The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a fantastic option for homeowners who live within smoke control areas. These particular log burners have undergone rigorous testing and are able to operate within the strict guidelines.
Stoves that are approved will usually be branded with "SE" which means Smoke Exempt. They can only be used in areas with smoke control in the event of burning approved fuels from Defra such as wood or manufactured smokeless fuels.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA exempted stoves that burn wood or Defra-approved stoves are made to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. The stoves were tested and examined in order to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce minimal or no smoke. They emit very little carbon dioxide, and their combustion efficiency is so high that even part-burnt combustion products like soot and ash are reburned before they can escape through your chimney and into the atmosphere.
If you reside in an area designated as a Smoke-Control Area It is essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt. It must also allow you to use approved fuels. It is illegal to release smoke from your chimney if not using an exempt device or authorised fuels. Defra exempt stoves are also better for your chimney because they burn fuel more cleanly and produce less smoke, which means your chimney and flue remain cleaner for longer.
We have a range of stoves that are Defra-exempt that include models from Stovax and Arada. We only offer the highest quality products and you can be confident that your new stove will be a safe and effective addition to your home.
It is a popular misconception that you need to buy an exemption from Defra-compliant stove when your home is located within a smoke-control area. This is not true. You can still install a non-DEFRA stove into your house provided that it has an 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with approved charcoal or other smokeless fuels.
If you want to be certain that you are able to legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, we suggest that you select one of our Defra approved models. These stoves were designed to meet UK standards for environmental sustainability. They have been tested and certified as DEFRA exempt. This means they produce minimal smoke. They are also more efficient than the older models, so you can heat the property using fewer wood logs. Our range of Defra stoves is available in a variety of colors and designs, so you're certain to find the right model for your home.
Clean Burn
Open fires and wood-burning stoves can generate smoke that can be hazardous to the health of people living in your home as well in the area. This is because the fine particles that make up the smoke can cause respiratory issues such as asthma. Modern stoves that are DEFRA-exempt are designed to minimize the harmful effects of this smoke.
The wood burners have been thoroughly tested and inspected in order to ensure they are in compliance with Department of Environment regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more effectively which means less pollutants. They also display an unmistakable smoke that is released from the chimney, instead of the dark smoke typical of older log burning stoves and open fires.
The reason why the smoke particles in modern DEFRA exempt stoves are so less is due to the fact that they are constructed with secondary and tertiary airflow systems. This means the air in the combustion chamber is constantly circulated. This makes it more difficult for the smoke particles to escape.
This also means that you are able to only burn fuels that are authorised on your DEFRA exempt wood stove (such as dry seasoned firewood). These modern stoves have an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clear, reducing soot and allowing gas to flow easily from the flue.
In fact, a new DEFRA approved wood stove fitted with an EcoDesign baffle can produce approximately 350 times less pollution than a traditional open fire or old fashioned log burning stove, according to Defra. If you live in the Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, then installing one of these modern and efficient stoves is crucial to safeguard your health and the health of your neighbors.
You can also install a DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and utilize a variety fuels like briquettes, peat, and other types of manufactured solid fuel which can be purchased at the supermarket. However, it is recommended to only use dry 'Ready to burn' seasoned wood and never burn painted or treated timber as these will produce more pollutants than untreated wood.
Easy Maintenance
A DEFRA-exempt wood burning stove can be maintained easily. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks assist in extending the lifespan of your stove. These stoves are also very efficient, providing savings on your heating bill and reduce your fuel consumption by up to 50%. The carbon emissions generated by these stoves are much lower than other kinds of stoves, and they offer a greener alternative to fossil fuels.
These wood stoves can be easily installed and are suitable for many homes, especially in urban areas. These wood stoves have passed Defra tests which means that you can use them legally in smoke control areas without violating the law or risking the hefty penalty.
Defra approved wood stoves are also typically cheaper to run than other models of stoves, as they have advanced combustion technology that ensures the fire burns efficiently. This results in less particulates and carbon monoxide released into the air, which is great news for your health and that of your family members.
Additionally, the DEFRA exempt stoves have been certified by a variety of initiatives like the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign which means they meet strict emissions and efficiency requirements. These certifications are visible on the stoves we sell, and provide peace of mind knowing that you're buying a product that is safe and eco friendly.
Stoves Direct offers a large selection of Defra-exempt stoves, including many traditional designs that are ideal for an inglenook or fireplace chamber. We also have modern stylish options that look fantastic with a simple fireplace surround or mantle. If you're considering buying one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, it is crucial to consider the style you would like to see in your home and how it will fit with the interior decor.
A Defra exempt stove is the only type of stove that can legally use in a Smoke Control Area, and it can help you avoid paying a fine if you are caught with an illegal wood-burning fire. The stove is also a great choice for those who want to lower their carbon footprint. The wood of the tree absorbs CO2 during the process of growing and releases it back into the air when it is burned.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
It is essential to have a wood-burning stove that has been approved by DEFRA in UK cities and towns. This means it has passed the rigorous tests and is legal to use in these areas. These tests guarantee that the combustion particulates produced by the stove will not contaminate the air. These toxins are what cause the dark smoke often seen emanating from chimneys in smoke control areas, and they can have a negative impact on health as well as making neighbors uncomfortable.
As a result local councils have enacted laws that prohibit the use of open fires and appliances that are not exempt from DEFRA in these areas to manage the issue. However, the good news is that you can still have an appliance in your home if it's DEFRA exempt and you only burn fuel that is approved for burning.
Stoves that have been approved for use in Smoke Control Areas will be inspected and marked to ensure that they meet or surpass the strict emission and efficiency requirements. DEFRA stoves price range tend to be more eco-friendly than other types of wood burners since they feature advanced secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that help to minimise their carbon footprint.
The simplest way to find out if you live in a smoke control area is to contact your local council and ask them for more information. You can also determine by looking at your property's postcode online, however it is best to visit the website of your local council to find out more in-depth information since every district of the UK might be different.
Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood burning stove is a smart choice as it's more eco-friendly and friendly to neighbors. A stove that is approved by Defra will produce less smoke, which keeps your chimney and flue clear for longer. The majority of the top stove manufacturers like Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have a variety of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt.