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 zone. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
These appliances are often referred to as SE stoves (SE stands for Smoke Exempt). 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 wood-burning or multifuel stove that has passed a smoke emission test designed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The tests ensure that the stove emits very low levels when using appropriate fuels, such as wood. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra are permitted to be used in Smoke Control Areas and will usually carry the DEFRA approval logo or have the word SE (for smoke exempt) added to their name.
The majority of cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas and so if you live in one these areas then you will require a DEFRA Approved Stove for when you plan to burn wood or other DEFRA approved fuels. Stoves that are Defra approved will be modified by their manufacturer to limit the amount they starve air during the combustion process which can result in black smoke.
The stoves that are Defra-approved also have secondary and tertiary systems that help to eliminate any material that has not been burned in the fire which is then blown away from the chimney. This helps keep the stove and flue system cleaner for longer. It also reduces overall emissions which is great news for you and your neighbours.
When you are looking to purchase a stove for your home there are many factors to consider and it is 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 searching for a new stove then this can be quite confusing.
It is important to choose a DEFRA-approved model when buying a new stove. A majority of cities and towns are Smoke Control Areas, and if your stove isn't approved, you could face fines of quite a bit. Grate Expectations stocks a large number of stoves that are DEFRA approved. This means you can shop in confidence, knowing that you're getting the top wood-burning stove or multifuel stove.
Can I install a non-DEFRA Approved Stove in a Smoke Controlled Area?
When you are looking for a new wood burning stove you will encounter some terms that can be confusing. One of the terms you might hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, these 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 purchasing a DEFRA-exempt stove is fact that you can use it in smoke-controlled areas without worrying about being fined. This is because the stove was constructed to limit the amount of smoke it produces. This is accomplished by shutting off some air during the process of combustion and thus depriving the fuel of oxygen and preventing excessive amounts of smoke from escaping.
To be DEFRA approved, a stove must pass several tests set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Typically a Defra exempt stove will bear the word SE which means Smoke Exempt.
Although the main purpose of the DEFRA approved stove is to use it in a smoke control area, it is also an excellent idea to buy one even if you do not live in a smoke controlled area. This is because a DEFRA approved stove will burn much more efficiently than a non-DEFRA endorsed stove, which means that you will receive a higher heat output from your appliance, and it will be less likely to emit part-burned combustibles to the air.
Some people still choose to install an non DEFRA approved stove into their home due to its look or because they don't live in a smoke-controlled area. It is important to keep in mind that if you reside in a smoke-free area and install the non DEFRA approved stove, you could be subject to a fine from your local authority. It is therefore recommended to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove to reduce the risk.
Can I burn fuels that aren't DEFRA approved in a DEFRA approved stove?
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove, also known a DEFRA exemption wood burning stove or smoke-free multi fuel stove, is a stove that can be used legally within UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a rigorous test conducted by the UK government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) which ensures that it emits low levels of emissions during combustion. affordable DEFRA stoves means that it is capable of burning a broad variety of fuel without producing polluting smoke, and is therefore an ideal option for homeowners who live in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved wood burner or multi-fuel stove will often have the Defra Approved logo on it or be referred to as a DEFRA exempt stove. It might have an SE added after the stove name to indicate it can be used in smoke-controlled areas. The logo is widely used in the industry and is easily recognisable.
If you aren't sure whether your stove is DEFRA approved, you can contact the manufacturer and ask them or check the specifications on the website. Even the DEFRA stove is branded with the logo or is described as such, you may be charged with a crime if do not use it correctly in an area where smoke control is in place.
Using your DEFRA approved stove correctly is easy and involves making sure you have plenty of dry, seasoned wood and that it is properly lit before you begin to burn it. It is important to keep the stove clean and keep a water tank nearby the stove in case there are any problems or emergencies.
A DEFRA stove will provide you with a more efficient burn and also offers less carbon footprint than traditional open fires, or even gas or electric powered stoves as they will produce less smoke, which is better for the environment as well as your neighbours. DEFRA stoves typically have a second phase of combustion which further reduces the amount of pollution being released into the atmosphere.
What is the Difference Between the DEFRA Approved Stove and a non-DEFRA Approved Stove?
There are a number of terms that are used when discussing wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. These terms can be confusing to new buyers who might not understand what they refer to. One of the terms you may have come across is a DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stove. This might sound like a lot words, but it actually is a simple definition.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has been inspected and is approved for use in areas of smoke control. The DEFRA approval is given by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, also known as Defra.
The DEFRA approval allows the stove to use with approved fuels, like anthracite, or certain manufactured smokeless fuels. The stove can be used without producing excessive quantities of black fume in areas that control smoke. Defra approved stoves will often be identified with the Defra approved logo or have SE (smoke exempt) in their name.
To become DEFRA approved, a stove has to meet certain criteria including testing for emissions. This test is carried out to ensure that the stove will not produce excessive amounts of 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 technology. This lets the stove burn fuel with less smoke and greater efficiency.
Many manufacturers offer stoves that are DEFRA approved. These stoves usually bear the Defra approved logo or be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalogue. They will also be labeled as having Clean Burn technology, which again helps to reduce the amount of smoke that is produced when burning authorised fuels.
It is a good thing to have a DEFRA-approved stove in areas with smoke control. This will not only help to avoid any fines assessed against the owner and their property, but it can also ensure that the stove is more efficient and has more clean burning. This is beneficial for the environment and the stove's chimney.