What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
When selecting a wood burner or multi-fuel stove, it is essential to consider whether you reside in a smoke control area. 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 strict UK government testing requirements for emissions levels and can be used within 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 that the stove produces very low levels of smoke when it is used with the right fuels, such as wood. Stoves approved by Defra are permitted to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. They will typically carry the DEFRA logo or the term SE (for smoke-free) added to their names.
Many cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you'll need a DEFRA-approved stove to burn wood and other DEFRA-approved fuels. Stoves that are approved by Defra will have had their manufactures modify them to limit the amount of air they consume during combustion, which can cause black smoke.
Defra approved stoves will also come with secondary and tertiary systems in place that allow to turn any unburned material from the fire into gas which is then blown out of the chimney. This helps to keep the stove and flue system cleaner for longer and reduces emissions in general which is great news for both you and your neighbours.
When buying a stove for your home there are a lot of factors to take into consideration and it's easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of information on offer. You may hear terms like DEFRA or smoke controlled zones, which could be confusing if you're looking for a new appliance.
If you are purchasing a new stove to fit in your home, it's essential to select the DEFRA approved model since the majority of large towns and cities are Smoke Control Areas and if you fit a non-approved stove then you could face a hefty fine. Grate Expectations stocks a large selection of stoves that are DEFRA-approved. This means you can shop with confidence and be assured that you're getting the best woodburning stove or multifuel stove.
Can I Fit a Non-DEFRA Approved Stove in a Smoke Controlled Area?
When looking for a brand new wood stove, you will come across some terminology that may be confusing. You may hear the terms DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. These simply means that the stove passed a smoke-control test and is in compliance with UK government regulations.
The primary benefit of buying a
DEFRA Approved efficient Stoves exempt stove is that you'll be allowed to use it in a smoke-free area without fear of being fined. The stove is designed to produce less smoke. This is accomplished by shutting off air during combustion process, which strips the fuel of oxygen.
In order to become DEFRA approved, a stove has to pass a series of tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Typically,
DEFRA Approved Efficient Stoves a Defra exempt stove will be marked with the word SE which means Smoke Exempt.
It is a good idea even if you're not in a smoke-controlled area, to buy a DEFRA-approved stove. This is because a DEFRA approved stove burns more efficiently than a non-DEFRA approved stove, which means that you will get more heating output from your appliance and it is less likely to emit part-burned combustibles to the air.
Some people opt to install a non DEFRA approved stove into their home because they like its design or don't live in a smoke-controlled area. It is crucial to remember that should you reside in a smoking-free zone and you install the non DEFRA approved stove, you could be subject to the possibility of a 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 known a DEFRA exemption wood burning stove or smoke-free multi fuel, is a stove which can be used legally within UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a strict test developed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that guarantees low levels of emissions during combustion. This means it's capable of burning a broad range of different types of fuels without generating polluting smoke, and is therefore an excellent option for homeowners who live in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved wood burner or multi-fuel stove will typically include the Defra Approved logo on it or will be described as a DEFRA exempt stove. It might have an SE added to the stove name to indicate that it is able to be used in smoke-controlled areas. The logo is widely used in the industry and
defra approved Efficient stoves is easily identifiable.
If you're not sure if your stove is DEFRA-approved, you can ask the manufacturer or review the specifications online. Even the
defra exempt stoves stove is marked with the logo or described as such, you could still be charged if you don't use it properly in an area where smoke control is in place.
It is easy to use your DEFRA-approved stove. All you have to do is make sure that you have plenty of dry, seasoned wood and that the stove is lit before you start burning it. It is important to keep the stove clean and have a water tank near the stove in case of any issues or emergencies.
A DEFRA stove can provide you with a much more efficient combustion and provides an environment-friendly option than traditional open fires, or even electric or gas powered stoves as they will produce less smoke which is more beneficial for the environment and your neighbours. DEFRA stoves usually have a second combustion phase which reduces the amount of smoke released into the air.
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 a variety of terms that are frequently used. These terms can be confusing to novice buyers who might not be aware of what they mean. One of these terms that you may have encountered is a DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stove. This might sound like a lot terms, but it is a simple definition.
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and approved for use in a smoke control zone. The DEFRA approval is issued by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs Also called Defra.
The DEFRA approval permits the stove to be used with approved fuels, such as anthracite or certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be used in a smoke-control area without producing excessive amounts of black smoke. Defra approved stoves will often be identified with the Defra approved logo or have SE (smoke exempt) in their name.
To be DEFRA approved the stove must satisfy certain requirements, such as testing for emissions. The test is done to ensure that the stove does not produce excessive amounts smoke when burning approved fuels.
The stove must also pass additional tests in order to be eligible for DEFRA approval. The stove must also be equipped with secondary and tertiary technological features. This helps the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke.
Many manufacturers offer stoves which are approved by DEFRA. These stoves are typically identified with the Defra logo or described as a
DEFRA stoves advantages-approved stove on their catalog or website. They will also typically be labeled as having Clean Burn technology, which aids in reducing the amount of smoke that is produced when burning fuels that are approved for combustion.
It is a great idea to have a DEFRA-approved cooktop in areas with smoke control.