved stoves from some of the top manufacturers in the UK. This includes brands like Stovax, Arada, Burley and many more. So if you're looking for a wood burning or multi fuel stove that is both Defra Approved and CE certified, then make sure to take a look at our selection.