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 also allow you to burn wood or multi-fuels inside your home.
Stove manufacturers are constantly 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'll need to make use of a defra-approved stove. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has adopted laws that prohibit the release of dark smoke in areas controlled by smoke which includes the majority of large cities and towns. Defra Approved stoves have been rigorously tested and examined to ensure they are in compliance with the law. They are designed to burn more fuel efficiently and produce significantly fewer pollutant emissions. This makes them a more suitable choice for you and your neighbours since the less smoke they produce means that the nuisance levels of smoke will be kept to a minimum. Stoves that are approved by the Defra will display the logo, as well as the words SE (smoke-exempt) and defra exemption in their title and specifications.
The majority of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves that we sell are Defra-approved. We strive to find the best quality products and wish to ensure that our customers get the best 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 produced. Defra approved stoves also have an extra robust firebox, which is yet another way they can help reduce smoke emissions.
In addition to decreasing the amount of smoke that is produced, Defra approved stoves will ensure that there is a constant supply of combustion air throughout the process. This will prevent the stove from being starved of oxygen, which is what causes it to smolder and release dark smoke. As they become more popular and more stove makers are now incorporating Defra Approved Models into their range of products.
Defra approved fireplaces are a great choice for people living in smoke control zones. They are also a great choice for anyone looking to improve the efficiency, safety and elimination of pollutants into the air. These stoves are also great for those who want to line their chimneys with a flexible stainless steel twin wall liner. Because the majority of Defra approved models come with 5" outlet, this allows them to be fitted with a 125mm liner, rather than the standard 6" outlet, which can reduce the cost of the liner and installation.
While some people may choose to slumber their stove overnight, which involves closing the top vent and burning it slowly, this could lead to soot and tar build-up which can block the chimney. A Defra-approved stove will not allow you to close the top vent completely, as this could cause the fire to cease. defra exempt stoves will also be much less likely to send any combustibles not yet burned into the air which is healthier for the environment and will be much less likely to clog your chimney.
Defra Exempt
You'll often see the terms Defra Approved or Defra-Exempt when you are looking for a wood-burning stove. This usually refers to a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has been deemed to be used in a smoke-free area.
These appliances will often be able to achieve this status through strict testing and examination to ensure that they are operating at ultra low emissions. This is accomplished by using secondary combustion, whereby the waste products of the burning process are burned again to limit 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 ensure that their stove is legal.
Defra exempt stoves are usually marked with an SE logo or labelled DEFRA Stove. This means that the appliance was able to pass a test developed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs to prove that it emits very minimal smoke when it is used in a proper manner. This is the reason Defra stoves are the only wood burning stove that is legal to install in Smoke Controlled areas.
A Defra-approved wood burning stove will keep your chimney and flue cleaner because they are engineered to provide a cleaner burn of wood than other types. This is due to a sophisticated combustion process that allows airflow into the firebox.
In addition, Defra approved wood burning stoves are generally built to be energy efficient. This is accomplished by using the most modern technology to ensure that the greatest amount of heat is absorbed from the fuel, and transferred to your room. You will also benefit from lower heating expenses as well as an easier, safer and a more eco-friendly home.
You'll find a wide range of options when choosing a Defra Approved Stove in terms style, size, and fuel type. Some will only be Defra approved to burn wood, while some are also Defra-approved to burn smoking coal that is authorised. There are both traditional and modern style Defra approved stoves to choose from so you can be certain to find the ideal choice to complement your decor.
We've put together a complete guide to buying an approved DEFRA stove. It includes everything you need to know about this kind of appliance including how to get the best value for your money when purchasing one, what to watch out for when looking for stoves, and more. The guide can be read in full here. We also have a great selection of Defra Approved Stoves from some prominent UK manufacturers. Brands like Stovax and Burley are available. If you're looking for a multi fuel or wood burning stove that is Defra approved and CE certified then be sure to look at our selection.