Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you reside in a Smoke Controlled area then choosing a DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt stove is crucial. They are not only compliant with building regulations, but also permit burning wood or multi-fuels within your home.
Stove manufacturers are continually improving their products by incorporating secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that reduce emissions and the carbon footprint.
Defra Approved
If you reside in a zone of smoke control then you must use a stove that is defra certified. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has adopted laws that prohibit the emission of dark smoke in smoke-controlled areas which includes the majority of large cities and towns. The Defra Approved Stoves have all been thoroughly tested and scrutinized to ensure they are in compliance with the law. They are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce a lot less pollutants. They are a better option for you and your neighbours, as the smoke levels will be kept at a minimum. Stoves that are Defra approved will also have the logo and words defra exempt or SE (smoke exempt) in their title and specification.
Most of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves that we sell are Defra approved. This is because we always endeavor to source top quality products and we hope that our customers will be capable of getting the most value from their stove. Defra Approved stoves burn more efficiently than non-approved models. This means that they create significantly less particulate matter. This decreases the amount of dark smoke produced. Defra approved stoves also tend to have a more robust firebox, which is another way they can reduce smoke emissions.
In addition to reducing the amount of smoke that is produced, Defra approved stoves will ensure that there is a consistent supply of combustion air throughout the process. This will stop the stove from being depriving of oxygen, which causes it to smolder and emit dark smoke. Many stove manufacturers are now building Defra Approved models into their range of products as they become increasingly well-known.
Defra approved fireplaces are a great choice for those living in smoke control zones. They are also an excellent option for anyone looking to improve the efficiency, safety and release of toxic substances into the air. They are an excellent choice for those who are thinking of having your chimney lined with a stainless steel twin wall flexible liner. As most Defra approved models come with 5" outlet, this allows them to be used with a 125mm liner instead of the standard 6" outlet, which will save you money on the cost of the liner and installation.
Some people might choose to sleep on their stove for the night by shutting the top vent completely and burning it slowly, this could cause the accumulation of tar and soot that could block the chimney. A stove that is Defra-approved will not allow you to close the top vent completely as this could trigger the fire to go off. It is also a lot less likely to release any unburned combustibles into the air, which is healthier for the environment and is far less likely to clog your chimney.
Exempt from Defra
When you're looking for an electric stove that burns wood, you'll often see the term Defra Exempt or DEFRA Approved. This will usually refer to a wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove that is approved for use in Smoke Controlled Area.
These appliances typically achieve this status by undergoing rigorous testing and examination to ensure they have ultra low emissions. This is achieved by using a secondary combustion, whereby the waste products of the burning process are burned again to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air. This is what makes DEFRA Approved stoves the ideal choice for those living in a smoke controlled area and want to be sure that they have an appliance that is safe to use.
Typically, a Defra Exempt stove will be identified by an SE logo or labelled as a DEFRA Stove. This means that the stove passed a test created by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs to show that it emits little smoke when used correctly. This is the reason Defra wood burning stoves are the only ones that can be installed legally in Smoke Controlled Zones.
A Defra approved wood burning stove will also aid in keeping your chimney and flue system cleaner because they are designed to burn wood more cleanly than other types of stove. This is due to a sophisticated combustion system that does not restrict airflow into the firebox and allows what's called slumbering. which prevents combustibles that have been partially burned from escaping down your chimney.
In DEFRA stoves price range , Defra approved wood burning stoves are typically designed to be very energy efficient. This is accomplished by using the latest technology to ensure that the maximum amount of heat is taken out of the fuel and pumped into your room, meaning that you will be able to save money on heating as well as a cleaner, safer and more environmentally responsible home.
When choosing a Defra Approved stove, you'll discover that there are many choices to pick from in terms of design, size and the type of fuel. Some stoves are only Defra approved to burn wood, while others are also Defra-approved to use authorised smoking coal. There are Defra-approved stoves in both modern and traditional styles, so you're bound to find one that matches your decor.
We've put together a complete guide to purchasing an DEFRA approved stove that includes everything you need to be aware of about this kind of appliance that will help you get the best value for your money when purchasing one and what to look for when buying a stove and much more. You can read the entire guide in its entirety here. We also have a wide collection of Defra Approved Stoves from some top UK manufacturers. Brands such as Stovax and Burley are available. If you're in search of a multi fuel or wood burning stove that is both Defra Approved and CE certified, then make sure to look at our range.