Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you live in an area with a smoke control, then choosing a DEFRA Approved stove or a smoke exempt stove is essential. They do not only meet the building regulations, but they also permit burning wood or multi-fuels inside your home.
Stove manufacturers are always improving their products by adding secondary and tertiary components that reduce emissions.
Defra Approved
If you live in a zone of smoke control then you must make use of a defra-approved stove. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has adopted laws that prohibit the emission of dark smoke in areas controlled by smoke which includes the majority of large towns and cities. Defra Approved Stoves have been thoroughly tested and scrutinized to ensure they are in compliance with the law. They are designed to efficiently burn fuel and produce less harmful emissions. They are the best choice for you and your neighbours, as the smoke levels will be reduced to a minimum. Stoves that are Defra approved will also have the logo and the words defra exempt or SE (smoke exempt) in their titles and specification.
The majority of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves that we sell are approved by the Defra. This is because we strive to source the highest quality products and we hope that our customers will be in a position to get the most value from their stove. Defra-approved stoves are more efficient than non-approved models and produce less particulate matter. This will in turn reduce the amount of dark smoke that is produced. Defra approved stoves also have a an extra robust firebox, which is yet another way they can cut down on smoke emissions.
In addition to decreasing the amount of smoke that is produced, Defra approved stoves will ensure that there is a steady supply of combustion air throughout the burning process. This will stop the stove from becoming depleted of oxygen, which causes it to smolder and emit dark smoke. Most stove manufacturers now build Defra Approved models into their range of products as they are becoming more and more popular.
Defra approved stoves are not only a great alternative for those living in smoke control areas however, they are an excellent option for anyone looking to improve the efficiency and safety of their fireplace and reduce the amount of toxins released into the atmosphere. These stoves are also great for those who want to line their chimney with a flexible stainless steel twin wall liner. Most approved models by Defra have a 5" outlet, which permits them to be used conjunction with a 125mm liner instead of the standard 6" liner. This could save you money on the liner as well as the installation.
Some people prefer to sleep on the stove overnight by closing the top vent and letting it burn slowly. This can lead to the accumulation of soot as well as other tars that can cause obstruction to your chimney. A Defra approved stove won't allow you to shut the top vent down completely, as this could cause the fire to die. It is also less likely that unburned combustibles will be released into the air. This is better for the atmosphere and less likely to cause your chimney to become blocked.
Defra Exempt
When you're looking for a wood burning stove you will often come across the term Defra Exempt or DEFRA Approved. This usually refers to a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that has been deemed to be used in a smoke-free area.
This is achieved through the appliances going through rigorous testing and examinations to ensure they are operating at the lowest emissions. This is achieved through secondary combustion, in which waste products from the burning process are re-burned to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air. DEFRA Approved Stoves are the ideal choice for those who live in areas that are smoke-free and want to ensure that their stove is legal.
multi fuel stove defra approved are usually marked with a SE logo or labelled DEFRA Stove. This means that the stove was able to pass a test developed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs to prove that it emits very minimal smoke when it is used in a proper manner. This is the reason Defra wood-burning stoves are the only ones that are legal to install in Smoke Controlled areas.
A Defra-approved wood burning stove will help keep your chimney and flue cleaner because they are engineered to provide a cleaner burn of wood than other kinds. This is due to an advanced combustion process that allows airflow into the firebox.
Defra-approved wood burning stoves are generally energy efficient. This is accomplished through the most recent technologies to ensure that the highest amount of heat is absorbed from the fuel and then transferred to your living space. You will also be able enjoy lower heating costs and an easier, safer and a more eco-friendly home.
When you choose a Defra Approved stove, you'll discover that there are numerous choices to pick from in terms of design, size and fuel type. Some are approved by Defra to burn wood while others are Defra Approved to use authorised smokeless coal, too. There are Defra-approved stoves available in both traditional and modern styles, so you're bound to find one that complements your style.
We've put together a complete guide to purchasing an DEFRA approved stove that includes everything you must be aware of about this kind of appliance and how to get the most value for your money when you purchase one as well as what to look to look for when purchasing an appliance, and more. You can read the entire guide in its entirety here. We also have a wide collection of Defra Approved Stoves from some top UK manufacturers. This includes brands like Stovax, Arada, Burley and many more. So if you're looking for a multi fuel or wood burning stove that is Defra approved and CE certified then be sure to look at our selection.