Why Everyone Is Talking About Defra Exempt Stove Today

What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove? It is important to take into consideration whether you reside in an area with smoke control laws when you are choosing a wood stove or multi-fuel. If DEFRA stoves cost do, you will need a defra exempt stove. These appliances are sometimes called SE stoves. (SE means smoke-free). They have passed the UK government's strict testing requirements for emission levels and are able to be used in smoke controlled areas. What is an DEFRA approved stove? A DEFRA-approved stove is a multifuel or wood-burning stove that has passed the smoke emission test developed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The tests ensure that the stove emits very low levels of smoke when it is using the right fuels like wood. Stoves that have been approved by Defra are permitted to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. They will typically bear the DEFRA logo or the word SE (for smoke-exempt) added to their names. Most towns and cities are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, you will need a DEFRA-approved stove to burn wood and other approved DEFRA fuels. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra will have their manufacturers modify them to limit the amount of air they eat during combustion, which could result in black smoke. Defra approved stoves will include secondary and tertiary combustion systems in place which helps to convert any non-burned matter in the fire into gas which is then blown away of the chimney. This helps to keep the stove and flue system cleaner for longer. It reduces emissions in general which is great news for you and your neighbors. When buying a stove for your home, there are many factors to consider and it's easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of information available. You might hear terms such as DEFRA and smoke-controlled zones mentioned and if you are looking for a new stove then this could be a bit confusing. If you are buying an entirely new stove for your home then it is crucial to choose the DEFRA approved model, as the majority of large towns and cities will be Smoke Control Areas and if you install a stove that is not approved, you could be liable for a substantial fine. Luckily, the majority of the stoves that we sell at Grate Expectations are all DEFRA approved, so you can shop with confidence knowing you will receive the highest quality woodburning stove or multifuel stove to fit in your home. Can I put in an appliance that isn't DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled zone? When you are looking for a new wood burning stove you will come across some terminology that could be confusing. One term you may hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, these simply indicate that the stove has been tested and is in compliance with the UK governments smoke control laws. The major benefit of buying a DEFRA exempt stove is that you are allowed to use it in a smoke-free area without fear of getting fined. The stove is designed to produce less smoke. This is achieved by shutting off the airflow during the combustion process which thereby depriving the fuel of oxygen and preventing large amounts of smoke from escaping. To become DEFRA approved, a stove has to undergo a series tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Defra-exempt stoves are usually marked with SE which stands for Smoke Exempt. While the primary purpose of a DEFRA approved stove is to use it in a smoke-control zone, it's recommended to purchase one even if you don't reside in a smoke-free area. This is because a DEFRA approved stove will burn more efficiently than a non-DEFRA certified stove, which means that you will get a better energy output from your appliance and it is less likely to release part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere. Some people still choose to install a non DEFRA approved stove in their home due to its look or because they do not live in a smoke-free area. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you do reside in a controlled smoke area and you install a non-DEFRA regulated stove, you could be subject to a large fine from your local council. To avoid this risk, it's recommended to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove. Can I burn non-DEFRA approved Fuels in a DEFRA Approved Stove? A DEFRA approved wood burning stove, also known a DEFRA exemption wood burning stove, also known as a smoke-free multi fuel stove, is a stove that is legal to use within UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a stringent test developed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that guarantees low levels of emissions during combustion. It can burn a variety of fuels without releasing smoke, which makes it an ideal choice for homeowners who live in urban areas. A DEFRA approved multi-fuel or wood burner is usually marked with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes an SE will be added to the stove's title, which indicates that it is able to be used in smoke-controlled areas. This logo is widely adopted by the industry and is easily identifiable. If you are unsure of whether your stove is DEFRA approved, you can contact the manufacturer and ask or look up the specifications on the website. It is important to remember that even if your stove has the DEFRA logo or is described as a DEFRA stove, it is still possible to be charged with producing nuisance smoke if you are not using it correctly in the Smoke Control Area. Using your DEFRA approved stove correctly is easy and involves making sure you have plenty dry and seasoned wood, and that it is well lit before you begin to burn it. It is also essential to keep the stove clean and keep a tank of water nearby in the event of an emergency or problems with the stove. A DEFRA stove provides you with a more efficient burn and also offers less carbon footprint than traditional open fires, or even electric or gas powered stoves since they produce less smoke, which is more beneficial for the environment and your neighbours. DEFRA stoves usually have a second combustion phase that reduces the amount of smoke released into the air. What is the Difference Between the DEFRA Approved Stove and a Non-DEFRA Approved Stove? There are a variety of terms that are used when discussing wood burning and multi fuel stoves. These terms can be confusing for new buyers who might not understand what they refer to. One of these terms that you may have encountered is a DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stove. It may sound like a lot terms, but it is a simple definition. A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and has been approved for use in areas of smoke control. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs also known as Defra is the entity that grants DEFRA approval. The DEFRA approval allows the stove to use with approved fuels, like anthracite, or certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be used in a smoke-control area without producing excessive amounts of black smoke. Defra-approved stoves are often labelled with a Defra approved logo or SE (smoke exemption) after their names. To be DEFRA approved, a stove has to satisfy certain requirements, such as testing for emissions. This test is performed to ensure that the stove does not produce excessive amounts smoke when burning approved fuels. There are additional tests that the stove must undergo in order to qualify for the DEFRA approval. The stove must also have secondary and tertiary technological features. This lets the stove burn fuel with less smoke and greater efficiency. Many manufacturers sell stoves that are DEFRA approved. They will usually have the Defra approved logo or will be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalogue. They will be identified as having Clean Burn Technology, which reduces the amount of smoke produced when burning approved fuels. Although owning a DEFRA approved stove isn't required in smoke-free areas, there are a number of reasons why it's a good idea to do so. Not only will this assist to avoid any fines handed out to the owner, but it will also mean that the stove is more efficient and has a much cleaner burn. This is better for both the surroundings and the chimney of the stove.