The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a fantastic option for homeowners who live within smoke control zones. These log burners have been tested thoroughly and are able to operate within strict regulations.
Stoves that have been approved can often be identified with the letter "SE" which means Smoke Exempt. They are only permitted to be used in areas with smoke control in the event of burning approved fuels from Defra that include wood or smokeless fuels.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA exempted stoves that burn wood or Defra-approved stoves are designed to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. The stoves were tested and examined to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce very little or no smoke. They emit very minimal levels of emissions and their combustion efficiency allows them to re-burn partially burned combustibles like soot and ash before they escape up your chimney.
If you live in an area classified as a Smoke-Control Area, it is important that your stove is DEFRA exempt. It must also allow you to use authorised fuels. Smoke emanating from your chimney is unlawful when you don't use an exempt appliance, or fuels that have been approved. Exempt stoves that are Defra-compliant are better for your chimney as they burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke, which means your chimney and flue stay cleaner for longer.
We offer a wide selection of Defra exempt stoves from the top manufacturers in the world including Stovax and Arada. We only offer the highest quality products, so you can be confident that your new stove will be a safe and efficient addition to your home.
There is a common misconception that you need to buy a Defra exempt stove if you reside in a smoke-free zone however this isn't the situation. You can still have a non-DEFRA-compliant fireplace in your home, if it has 6" (150mm) flue liner and can be operated with briquettes that have been approved by DEFRA.
If you want to be sure that you can legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, we suggest that you choose one of our Defra approved models. The stoves we offer were designed to comply with UK environmental standards. They have been tested and approved as DEFRA exempt. This means they emit very little smoke. They are also more energy-efficient than traditional stoves, meaning you can heat your home using fewer logs. Our range of Defra stoves comes in a variety of colors and styles, so you're bound to find the right model for your home.
Clean Burn
Wood-burning stoves and open fires can produce smoke that can be harmful to the health of people living in your home as well as those nearby. The fine particulates found in the smoke can trigger respiratory issues, including asthma. Modern stoves that are exempt from DEFRA are designed to minimize the harmful effects of this smoke.
These wood burners were thoroughly tested and inspected in order to ensure they are in compliance with Department of Environment regulations. They are also designed to use fuel more efficiently, so that they emit less pollution. They also display the clear smoke coming out of the chimney instead of the dark smoke associated with older stoves that burn logs and open fires.
The reason that the smoke particles of these modern DEFRA exempt stoves are less is due to the fact that they are constructed with secondary and tertiary airflow systems. This means that the air within the combustion chamber is continuously being circulated, which makes it much more difficult for these particles to escape into the chimney.
This also means that you can only use fuels that are approved for burning on your DEFRA exempt wood stove (such as dry seasoned firewood). The airflow system on these modern stoves also keeps the combustion chamber clean so that the build-up of soot is minimized, and gas can easily escape through the flue.
In reality, a new DEFRA approved wood stove with an EcoDesign baffle will generate around 500 times less carbon dioxide than a traditional open fire or traditional log burning stove, according to Defra. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and you want to install one of these modern and efficient stoves is essential to protect your health and those of your neighbors.
Alternatively, you can install an DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and make use of a variety of fuels like briquettes, peat, and other types of manufactured solid fuel that are available to purchase at the supermarket. However, DEFRA stoves reviews is recommended to only use dry 'Ready Burn' seasoned wood and never burn treated or painted timber because they will create more pollutants than untreated timber.
Easy Maintenance
A DEFRA-exempt wood burning stove can be easily maintained. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks help to extend its lifespan. They are extremely efficient and can cut down on the consumption of fuel by as much as 50%. They produce less emissions than other stoves, and are a more eco friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
They can be easily installed and are suitable for many homes, particularly in urban areas. These wood stoves have passed Defra tests, which means you can use them legally in smoke control areas without breaking the law or risking a hefty penalty.
Defra approved wood stoves are also typically less expensive to run than other models of stoves due to their advanced combustion technology that makes sure that the fire burns efficiently. This means that less carbon monoxide and particulates are released into the atmosphere. This is good for your health and your family's.
The DEFRA exempted stoves can also be certified by other initiatives, such as Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means that they meet strict emissions and efficiency standards. These certifications are visible on the stoves we offer, and give you assurance that you're buying a model that is safe and environmentally sustainable.
You can find a wide selection of Defra exempt stoves at Stoves Direct, including many classic styles that are ideal for an inglenook fireplace or fireplace chamber. We also have contemporary stylish options that look great with a simple fireplace mantle or surround. If you're thinking of purchasing one our Defra-exempt wood burning stoves, it's crucial to think about the style you'd like to have in your home and how it will fit with the design.
A Defra exempt stove is the only type of stove that can legally burn in a Smoke Control Area, and it will help you avoid having to pay a fine if are caught with a rogue wood-burning fire. It is also an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint because the tree from which the wood is derived from absorbs CO2 when it grows and returns this back into the atmosphere when it is burned in a stove.
Ideal for Smoke Control Areas
Many UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so a wood-burning stove that has been DEFRA approved is vital. This means that it has passed rigorous tests and is legal for use in these areas. These tests ensure the air isn't contaminated with the combustion particles created by the stove. These toxins can create the dark smoke seen from chimneys within smoke zones of control. They can be harmful to health and cause annoyance to neighbours.
In the wake of this local councils have passed laws that ban the use of open fires and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to address the problem. The good news is you can still put your stove in your home as long as it is DEFRA-exempt and you only use approved fuel.
Stoves that have been approved for use in Smoke Control Zones will be inspected and marked to ensure that they meet or surpass the strict emission and efficiency requirements. The stoves that are Defra-exempt are also more environmentally friendly compared to other types of woodburners because they use advanced secondary and tertiary burning systems which reduce their carbon footprint.
You can find out whether you live in a smoke-free zone by contact your local council. You can also check the address of your home online. However, it's best to consult your local council for more details.
Even if you don't live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood-burning stove is a smart investment as it will be more environmentally and neighbour friendly. It also means that your chimney and flue system stays more clean since a Defra approved stove will emit significantly less smoke than traditional stoves. The majority of the top stove manufacturers, such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have a variety of smokeless models which are DEFRA exempt.