What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A Defra Approved stove (also known as SE) is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that is suitable for use in smoke control areas. Defra approval logos are frequently found on these stoves or are identified accordingly in their specifications.
Even if you don't live in a smoke controlled area the stoves are more sustainable for the environment and will help avoid upsetting neighbours with nuisance smoke. They also go through rigorous testing.
What is an DEFRA approved stove?
When looking for wood burning stoves or multi fuel stove for your home, it is crucial to think about the kind of fuel you are going to be using. This is particularly important when you live in a smoke controlled area since this will impact the types of fuels you are permitted to burn in your stove. There are a variety of fuels that can be used in wood stoves, however if you are in a smoke-free area, you must select the DEFRA approved stove that is designed to burn authorised fuels without producing any smoke.
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove is one that has been rigorously tested to ensure that emissions are minimized. This is accomplished by ensuring that the stove has secondary combustion, which means that waste gasses are burned within the stove to lower the amount of emissions.
In addition to decreasing the amount of smoke that is produced by the stove, DEFRA approved stoves also offer cost savings by offering higher efficiency and are specifically designed to efficiently burn wood. This makes them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to heat their home using renewable energy that is also environmentally friendly and a cost-effective way to heat the property.
There are a variety of DEFRA-approved stoves that range from traditional to modern. This allows homeowners to find the stove that fits into the decor of their home and can be fitted into existing fireplace chambers or inglenooks. They can be paired with a range of flue systems and chimney liners and are compatible with both gas or natural sources.
The benefits of choosing DEFRA approved stoves are not only for those who live in areas that are smoke-free. Anyone can benefit from their increased efficiency and low emissions. A DEFRA approved wood stove will improve the air quality of your home, and contribute to a more sustainable future. This is because trees absorb carbon dioxide that is then released back into the atmosphere when they are used to heat your home.
What fuels can be burned in a DEFRA-approved Stove
A DEFRA approved wood-burning stove (also called a Defra smoke-free appliance) is an appliance that has passed Defra's strict tests to limit the amount of smoke. If you live in a UK city or a large town that is classified as a smoke control area then it is legally required that you only use a Defra approved stove or you risk violating the law and being penalized. However, even if you aren't in a smoke control area and you don't have a smoke control area, using a Defra approved stove is still a good idea to ensure that your chimney and flue system stays cleaner for longer.
Stove makers like Arada, Burley Parkray & Stovax are working hard to develop clean-burn technology. This has led to the development of Defra-approved stoves which not only reduce the amount of pollutant emissions in the air, but also reduce the amount smoke produced during combustion. Defra approved stoves now include secondary and tertiary combustion systems to further reduce emissions and make use of fuel more efficiently and make for a much more sustainable and environmentally eco-friendly method of heating your home.
It is crucial to know that a stove that is Defra-approved can be used to burn wood and solid fuels such as coal fires, household coal and high petroleum-based fuels, and Petrol Coke. However it is important to be cautious about the kind of firewood that is used. It is not permitted to burn damp or wet wood in a DEFRA approved stove since it creates a lot of nuisance smoke that can cause a disturbance to your neighbors and cause fire hazards in your home.
When you are purchasing wood to burn in your Defra approved stove, we recommend that you only purchase dry properly seasoned logs, properly seasoned and splits. We also recommend using only firewood marked with the Ready to Burn logo. This indicates that the wood is treated to have a an extremely low moisture content, to avoid excessive smoke production.
The majority of Defra approved stoves are wood burners and do not offer the option to burn smokeless coal, but there are some great, traditional styled models available that look great with or without a fireplace surround and mantle. Info approved stove installed allows you to use a 5" (125mm) wide stainless steel twin wall chimney liner that is a less expensive alternative to the standard 6" (150mm) and can be a particularly good option when your chimney stack is quite old or has a few awkward bends in it's route.
Can I put an unapproved stove that is not approved by the Defra in a smoke control zone?
If you are looking to buy a new wood-burning stove it's likely that you'll come across DEFRA approved models. This is a term used in the industry to define a stove that is exempt from smoke control laws when it's burning with approved fuels like well-seasoned logs and mineral solid fuels such as anthracite.
It's important to note here that non-Defra stoves can still be used in smoke-controlled areas, but they must only be used to ignite authorised fuels like anthracite. If you make use of them to burn various wood types or other solid fuels that are flammable, they could emit excessive smoke, which could result in an order for a fire violation.
Stoves that are Defra Approved often have the Defra logo on their descriptions of products. They may also be referred to as SE (smoke exempt) or simply as DEFRA stoves by their makers.
In order for a stove to be approved by Defra the stove must meet strict performance and emission requirements that are set by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. They have passed rigorous tests to ensure low emissions and high efficiency. The Defra-approved wood-burning, multi-fuel and wood-burning stoves can help reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your home warm.
A DEFRA-approved stove may be fitted with a 5 inch liner. This is an advantage since it allows you to save money on the cost of installation and comply with the building regulations.
If you're unfamiliar with the rules governing the burning of wood in smoke-controlled areas it can be difficult to select the right DEFRA-approved wood burner for your home. It is important to choose the stove that has been tested to comply with the standards set by the UK government and that is designed to give you the best experience when burning solid fuel.
It is also essential to only burn wood that has been seasoned in your stove. It has a moisture level of less than 20%, which will prevent excessive smoke from accumulating after it is burned. You can find seasoned wood in most local shops and through schemes like Woodsure Ready to Burn.
What Is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?
If you're considering buying wood burning stoves there's a lot to consider. From style and heat output to fuel type, there is plenty to consider before making your final choice. If you live in a smoke controlled area one of the most important aspects to look for is the DEFRA exempt stove. A DEFRA approved wood stove has been independently test and proven to burn wood in a smoke-controlled area.
These stoves are designed to reduce particle emissions from the combustion process, which means less pollution is generated in the atmosphere. Additionally, DEFRA approved stoves are beneficial for the environment and your chimney system as they stop part-burned combustibles from getting into the flue and causing blockages.
A stove that is exempt from Defra will have the logo 'DEFRA-approved' on the side or in the specification. The logo is easily recognized and is a quality mark that is frequently used by stove makers. We carry a wide selection of wood-burning stoves that bear the DEFRA logo.
It is also important to ensure that the wood burner or multifuel stove you select has a 5" liner. This is because non-DEFRA stoves need an even larger flue than DEFRA approved models and could cause the chimney to get blocked if you are not careful.
If you aren't sure whether or not you reside in a Smoke Controlled area or what the rules are regarding which kinds of fuels you can burn, please do contact us and we will be more than happy to assist. Alternatively, you can visit your local council website to find out more about the regulations in your local area.