What Is Defra Exempt Stove And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove? It is essential to take into consideration whether you live in an area that has smoke control laws before you choose a wood stove or multi-fuel. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove. They are also referred to as SE stoves (SE stands for Smoke Exempt). They have passed the UK government's strict testing requirements for emission levels and can 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 an emission test for smoke created by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The tests guarantee that the stove releases low levels of smoke when it is used with the appropriate fuels like wood. Stoves approved by Defra are permitted to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. They will typically bear the DEFRA logo or the term SE (for smoke-free) added to their names. Most towns and cities are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you'll need a DEFRA-approved stove that can burn wood and other DEFRA-approved fuels. Stoves that are Defra approved will be modified by the manufacturer to limit how much they starve of air during the combustion process which can result in black smoke. Defra approved stoves also come with secondary and tertiary systems that help to turn any unburned material from the fire into a gas that is then blown away out of the chimney. This will keep your flue and stove cleaner for longer and lower overall emissions. When buying a stove for your home there are many factors to consider and it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the volume of information available. You might hear terms such as DEFRA and smoke controlled zones. If you are looking for a new stove, this can be quite confusing. If you are purchasing a new stove to fit in your home then it is crucial to choose one that is a DEFRA approved model as most cities and towns are Smoke Control Areas and if you install a stove that isn't approved, you could be liable for a substantial fine. Fortunately, the majority of the stoves that we sell at Grate Expectations are all DEFRA approved, so you can shop with confidence knowing that you will receive the highest quality woodburning or multifuel stove for your home. Can I put in an appliance that isn't DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled zone? When you are looking for a new wood burning stove, you will come across some terms that could be confusing. One of the terms you might hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, they simply mean that the stove has passed a test that complies with the UK governments smoke control laws. The major benefit of buying a DEFRA exempt stove is that you'll be permitted to use it in a smoke-free zone without fear of being fined. This is because the stove has been constructed to limit the amount of smoke it emits. This is done by closing off some air during the combustion process, thereby starving the fuel of oxygen and stopping excessive amounts of smoke from being produced. To be DEFRA approved, a stove must pass a series of tests that are set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Defra-exempt stoves are usually marked with SE which stands for 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 don't live in a smoke controlled area. This is because a DEFRA approved stove burns more efficiently than a non-DEFRA approved stove, which means you will receive a higher energy output from your appliance, and it is less likely to emit part-burned combustibles that can be emitted into the air. Some people will still opt to install a non DEFRA approved stove in their home simply because they like the design of it or simply because they do not live in a smoke controlled area. However it is crucial to remember that if you reside in a controlled smoke area and you install a non-DEFRA regulated stove, you could be subject to a large fine from your local council. It is therefore recommended to buy a DEFRA exempt stove to be safe from this risk. Can I burn non-DEFRA approved fuels 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 a stove that is legal in UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a rigorous test conducted by the UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This ensures that it produces very low levels of emissions during combustion. It can burn a variety of fuels without producing smoke, which makes it an ideal choice for homeowners in urban areas. A DEFRA approved multi-fuel or wood burner is usually identified with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes, an SE may be added to the stove's name, indicating that it is able to be used in smoke-controlled areas. The logo is widely used in the market and is easily identifiable. If you are unsure whether or not your stove is DEFRA approved, you can contact the manufacturer and ask or look up the specifications on the website. Even if your DEFRA stove is branded with the logo or is described as such, you could be charged with a crime if are not using it correctly in an area where smoke control is in place. Making use of your DEFRA approved stove correctly is easy and involves making sure that you have plenty of dry, seasoned wood and that it is well lit before you begin to burn it. It is crucial to keep the stove clean and have a water tank close to the stove in the event of any emergencies or problems. A DEFRA stove provides you with a much more efficient burning experience and provides less carbon footprint than traditional open fires or even electric or gas powered stoves, as they generate less smoke and are more beneficial for the environment and your neighbours. DEFRA stoves typically include a second phase of combustion which reduces the amount released into the air. What is the difference between the DEFRA Approved Stove and a non-DEFRA Approved Stove? When it comes to wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves there are several terms that are used frequently. These terms can be confusing for new buyers who might not know what they mean. You may have heard of the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. While it may appear like an excessive amount of jargon, it actually has a simple meaning. A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has been tested and is approved for use in areas of smoke control. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs or Defra, grants the DEFRA approval. The DEFRA approval allows the stove to be used with approved fuels, like anthracite and certain manufactured smokeless fuels. The stove can be used without producing excessive amounts of black fumes in smoke control areas. Defra approved stoves will often be labelled with the Defra approved logo or SE (smoke exempt) in their name. For a stove to be DEFRA approved it must meet certain criteria, including emissions testing. This test is conducted to ensure that the stove doesn't emit excessive amounts of smoke when burning approved fuels. There are also some additional tests that the stove has to go through to be able to be eligible for DEFRA approval. The stove should also have secondary and tertiary technology. This allows the stove to burn fuel with less smoke and better efficiency. Many manufacturers sell stoves that are DEFRA approved. These stoves are often identified with the Defra logo or referred to as a DEFRA-approved stove on their website or catalog. These stoves will be identified as having Clean Burn Technology, which helps to reduce the amount of smoke that is produced when burning approved fuels. While owning www.fireplacesandstove.com approved stove isn't an obligation in areas with smoke control, there are a number of reasons why it is recommended to do so. Not only will this help to avoid any fines that could be handed out to the owner, but it will also make the stove more efficient and has an even, cleaner burning. This is not only better for the environment, but it is also beneficial for the chimney and flue system of the stove.