Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you live in an area that is smoke-free, then choosing a DEFRA Approved stove or a stove that is smoke exempt is essential. Not only do they conform with building regulations, but they also guarantee that you are legally able to burn wood and multi fuels inside your home.
Manufacturers of stoves are constantly improving their products by adding secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions.
Defra Approved
If you reside in a zone of smoke control then you will need to use a defra approved stove. This is because the UK government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has laws in place to prevent emissions of dark smoke from chimneys within smoke-controlled areas (most large cities and towns). Defra Approved stoves have been thoroughly tested and scrutinized to ensure that they comply with the legislation. They are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce a lot less pollutants. This makes them a better option for both your neighbors and you as well, since the lower amount of smoke they create means that the nuisance levels of smoke will be kept to the minimum. Stoves that are approved by the Defra will display the logo, along with the words SE (smoke-exempt) and defra exemption in their title and specifications.
The majority of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves we sell are Defra approved. This is because we endeavor to source top quality products and we wish our customers to be capable of getting the most out of their stove. Defra Approved stoves have a higher efficiency than non-approved models, which means that they will create significantly less particulate matter. This decreases the amount of dark smoke produced. Defra approved stoves also have a a more robust firebox, which is yet another way they can help cut down on smoke emissions.
In addition to reducing the amount of smoke that is produced, Defra approved stoves will also make sure that there is a steady supply of combustion air throughout the burning process. This prevents the stove from becoming starved of air and causing it to smoulder or emit dark smoke. As they become more popular, most stove manufacturers are now building Defra Approved Models into their range of products.
Defra approved stoves aren't only an alternative for those living in areas with smoke control however, they are an excellent choice for anyone who wants 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 wish to line their chimneys with a flexible stainless twin wall liner made of steel. Most approved models by Defra have a 5" outlet, which permits them to be used in conjunction with a 125mm liner instead of the standard 6" liner. This could save you money on the liner and the installation.
Some homeowners may decide to rest their stoves overnight by shutting the top vent completely and let it burn slowly, this could result in the build-up of soot and tar which can block the chimney. A stove that is approved by Defra won't allow you to close the top vent completely because this could trigger the fire to stop. Suggested Site is also less likely that combustibles which have not been burned will be released into the air. This is better for the atmosphere and less likely to cause your chimney to get blocked.
Exempt from Defra
You'll often see the terms Defra Approved, or Defra-Exempt, when searching for a wood-burning stove. This usually refers to a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that is approved to be used in a smoke controlled area.
These appliances typically get this status by passing rigorous testing and inspection to ensure that they are operating at extremely low emissions. This is accomplished by using a secondary burn where waste products from the combustion process are re-burnt to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere. This means that DEFRA Approved stoves the ideal option for those who live in a smoke controlled area and want to make sure they have a stove that is safe to use.
Defra exempt stoves are usually marked with an SE logo or are branded DEFRA Stove. This means that the appliance has passed a test developed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) to prove that it produces very little 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 can also aid in keeping your flue and chimney cleaner because they are designed to burn wood more efficiently than other kinds of stoves. This is because of a sophisticated combustion system that does not restrict airflow into the firebox, and allows for what's known as slumbering, which prevents combustibles that have been partially burned from escaping down your chimney.
As well as this, Defra approved wood burning stoves are typically constructed to be extremely energy efficient. This is accomplished by using the latest technology to ensure that as much heat as possible is taken from the fuel and pumped into your home, which means you can have lower heating costs and a cleaner more secure and environmentally responsible home.
You'll have a broad range of options when choosing a Defra Approved Stove in terms of design size, dimension and the fuel type. Some are only approved for burning wood, while some will also be Defra approved to burn smoking coal that is authorised. There are stoves that are Defra approved in both traditional and modern styles, so you're sure to find one that matches your decor.
We've put together a comprehensive guide to buying an DEFRA approved stove that includes everything you should know about this appliance and how to get the most value for your money when buying one, what to look out for when shopping for the right stove, and much more. You can read the guide in full here. We also have a great collection of Defra Approved Stoves from some prominent UK manufacturers. Brands like Stovax and Burley are available. If you are searching for a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that is both Defra approved and CE certified, then take a an look at the selection.