What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
When selecting a wood burner or multi-fuel stove it is important to consider whether you reside in a smoke control area. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
These appliances are often called SE stoves (SE is for Smoke Exempt). They have passed the UK government's strict test criteria for emission levels and can be used in smoke controlled areas.
What is an DEFRA approved stove?
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has passed an emissions test for smoke created by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The tests ensure the stove emits very low levels of smoke when using fuels that are suitable like wood. Stoves that have been approved by Defra can be installed in Smoke Control Areas and will usually carry the DEFRA approval logo or have the term SE (for smoke exempt) added to their names.
Most towns and cities are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, you will need a DEFRA-approved stove to burn wood and other DEFRA-approved fuels. DEFRA stoves near me that are approved by Defra will have had their manufactures modify them to limit the amount of air they starve when they burn, which can result in black smoke.
Defra approved stoves will also have secondary and tertiary combustion systems in place that allow to turn any unburned material from the fire into a gas that is then blown out of the chimney. This helps to keep the flue and stove system cleaner for longer and also reduces overall emissions which is great news for both you and your neighbours.
There are a lot of things to consider when buying a stove. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the information available. There are a lot of terms such as DEFRA and smoke-controlled zones mentioned and if you are looking for a new stove, this can be quite confusing.
If you are buying a new stove for your home then it is essential to select a DEFRA approved model since the majority of large towns and cities will be Smoke Control Areas and if you install a stove that is not approved, you could be subject to a significant fine. Grate Expectations stocks a large selection of stoves that are DEFRA-approved. This means that you can shop with confidence knowing that you're getting the top woodburning stove or multifuel stove.
Can I put in an appliance that isn't DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled zone?
When shopping for a new wood stove, you will encounter some terms that may be confusing. There are a few terms that you can hear, such as DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. They simply means that the stove passed a smoke-control test and is in compliance with UK government laws.
The most important benefit of buying a DEFRA-exempt stove is fact that you can use it in smoke-free areas without worrying about being fined. The stove is designed to create less smoke. This is accomplished by closing off some air during the combustion process, which deprives the fuel of oxygen.
To become DEFRA approved, a stove must be able to pass the tests that are set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Typically, a Defra exempt stove will bear the word SE which means Smoke Exempt.
While the primary purpose of the DEFRA approved stove is to use it in a smoke-control area, it's an excellent idea to buy one even if you don't live in a smoke controlled area. A DEFRA-approved stove will burn more efficiently than a stove that isn't DEFRA-approved. This means that you will have higher heat output and fewer part-burned combustibles in your air.
There are people who choose to fit a non-DEFRA approved stove in their home simply because they like the appearance of it or because they do not reside in a controlled smoke area. However, it is important to remember that if you do reside in a smoke-free area and you install a non-DEFRA approved stove, you could face a substantial fine from your local council. To avoid this risk, it's recommended to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove.
Can I use fuels that aren't DEFRA approved in a DEFRA approved stove?
A DEFRA approved stove is also known as a DEFRA exempt wood burning stove or a smoke-free multi fuel stove, is stoves that is legal in UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a rigorous test conducted by the UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This assures it produces low levels of emission during combustion. It can burn a variety of fuels and not emit smoke, making it a great choice for homeowners in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved wood burner or multi-fuel stove will typically have the Defra Approved logo on it or be referred to as a DEFRA exempt stove. They might have an SE added after the stove's name to indicate that it can be used in smoke-controlled areas. This logo is widely adopted by the industry and is easily recognized.
If you're unsure if your stove is approved by DEFRA, you can contact the manufacturer or check the specifications online. It is important to keep in mind that even if the stove bears the DEFRA logo on it or is described as being a DEFRA stove, it is still possible to be prosecuted for generating unintentional smoke if you're not using it correctly in the Smoke Control Area.
Making use of your DEFRA approved stove properly is very simple and involves making sure you have plenty dry and seasoned wood, and that it is properly lit before starting to burn it. It is also crucial to clean the stove regularly and to keep a tank of water nearby in the event of an emergency or issues with the stove.
A DEFRA stove provides you with a more efficient burn and also has an environment-friendly option than traditional open flames or even electric or gas powered stoves, as they generate less smoke which is more beneficial for the environment and your neighbours. DEFRA stoves will usually also include a second stage of combustion that further reduces the amount of pollutants being released into the atmosphere.
What is the difference between the DEFRA approved stove and a non DEFRA approved stove?
There are a variety of terms that are used when discussing wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. Some of these terms are very confusing for novice buyers as they may not be familiar with them. You might have heard the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. Although this might seem like an excessive amount of jargon, it actually has a simple meaning.
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and has been accepted for use in areas of smoke control. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs also known as Defra, grants the DEFRA approval.
The DEFRA approval allows the stove to be used with approved fuels, like anthracite and certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be used in a smoke control area without creating excessive quantities of black smoke. Stoves that are Defra-approved are usually branded with a Defra-approved logo, or SE (smoke exemption) after their names.
In order for a stove to be DEFRA approved, it must meet certain criteria, including emissions testing. The test is conducted to ensure that the stove does not produce excessive amounts of smoke when burning approved fuels.
The stove must also pass additional tests to obtain DEFRA approval. The stove must also be equipped with secondary and tertiary technology. This helps the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and emit less smoke.
Many manufacturers sell stoves that are DEFRA approved. They are usually identified with the Defra logo or listed as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalog. They will also typically be labeled as having Clean Burn technology, which will help reduce the amount of smoke that is produced when burning authorised fuels.
While owning an DEFRA approved stove isn't an obligation in smoke-free areas, there are a number of reasons why it is a good idea to do so. This will not only help avoid any fines imposed on the owner but will also make the stove more efficient and provide a cleaner burning. This is better for both the environment and the stove's chimney.