15 Defra Exempt Stove Benefits Everyone Must Know

What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove? When selecting a wood burner or multi-fuel stove, it is essential to consider whether you reside in a smoke control area. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove. They are also referred to as SE stoves (SE stands for Smoke Exempt). These appliances have passed the strict UK government testing criteria for emissions levels and can be used in smoke-controlled zones. What is an DEFRA approved stove? A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has passed the smoke emissions test developed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The tests guarantee that the stove releases low levels of smoke when used with the right fuels, such as wood. Stoves that have been approved by Defra can be fitted in Smoke Control Areas and will usually be branded with the DEFRA approval logo or have the term SE (for smoke exempt) added to their name. Many cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas and so if you reside in one of these areas then you will have to use a DEFRA Approved Stove if you want to burn wood or other DEFRA approved fuels. Stoves that are Defra approved will have been modified by their manufacturer to limit the amount they starve air during the combustion process which can create black smoke. Stoves that are Defra-approved come with secondary and tertiary systems that aid to burn off any unburned material that is left over from the fire that is then blown away from the chimney. This helps keep the flue and stove system clean for longer and also reduces emissions overall which is great news for you and your neighbors. There are a lot of things to think about when buying a stove. It is easy to become overwhelmed by all the details available. You might hear terms such as DEFRA and smoke controlled zones. If you are in the market for a new stove then this could be a bit confusing. It is essential to select an approved DEFRA model when purchasing an appliance. The majority of large towns and cities are Smoke Control Areas, and if your stove isn't approved you could be fined a lot. Grate Expectations stocks a large selection of stoves that have been approved by DEFRA. This means you can shop in confidence knowing that you're getting a top woodburning stove or multifuel stove. Can I put a non-DEFRA Approved Stove in a Smoke Controlled Area? You may come across some unclear terms when looking for a wood stove. One word you might hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, they simply indicate that the stove has been through a test that is in accordance with the UK governments smoke control laws. The primary benefit of buying a DEFRA exempt stove is that you are allowed to use it in a smoke-free zone without fear of being fined. The stove is designed to create less smoke. This is achieved by shutting off some air during the combustion process which thereby depriving the fuel of oxygen and preventing excessive amounts of smoke from being generated. In order to become DEFRA approved, a stove has to undergo a series tests that are laid out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Defra-exempt stoves are usually marked with SE which means Smoke Exempt. Although the main purpose of the DEFRA approved stove is to use it in a smoke control area, it's a good idea to purchase one even if you do not live in a smoke controlled area. A DEFRA-approved stove burns more efficiently than one that is not DEFRA-approved. This means you'll get more heat output and less part-burned combustibles in your air. Some people choose to install a non DEFRA approved stove into their home due to its design or don't live in a smoke-controlled area. It is important to remember that when you reside in a smoking-free zone and you install a non DEFRA approved stove, you could be facing a fine from your local authority. It is therefore advisable to buy a DEFRA exempt stove to avoid this risk. Can I burn fuels that aren't DEFRA approved in a DEFRA approved stove? A DEFRA approved stove that is also referred to as a DEFRA exempt wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove that is smoke-free, is stoves that can be used legally in UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a stringent test designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) which ensures that it emits low levels of emissions during combustion. This means that it is capable of burning a wide range of different types of fuel without producing polluting smoke, and is therefore a good option for homeowners who live in urban areas. A DEFRA approved multi-fuel or wood burner will often be marked with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes an SE will be added to the stove's name, indicating that it is able to be used within smoke controlled areas. The logo is widely used by the industry and is easily recognisable. If you are unsure whether your stove is DEFRA approved, you can contact the manufacturer and ask or look up the specifications on the website. Even the DEFRA stove is marked with the logo or described as such, you may still be prosecuted if you are not using it correctly in an area that has smoke control in place. Using your DEFRA approved stove properly is easy and involves making sure that you have plenty of seasoned dry wood and that it is properly lit before starting to burn it. It is also very important to clean the stove regularly and to keep a water tank in the vicinity in the event of an emergency or problems related to the stove. A DEFRA stove is more efficient and produces less smoke than traditional open flames, electric or gas stoves. This is better for your environment and for the neighbors. DEFRA stoves usually have a second phase of combustion, which reduces the amount of pollutants that is released into the air. What is the difference between a DEFRA Approved Stove and a Non DEFRA Approved Stove? When discussing wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are several terms that are used frequently. These terms can be confusing to new buyers who may not know what they mean. One of these terms you may have come across is a DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stove. Although this might seem like a lot of jargon it actually has a very simple meaning. A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and approved to be used in a smoke control area. DEFRA stoves ratings of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, or Defra is the entity that grants DEFRA approval. The DEFRA approval permits the stove to be used with authorized fuels like anthracite or certain manufactured smokeless fuels. The stove is able to be used without producing excessive quantities of black fumes in areas of smoke control. Defra approved stoves will usually be identified with the Defra approved logo or have SE (smoke exempt) after their name. For a stove to be DEFRA approved, it must satisfy certain requirements, including emissions testing. This test is carried out to ensure that the stove will not produce excessive amounts of smoke when burning authorized fuels. There are additional tests that the stove needs to pass in order to qualify for the DEFRA approval. The stove should also have secondary and tertiary technological features. This allows the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and emit less smoke. There are many manufacturers that offer stoves that are DEFRA approved. They are usually identified with the Defra logo or described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalog. They will be identified as having Clean Burn Technology, which reduces the amount of smoke produced by burning approved fuels. It is beneficial to own a DEFRA-approved stove in areas that are smoke-free. This will not only allow you to avoid any fines imposed on the owner, but will also improve the efficiency of the stove and result in a cleaner burn. This is good for the surroundings and the chimney of the stove.