Defra Approved Stove: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier

What is a Defra Approved Stove? A Defra Approved Stove (also known by the abbreviation SE) is a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that is able to be installed in smoke zones for control. Defra approval logos can be present on these stoves, or they are labelled accordingly in their specifications. These kinds of stoves are more beneficial for the environment and they will prevent you from causing trouble to your neighbors with smoke. They are also subjected to rigorous testing. What is a DEFRA Approved Stove? It is important to consider the type of fuel you will be using when selecting the wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove for your home. This is particularly true when you live in an area that is smoke-free, since it will affect the type of fuel you can burn in your stove. There are many different types of fuels that can be used in wood stoves but for those living in a smoke control area you will need to choose a DEFRA approved stove that is designed to burn approved fuels without generating any smoke. A DEFRA approved wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove is one that has been rigorously tested to ensure that emissions are minimized. This is accomplished by making sure that the stove has secondary combustion which means that waste gasses are re-burned inside the stove in order to reduce the level emissions. DEFRA approved stoves can provide savings on costs, in addition to lessening the production of smoke. They are designed to efficiently burn wood and have higher efficiency. This makes them an excellent option for those who want to heat their home using renewable energy that is environmentally friendly and a cost-effective way to heat your home. There are a range of different styles of DEFRA approved stoves that are available, from traditional to modern. This lets homeowners pick a stove which will match the decor of their homes and can be installed into existing fireplace chambers. They can be paired with a variety of chimney liners, and can be used with gas or natural sources. The advantages of using a DEFRA approved stove is not limited to those living in smoke-free areas Anyone will benefit from the higher efficiency and low levels of emissions that these stoves create. A DEFRA approved wood stove can aid in improving the air quality in your home and help to create a more sustainable future, since wood stoves absorb carbon dioxide from the air that is then released when they are burned for warmth. What kinds of fuels can be used in a DEFRA-approved Stove A DEFRA approved wood-burning stove (also known as a Defra smoke exempt appliance) is an appliance that has passed Defra's strict tests to limit the amount it can produce of smoke. If you reside in a UK town or city that is classified as a “smoke control area” it is a obligation to only use a Defra-approved stove. Otherwise, you could be fined for violating the law. Even if you don't reside in a smoke control area and you do not have a Defra-approved stove, it's still a great idea to keep your chimney and flue clean for longer. Stove makers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax have been striving to develop the latest clean burn technology which has led to the creation of Defra approved stoves that not only reduce the emission of toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, but also drastically reduce the amount of smoke generated during the process of combustion. Defra approved stoves now have secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions and burn fuel more efficiently. They are also more environmentally friendly. It's important to note that although a Defra approved stove will burn manufactured solid fuel such as Household coal, Coal fires, High Petroleum-based fuels and Petrol Coke and wood, you must be careful about what type of firewood you use. It is illegal to use damp or wet wood in a stove that is DEFRA-approved. This could cause excessive smoke, which could cause a disturbance to your neighbors and create an hazard of fire within your home. When purchasing wood to burn in your Defra approved stove, we suggest that you purchase only dry well-seasoned, properly seasoned logs and splits. We also recommend using only firewood that is stamped with the Ready to Burn logo. This means that the wood has been treated to have a low moisture level in order to prevent excessive smoke production. The majority of Defra approved wood burning stoves do not provide the option of burning smokeless coke. However there are a few excellent traditional styled models that look fantastic with or without a mantle and surround. A DEFRA-approved stove permits you to install a 5” (125mm) twin wall stainless steel chimney liner that is flexible. This is a less expensive option to the standard 6” 150mm, and is particularly beneficial if your existing chimney stack has a few awkward bends. Can I Fit a Non-Defra approved stove in a Smoke Control Area? If you're in the market for a new wood-burning stove, it is likely that you'll see DEFRA approved models. This is a term used in the industry that refers to a stove being exempt from laws in smoke control areas when burned with authorised fuels such as anthracite, seasoned logs or other mineral solid fuels (DEFRA approved). It is important to remember that non-Defra appliances can still be used in smoke-controlled areas, but they should be only used to burn authorized fuels such as anthracite. If you use them in conjunction with different wood types or other solid fuels that are flammable, they could emit excessive amounts of smoke, which could result in a fire infringement being issued against the property. Stoves that have been certified by Defra will usually display the Defra logo on their product description. Manufacturers may also refer to them as SE (smoke-exempt) or DEFRA stoves. To be Defra approved a stove must meet the strict requirements of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs in relation to emissions and performance. They have been subjected to rigorous testing in order to ensure low emissions and efficiency. The purchase of an Defra approved multi fuel stove or wood-burning stove can help you reduce your carbon footprint as well as keep your home warm at same while. Another benefit of a DEFRA approved Stove is that they are usually equipped with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is a huge advantage, as it allows you to save money on installation costs and ensures that you meet the requirements of building. Choosing the right DEFRA approved wood stove for your home may be a bit confusing when you don't know the rules that apply to burning wood in smoke control areas. It is essential to select the stove that has been tested to meet the standards set by the UK government and specifically designed to provide you with the best experience when burning solid fuel. Also, ensure that you burn only seasoned firewood in your stove. This is wood that has an average moisture content of 20 percent or less, to prevent the build-up of excessive amounts of smoke when it's burnt. You can find seasoned wood in a lot of local stores and through programs like Woodsure Ready to Burn. What is a DEFRA Exempt Stove? There are many things to take into consideration when contemplating buying a wood-burning stove. There are many things to consider before making a final decision. If you live in a smoke-controlled area, a DEFRA-exempt stove is one of the most important features to look for. A DEFRA approved wood stove has been independently test and proved to burn wood in a smoke-controlled space. These stoves are designed to reduce emissions of particles from the combustion process. This means less pollution is created in the air. Additionally, DEFRA approved stoves are also better for the environment and your chimney system since they prevent part-burned combustibles from getting into the flue and causing obstructions. A Defra exempt stove is one that has the logo “DEFRA approved” on the side of the unit or in the title of its specification. defra stoves is easily identifiable, and it is a sign of quality that is widely used by stove makers. Many of the wood-burning stoves that we sell bear the DEFRA mark We also carry various models that are multi-fuel that are DEFRA approved. It is also important to ensure that the wood burner or multifuel stove you choose has five” liner. Non-DEFRA models require a larger chimney than DEFRA approved stoves and could cause the chimney to block if not taken care of. Contact us if you have any questions about whether you live in an area that is smoke controlled or the rules for what fuels you can burn. We will be happy to help you. You can also go to the website of your local council to learn more about the regulations that apply in your area.