Choosing DEFRA approved stoves Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you live in a Smoke Controlled area, then choosing a DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt stove is crucial. Not only do they comply with building regulations, they also ensure that you can legally burn wood and multi fuel in your home.
Stove manufacturers are constantly improving their products by incorporating secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce emissions and the carbon footprint.
Defra Approved
If you live in a smoke-free zone then you'll need to make use of a defra-approved stove. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has passed laws prohibiting the release of dark smoke in areas that are smoke-controlled, which includes most large towns and cities. Defra Approved Stoves have been rigorously tested and examined to ensure that they comply with the legislation. They are specifically designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce considerably less pollutants. This makes them a much better choice for you and your neighbors as the lesser amount of smoke they emit means that the nuisance levels of smoke will be reduced to an absolute minimum. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will also have the logo along with the words SE (smoke-exempt) and defra exemption in their title and specifications.
Most of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves we offer are Defra approved. This is because we always try to source the best quality products and we want our customers to be able to get the most benefit from their stove. Defra-approved stoves are more efficient than non-approved models and produce less particulate matter. This is in turn, reducing the amount of dark smoke that is produced. Defra-approved stoves tend to have a stronger firebox which will also reduce smoke emissions.
In addition to lessening the amount of smoke produced, Defra approved stoves will ensure that there is a constant supply of combustion air throughout the process. This will stop the stove from becoming depleted of air and causing it to smoke or release dark smoke. As they gain popularity, most stove manufacturers are now incorporating Defra Approved Models into their range of products.
Defra approved fireplaces are a great option for those living in smoke zones for control. They are also an excellent option for those looking to increase the efficiency, safety and release of pollutants into the air. They are also a great choice for those who are thinking of having your chimney lined with a stainless steel twin wall liner that is flexible. Most approved models by Defra come with a 5" outlet, which allows them to be used in combination with a 125mm lining instead of the standard 6" liner. This will save you money on the liner and the installation.
Some people opt to sleep on the stove for a night by closing the top vent and let it burn slowly. This can lead to the accumulation of soot as well as other tars that can block your chimney. A Defra approved stove won't permit you to shut the top vent down completely, as this could cause the fire to go out. It's also more likely to let any combustibles that are not burned into the air, which is better for the environment. It will also be much less likely to clog your chimney.
Defra Exempt
You will often see the terms Defra Approved or Defra-Exempt when you are searching for a wood-burning stove. This typically refers to a wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove that has been approved to be used in a Smoke Controlled Area.
These appliances typically get this status by passing strict testing and examination to ensure that they have extremely low emission levels. This is accomplished by using secondary combustion, in which waste products from the burning process are re-burned to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air. This makes DEFRA Approved stoves the ideal option for those who live in a zone that is smoke-free and want to be sure that they have an appliance that is legal to use.
Defra stoves that are exempt from a permit are typically marked with a SE logo or are branded DEFRA Stove. This means that the appliance has passed a test conducted by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs to demonstrate that it emits little smoke when used correctly. This is why Defra stoves are the only wood-burning stove that you are able to legally install in Smoke Controlled areas.
A Defra approved wood burning stove will also aid in keeping your chimney and flue system cleaner as they are designed to burn wood more cleanly than other types of stoves. This is due to an advanced combustion process that allows airflow to enter the firebox.
Defra-approved wood burning stoves are more energy efficient. This is achieved using the latest technology to ensure the maximum amount of heat is taken from the fuel and pumped into your room, meaning you will be able to save money on heating as well as a healthier more secure and environmentally sustainable home.
You'll find a wide range of options when selecting an approved Defra stove in terms style size, dimensions and the type of fuel. Some will only be Defra approved to burn wood, while others are also Defra-approved to burn authorised smoking coal. There are stoves that are Defra approved in both traditional and modern styles, so you're sure to find one that matches your style.
We've compiled a comprehensive guide to purchasing a DEFRA approved stove that covers everything you should know about this appliance that will help you get the most value for your money when purchasing one and what to look to look for when purchasing an appliance, and more. You can read the entire guide in full here. We also have a great collection of Defra Approved Stoves from some prominent UK manufacturers. This includes brands such as Stovax, Arada, Burley and many more. If you're looking for a multi fuel or wood burning stove that is Defra Approved and CE certified, make sure to take a look at our selection.