Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Controlled area then choosing a DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt stove is crucial. Not only do they comply with building regulations, they also guarantee that you are legally able to burn wood and multi fuels in your home.
Stove manufacturers are always improving their products by adding secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions.
Defra Approved
If you reside in an area that is smoke-controlled, you will need an approved stove from the defra. This is because the UK government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has laws in place that ban the emission of dark smoke from chimneys in smoke controlled areas (most large cities and towns). Defra Approved stoves have been thoroughly tested and inspected to ensure they are in compliance with the legislation. They are designed to efficiently burn fuel and produce significantly less pollution. They are the best choice for you and your neighbors as the smoke levels are reduced to the lowest. Stoves that have been approved by the Defra will display the logo and the words SE (smoke-exempt) and the defra exemption in their titles and specifications.
The majority of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves we offer are Defra approved. This is because we always strive to source the highest quality products and we wish our customers to be in a position to get the most out of their stove. Defra-approved stoves are more efficient than nonapproved models and produce less particulate matter. This decreases the amount of dark smoke produced. Defra-approved stoves tend to have a larger firebox, which can also help reduce smoke emissions.
Defra approved appliances will not just reduce the amount of smoke produced but also ensure the combustion air is constant throughout the entire combustion process. This will stop the stove from being starved of oxygen, which causes it to smolder and emit dark smoke. Many stove manufacturers are now building Defra Approved models into their range of products as they are becoming more and more popular.
Defra approved fireplaces are a great choice for people living in smoke control zones. They are also a great choice for anyone who wants to increase the effectiveness, safety and release of toxins into the air. They are an excellent choice for people who are considering having your chimney lined with a stainless steel twin wall liner that is flexible. Since the majority of Defra approved models come with five" outlet, this allows them to be fitted with a 125mm liner, rather than the standard 6" outlet, which could save money on the cost of the liner and installation.
Some people opt to sleep on the stove over night by closing the top vent and let it burn slowly. This could lead to a buildup of soot and other tars that can cause obstruction to your chimney. A stove that is approved by Defra will not allow you to close the top vent completely because this could cause the fire to go off. It's also much less likely to release any unburned combustibles into the air which is healthier for the environment and is significantly less likely to block your chimney.
Exempt from Defra
You'll often see the terms Defra Approved or Defra-Exempt when you are looking for a stove that burns wood. Discover More is typically a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove that has been approved to be utilized in a smoke-controlled area.
These appliances typically get this status by passing rigorous testing and inspection to ensure that they have very low levels of emissions. This is achieved by using secondary combustion, in which waste products from the burning process are burned again to reduce the amount pollutants released into the air. DEFRA Approved Stoves are the best option for those who live in smoke-controlled areas and want to be sure that their appliance is legal.
Typically, a Defra Exempt stove is marked with an SE logo or labeled as a DEFRA Stove. This means that the appliance passed a test created by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs to prove that it emits very minimal smoke when it is used in a proper manner. This is why Defra stoves are the only wood-burning stove that you can legally install in Smoke Controlled areas.
A wood burning stove that is approved by Defra will help keep your chimney and flue clean because they are engineered to ensure a cleaner burning of wood than other types. This is because of an advanced combustion system that does not restrict airflow into the firebox and allows what's known as slumbering, this stops part-burned combustibles from escaping up your chimney.
Additionally, Defra approved wood burning stoves are usually designed to be very energy efficient. This is accomplished by using the most recent technologies to ensure that the greatest amount of heat is absorbed from the fuel and then transferred to your home. Additionally, you will benefit from lower heating costs as well as more secure, cleaner and more environmentally friendly home.
When you choose a Defra Approved stove, there are many options to choose from in terms size, dimensions and the type of fuel. Some are approved by Defra for burning wood and some will be approved by Defra to burn authorized smokeless coal too. There are stoves that are Defra approved in both traditional and modern styles, so you're bound to find one that matches your decor.
We've put together a comprehensive guide to buying an DEFRA approved stove that includes everything you must know about this type of appliance and how to get the best value for your money when buying one, what to look out for when shopping for an appliance, and more. The guide can be read in full here. Additionally we offer a great selection of Defra Approved stoves from some of the most reputable manufacturers in the UK. Brands such as Stovax and Burley are available. If you're looking for a wood burning or multi fuel stove that is both Defra Approved as well as CE certified, then make sure to take a look at our range.