Why We Are In Love With Defra Exempt Stoves (And You Should Also!)

What is a DEFRA Exempt Stove? A DEFRA exempted stove is a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that has been authorised for burning a specific type of fuel, even in smoke control zones. They ensure maximum combustion while reducing the amount of smoke. Many of the top stove manufacturers offer DEFRA exempted stoves with secondary or tertiary burning systems that help to reduce emissions and make them more environmentally friendly. Selecting a Defra Exempt Stove It is important to know that not all stoves made of wood or multi-fuel are created equal. There are a variety of factors to take into consideration, from the size to the output of heat and whether it is defra-approved. Defra Approved Stoves Also known as smoke-free stoves have been examined and found to comply with the strict environmental standards set by the UK government. This means that they can be placed in a smoke control area and can burn fuels which normally aren't permitted like wood. These stoves are made to emit less smoke and less harmful emissions when burning fuel, which helps protect the environment. They also in reducing energy costs to a degree that other kinds of open fire or wood burner are unable to. DEFRA approved sustainable stoves is due to the fact that these stoves offer higher combustion rates, which means they generate more heat for the same amount of fuel. The Defra-exempt stoves we sell come with secondary and tertiary systems that aid to reduce the amount of pollutants generated by the combustion of fuel. They are therefore more environmentally friendly and will keep your chimney cleaner longer than other models of open fires or wood burning stoves that aren't Defra approved. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area then it is vital that you use a Defra exempt stove since this will ensure that you do not violate the law and could face the possibility of a significant fine. If you do not live in a smoke-free area however, we recommend that buying a stove that is Defra-exempt. They use fuels more efficiently and are more sustainable for the environment. They also prevent smoke from nuisance sources from entering your home. We have a great range of wood burning and multi fuel stoves from leading manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all of which are Defra exempt and come in a wide variety of styles to suit your home. If you have any questions about our selection of Defra-approved stoves, please don't hesitate to speak with one of our stove experts. Stoves approved by Defra for smoke control zones There are many options available when you are looking to purchase a new multi-fuel or wood-burning stove to your home. Some of these stoves will be labeled as DEFRA exempt or Defra approved. While this might sound like jargon that you don't have to worry about, it is important to understand that these stoves were designed specifically to be used in areas of smoke control. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, then it is vital to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove to avoid the risk of a fine. The DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs), has tested this particular stove to ensure that it can be used without creating excessive smoke in Smoke Control Areas. The tests are conducted by a certified testing company to ensure that stoves meet the strict requirements set by the government. As you can imagine, there is an abundance of engineering and design that goes into creating stoves that have been DEFRA approved. The good thing is that you will not be able to discern the difference between the stove that is DEFRA exempt from the regulations and one that is not. The main distinction between a DEFRA certified stove and one that isn't will be that the DEFRA endorsed stove emits less smoke and is able to be used with fuels such pellets, briquettes or logs. No matter if you are in a Smoke Control Area or not, purchasing a DEFRA Exempt Stove is a wise decision as they offer a cleaner and more efficient burning that will help reduce your energy costs. They also are better for your chimney as they prevent the accumulation of soot and grit. The Defra approved wood burners and multi-fuel stoves that we offer in our range meet the strict UK legal requirements to obtain this status. This means that they all have a combustion rate that is sufficient to ensure that they do not produce too much smoke over the time frame that is controlled. Stoves Approved by Defra for areas with no smoke control It is crucial to determine if you live in a designated smoke control area before you purchase a new stove. If you do, it is imperative that your stove is DEFRA approved, as having a stove that is not approved for use within the area of a Smoke Control Area could result in fines. If you live in a Smoke Control Area it is also important that you make use of a stove that is approved for burning wood (and some other authorised fuels). DEFRA stands for Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, and is the government authority which enforces the clean-air law in these areas. You can determine whether your home is located within a Smoke Control Area by contacting your local authority. A DEFRA approved stove is one that has passed a rigorous government test for emissions levels operating normally. This means that the stove has low emissions levels that are healthier for you and the environment, while also making it more efficient to burn wood or other approved fuels. It is easy to recognize a stove that is DEFRA-approved by the Defra Approved Logo or the SE (smoke exemption) in the title or specifications. The logo is widely used by the industry and therefore you should have no problem finding one. Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits. They are more efficient than traditional models and burn at lower levels. Some manufacturers offer a five-year warranty on their stoves. If you have a DEFRA approved stove, then it is safe to use with all types of wood. But, it is recommended to use firewood that has 20% moisture% or less to prevent excessive smoke emissions. This can be achieved by using an industry which uses the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme or by purchasing dry firewood from the nearest timber retailer. A DEFRA stove will always provide an adequate amount of combustion air to ensure that the fuel is burned correctly and efficiently, without producing excess smoke. This makes it perfect for use with sleep burn, which is the time when you allow your stove to run for the night and let the fuel continue burning without releasing any excess smoke into the room. Stoves Approved by Defra for Multi-Fuel When it comes to selecting a wood burning or multi fuel stove for your home, you could find yourself being drawn towards one that is a DEFRA approved model. While for some homeowners, this may sound like jargon they shouldn't have to be concerned about, there is plenty of truth to the fact that DEFRA approved stoves are safer for your chimney and the environment. Defra approved stoves are designed in such a way that they don't deprive the fire of oxygen during the combustion process. This is to avoid the fire from producing large amounts of smoke, especially in Smoke Control Areas. Some stoves can be modified to become Defra certified using an approved manufacturer's kit. The kit limits the amount of air vents that can be shut during the burn cycle. When you load your stove and then leave it to rest for a night, this is called'slumbering'. The flames burn slower and more combustibles, such as soot and tar can accumulate in the flue. A Defra approved stove doesn't sleep and is therefore less likely to release this material into the air This also means that when you switch from solid fuel to smokeless coal for overnight burning, an insignificant amount of air is being pumped into the system, so your multi-fuel stove will not burn as quickly as a non-approved appliance. Stove Supermarket offers a variety of DEFRA approved stoves to suit different applications. They include a traditional stove such as our Bassington Eco, which features cast iron construction and a large glass picture window, making it ideal for use in the fireplace chamber of a traditional style or inglenook. This stove is DEFRA approved for burning wood in a smoke control zone but it also works with solid fuel as well as an array of smokeless coals. All of our approved stoves by Defra have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest standards of efficiency and emissions. These models are suitable for Smoke Control Areas, and will keep your chimney and home more clean than non-DEFRA stoves.