What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
It is essential to consider whether you reside in an area with smoke control laws when you are choosing a wood stove or multi-fuel. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
These appliances are often referred to as SE stoves. (SE is for smoke exempt). They have met the rigorous UK government testing criteria for emissions levels and are able to be used in smoke-controlled areas.
What is a DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has passed a smoke emissions test designed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The tests guarantee that the stove emits low levels of smoke when using appropriate fuels such as wood. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra can be fitted in Smoke Control Areas and will usually carry the DEFRA approval logo or the word SE (for smoke exempt) added to their name.
The majority of cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas and so if you live in one of these areas, you will have to use a DEFRA approved Stove in order to burn wood or other DEFRA approved fuels. Stoves that are Defra approved will have been modified by their manufacturers to limit how much they starve of air during the combustion process which can create black smoke.
Defra-approved stoves also feature secondary and tertiary systems that aid to burn unburned material in the fire which is then blown out of the chimney. This will keep your stove and flue clean for longer and lower overall emissions.
There are a lot of aspects to take into consideration when purchasing an appliance. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the details available. You may hear terms like DEFRA and smoke-controlled zones mentioned and if you are in the market for a new stove this can be very confusing.
If you are purchasing a new stove to fit in your home, it's crucial to choose a DEFRA approved model as most large cities and towns will be Smoke Control Areas and if you install a stove that isn't approved, you could face a hefty fine. Fortunately, the majority of the stoves we sell at Grate Expectations are all DEFRA approved, so you can shop with confidence knowing that you are getting the best quality woodburning or multifuel stove for your home.
Can I install a non-DEFRA Approved Stove in a Smoke Controlled Area?
When looking for a brand new wood stove, you will encounter some terms that can be confusing. You might hear the words DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. They simply mean that the stove passed a smoke-control test and is in compliance with UK government regulations.
The primary benefit of buying a DEFRA exempt stove is that you'll be permitted to use it in a smoke controlled area without fear of being fined. This is due to the fact that the stove was designed to reduce the amount of smoke it releases. This is accomplished by shutting off air during combustion, which starves the fuel of oxygen.
To become DEFRA approved, a stove must be able to pass a series of tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Typically, a Defra exempt stove is marked with the word SE which means Smoke Exempt.
It is a good idea even if you do not live in a smoke-free area, to buy a DEFRA-approved stove. This is because a DEFRA approved stove will burn more efficiently than a non-DEFRA approved stove, meaning that you will get more energy output from your appliance and it will be less likely to emit part-burned combustibles that can be emitted into the air.
Some people choose to install an non DEFRA approved stove in their home because they like its design or do not live in a smoke-free area. It is important to keep in mind that when you reside in a smoking-free zone and install an non DEFRA approved stove, you could face an imposed fine from your local authority. It is therefore always best to buy a DEFRA exempt stove to reduce the risk.
Can I burn non-DEFRA-approved fuels in a DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove, also referred to as a DEFRA exemption wood burning stove or smoke-free multi fuel stove, is a stove that is legal to use within UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a stringent test designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that guarantees low levels of emissions when it is burning. It is able to burn a variety of fuels without producing smoke, which makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who live in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove or wood burner is typically marked with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes, an SE may be added to the stove's title, which indicates that it can be used in smoke-controlled areas. This logo is widely adopted in the industry and is easily recognized.
If you are unsure of whether or not your stove is DEFRA approved you can contact the manufacturer and ask or check the specifications on the website. It is important to remember that even if your stove has the DEFRA logo or is described as a DEFRA stove, you could still be prosecuted for producing unintentional smoke if you're not using it correctly in a Smoke Control Area.
It is easy to use your DEFRA-approved stove. All you have to do is make sure that you have plenty of dry clean, seasoned wood, and that the stove is well lit before you start burning it. It is essential to keep the stove clean and to keep a water tank nearby the stove in case there are any emergencies or problems.
A DEFRA stove provides you with a much more efficient combustion and offers less carbon footprint than traditional open fires, or even electric or gas stoves since they produce less smoke, which is better for the environment and your neighbors. DEFRA stoves typically have a second phase of combustion, which reduces the amount of pollutants that is released into the atmosphere.
What is the Difference Between a DEFRA Approved Stove and a Non-DEFRA Approved Stove?
When discussing wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves there are many terms that are frequently used. These terms can be confusing for new buyers who might not know what they mean. One of these terms you may have come across is a DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stove. It may appear like a lot of jargon but it is a simple definition.
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and has been approved for use in a smoke control zone. The DEFRA approval is granted by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, also known as Defra.
The DEFRA approval permits the stove to use with approved fuels, like anthracite or certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be employed in a smoke control area without producing excessive quantities of black smoke. The stoves that are Defra-approved tend to be identified with a Defra-approved logo or SE (smoke exemption) after their names.
For a stove to be DEFRA approved, it must meet certain criteria, including emissions testing. This test is carried out to ensure that the stove doesn't produce excessive amounts of smoke when burning authorised fuels.
The stove also has to pass additional tests to qualify for DEFRA approval. The stove should also have secondary and tertiary technological features. This helps the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and emit less smoke.
Many manufacturers offer stoves which are DEFRA approved. These stoves will often have the Defra approved logo or will be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalog. These stoves will be labeled as having Clean Burn Technology, which reduces the amount of smoke produced when burning approved fuels.
It is beneficial to have a DEFRA-approved stove in smoke-controlled areas. Not only will this help to prevent any fines handed out to the owner, but it will also mean that the stove is more efficient and has an even, cleaner burning. affordable DEFRA stoves is better for both the environment and the stove's chimney.