Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Controlled area then choosing a DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt stove is crucial. They not only comply with the building regulations, but they also permit burning wood or multi-fuels in your home.
Stove manufacturers are continually improving their products with secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that reduce emissions as well as the user's carbon footprint.
Defra Approved
If you live in a zone of smoke control then you will need to make use of a defra-approved stove. This is because the UK government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has laws in place that ban the emission of dark smoke from chimneys in smoke controlled areas (most large cities and towns). Defra Approved stoves have gone through rigorous tests and inspections to ensure they are in compliance with this legislation. They are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce significantly fewer pollutants. They are the best choice for you and your neighbors, as the smoke levels are kept at a minimum. Stoves that are Defra approved will also display the logo as well as the words SE (smoke-exempt) and defra exemption on their title and specifications.
The majority of wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves that we sell are approved by the Defra. We always strive to find the best quality products and are determined to ensure that our customers get the most from their stove. The stoves that are approved by Defra are more efficient than non-approved models, which means that they will create significantly less particulate matter. This will in turn reduce the amount of dark smoke produced. Defra approved stoves also have a a more robust firebox, which is another way in which they can help cut down on smoke emissions.
Defra approved appliances will not just reduce the amount of smoke produced and also ensure that the combustion air remains constant throughout the entire combustion process. This will stop the stove from being starved of oxygen, which causes it to smoulder and emit dark smoke. As they gain popularity the majority of stove manufacturers are now building Defra Approved Models into their product range.
Defra approved fireplaces are a great option for people living in smoke control zones. They are also an excellent option for those looking to increase the effectiveness, safety and release of toxic substances into the air. These stoves are also great for those who wish to line their chimneys with a flexible stainless twin wall liner made of steel. As DEFRA list stoves approved models come with a 5" outlet, this will allow them to be used with a 125mm liner, rather than the standard 6" outlet, which can save money on the cost of the liner and installation.
Some people might choose to rest their stoves overnight and shut the top vent completely and letting it burn slowly, this could lead to the accumulation of tar and soot that can block their chimney. A Defra-approved stove won't allow you to shut down the top vent completely, as this could trigger the fire to go off. It's also more likely to send any combustibles that are not burned into the air, which is better for the environment. It will also be significantly less likely to clog your chimney.
Exempt from Defra
When you're looking for a wood burning stove you'll usually come across the term Defra Exempt or DEFRA Approved. This usually means a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove that has been approved for use in a Smoke Controlled Area.
These appliances typically get this status by passing rigorous testing and examination to ensure that they have very low levels of emissions. This is done by utilising a secondary burn where the waste products of the combustion process are re-burnt to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air. DEFRA Approved Stoves are the best option for those who live in areas that are smoke-free and want to be sure that their appliance is legal.
Defra stoves that are exempt from a permit are typically marked with an SE logo or labelled DEFRA Stove. This means that the appliance passed a test created by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs to demonstrate that it emits minimal smoke when it is used in a proper manner. This is the reason Defra stoves are the only wood-burning stove that you are able to legally install in Smoke Controlled areas.
A wood burning stove that is approved by Defra can help keep your chimney and flue clean, as they are designed to ensure a cleaner burning of wood than other types. This is because of a sophisticated combustion process that allows airflow to enter the firebox.
Defra-approved wood burning stoves are more energy efficient. This is accomplished by using the latest technology to ensure that as much heat as possible is extracted from the fuel and transferred into your home, which means you will be able to have lower heating costs as well as a healthier, safer and more environmentally responsible home.
You'll find a wide range of options when choosing a Defra Approved Stove in terms style size, dimension, and the type of fuel. Some stoves are only Defra approved for burning wood, while others will also be Defra approved to use authorised smoking coal. There are stoves that are Defra approved in both modern and traditional styles, so you're bound to find one that matches your style.
We've put together a complete guide on how to buy a DEFRA-approved cooktop. It includes everything you need know about this type of appliance including how to get the best value for your money when purchasing one, what you should look out for when shopping for stoves, and more. You can read the entire guide in its entirety here. As well as this we offer a great range of Defra Approved stoves from some of the UK's leading manufacturers. Brands such as Stovax and Burley are available. If you're searching for a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that's also Defra certified and CE certified, then take to look at the options.