The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners
DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves are a great option for homeowners living in areas of smoke control. These log burners have been tested thoroughly and operate in accordance with the strict guidelines.
Stoves that have been approved will often be labelled with 'SE' which stands for Smoke Exempt. They are only permitted to be used in areas with smoke control when burning Defra approved fuels, namely wood or manufactured smokeless fuels.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA exempt stoves for wood burning or Defra approved stoves are constructed to conform to the Department of Environment's (DEFRA) regulations. These stoves were inspected and tested in order to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce very little or no smoke. They emit low levels of carbon dioxide and their efficiency in combustion is so high that partially burned combustibles like ash and soot are reburned before they escape up your chimney and into the atmosphere.
If you live in an area classified as a Smoke-Control Area It is essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt. It should also permit you to use fuels that are authorised. It is unlawful to emit smoke from your chimney if you're not using an exemption appliance or fuels that are authorised. Defra exempt stoves are also better for your chimney as they burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke, meaning your chimney and flue remain cleaner for longer.
check here have a great choice of Defra exempt stoves from top manufacturers in the world such as Stovax and Arada. We only offer the highest quality products, so you can rest assured that your new stove is an appropriate addition to your home.
There is a popular misconception that you have to purchase a Defra exempt stove if you reside in a smoke control area however this isn't the situation. You can still fit an un-DEFRA stove in your house provided that it has a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with authorised briquettes or other smokeless fuels.
If you want to ensure that you can legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we recommend that you select one of our Defra approved models. These stoves were designed to comply with the UK's strict environmental standards. They've been tested and verified to be DEFRA exempt which means they will only produce minimal amounts of smoke. They are also more efficient than the older models, so you can heat the property using less wood logs. You can pick from a selection of Defra models that come in a range of styles and colours.
Clean Burn
Wood-burning stoves and open fires produce smoke which can cause harm to the health of those living at home and those living close by. This is due to the fine particulates in this smoke are known to cause respiratory issues such as asthma. Modern stoves that are exempt from DEFRA are designed to reduce the harmful effects of this smoke.
These wood burners have been thoroughly tested and examined to ensure they comply with the Department of Environment regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce less pollution. They also display a clear vapour coming out of the chimney instead of the dark smoke that is typical of older log burning stoves and open fires.
The reason the smoke particles of these modern DEFRA exempt stoves are much lower is due to the fact that they are constructed with secondary and tertiary airflow systems. This means that the air inside the combustion chamber is continuously circulated. This makes it much more difficult for the smoke particles to escape.
This also means that you are able to only burn fuels that are authorised on your DEFRA exempt wood stove (such as dry seasoned firewood). Modern stoves feature an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clean, reducing the amount of soot and permitting gas to escape easily out of the flue.
In fact, a new DEFRA approved wood stove with an EcoDesign baffle will generate around 350 times less pollution than an open fire or traditional log burning stove, according to Defra. Installing one of these modern, efficient stoves in a Smoke-Control Area is crucial to protect your health as well as the health of your neighbors.
You can also install an DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and use a variety of different fuels like briquettes, peat and other varieties of manufactured solid fuel which can be purchased in supermarkets. However, it is advised to only use dry 'Ready To Burn' seasoned wood and never burn treated or painted timber since these can produce more pollutants than untreated wood.
Easy Maintenance
A DEFRA exempt wood burning stove is simple to maintain, with a regular clean and maintenance checks helping to ensure it lasts for longer. These types of stoves also are very efficient, offering cost savings on heating bills as well as reduce your consumption of fuel by up to 50 percent. The emissions produced by these stoves are significantly lower than other types of stoves, and they provide a greener alternative to fossil fuels.
They can be easily installed and are suitable for a variety of homes, especially in urban areas. They have passed Defra testing, meaning you are able to legally use them in smoke control zones, without breaking the law and risking a hefty fine.
Wood stoves that are Defra-approved can be cheaper to operate than other stove models, because of their advanced combustion technology that ensures that the fire burns efficiently. This results in less particulates and carbon monoxide releasing into the air, which is good news for your health as well as that of your family members.
The DEFRA exempted stoves are certified by other initiatives, including Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means they meet the strictest emissions and efficiency standards. These certifications are advertised on the stoves that we carry, and they provide you with confidence that you are buying eco-friendly and safe model.
Stoves Direct offers a large range of stoves that are Defra-exempt that include many traditional designs that are perfect for an inglenook or a fireplace chamber. We also offer modern, sleek designs that can be paired with an easy mantle or surround. If you're considering buying one of our Defra-exempt wood burning stoves it's important to consider the style you'd like to have for your home, and how it will fit with the interior decor.
A Defra exempt stove is the only kind of stove that can legally use in a Smoke Control Area, and it can help you avoid having to pay a fine if are caught with an illegal wood-burning fire. The stove is also a good choice for those who want to lower their carbon footprint. The wood of the tree absorbs CO2 as it grows and releases it back into the air when it is burned.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
Many UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so a wood-burning stove that has been DEFRA approved is vital. This means that the stove has passed strict tests and can be used legally in these areas. The tests make sure that the air isn't contaminated by the combustion particles created by the stove. These toxins can lead to the dark smoke seen from chimneys in smoke control zones. They are harmful to health and a nuisance for neighbors.
As a result local councils have enacted laws that ban the use of open fires and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to tackle the issue. However, the good news is that you can still have an appliance in your home if it's DEFRA exempt and you only burn authorised fuel.
Stoves that are approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas will be inspected and marked to ensure they are in compliance with the strict emission and efficiency requirements. Stoves that are exempt from Defra also are more eco-friendly than other kinds of wood burners because they are equipped with advanced secondary and tertiary systems of combustion which help reduce their carbon footprint.
The easiest method to determine whether you live in a smoke-free zone is to contact your local council and ask for more details. You can also look up your address online. However, it is recommended to contact your local council for more information.
Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area a Defra-exempt wood burning stove is an excellent investment. It is more eco friendly and also more considerate of neighbors. A stove that is approved by Defra will produce less smoke, which can keep your chimney and flue clean for longer. This is why the majority of leading stove manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax offer smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and will not be affected by the new law.