The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a great choice for homeowners living within smoke control areas. These particular log burners have undergone rigorous testing and are operating within strict regulations.

Stoves that are approved will bear an 'SE' which means Smoke Exempt. They can be used in smoke controlled areas, DEFRA Stoves benefits but only when burning approved fuels from Defra, namely wood and manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempt wood burning stoves or Defra approved stoves are made to conform to the Department of Environment's (DEFRA) regulations. The stoves were inspected and tested in order to ensure that they burn fuel efficiently and produce very little or no smoke. These stoves emit low levels of carbon dioxide and their efficiency in combustion allows them to re-burn partially burned combustibles like soot and ash before they are released up your chimney.

If you reside in a city or large town that is classified as Smoke Control Area then it's essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt and can be used with approved fuels. Smoke emanating from your chimney is unlawful when you don't use an appliance exempt from the law, or fuels that are approved. Exempt stoves from Defra are better for your chimney, as they burn fuel more cleanly and produce less smoke meaning your chimney and flue remain cleaner for a longer period of time.

We offer a wide range of stoves exempt from Defra, including those from Stovax and Arada. We only sell the best DEFRA stoves quality products and you can be confident that your new stove will be safe and a reliable addition to your home.

It is a common misconception that you have to purchase an exempt stove from Defra when your home is located in a smoke-control zone. This is not true. You can still install an un-DEFRA stove in your home if it is fitted with a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and that you only use it with approved charcoal or other smokeless fuels.

If you want to be sure that you are allowed to legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we suggest you select one of our Defra approved models. These stoves have been designed to meet the UK's strict environmental standards and have been tested and certified to be DEFRA exempt This means that they only emit minimal amounts of smoke. These stoves are also more efficient than older-style models, meaning you can heat your home using less wood logs. You can choose from a variety of Defra models that come in a variety of colours and styles.

Clean Burn

Open fires and wood-burning stoves generate smoke that can affect the health of those living within your home as well as those living close by. Fine particles in the smoke can cause respiratory issues, including asthma. Fortunately modern DEFRA guidelines stoves exempt stoves have been developed to drastically reduce these harmful effects.

The wood burners have been thoroughly tested and examined to ensure they meet Department of Environment regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more efficiently, resulting in fewer pollutants. These stoves also show the clear smoke that is released from the chimney instead of the dark smoke that is associated with older stoves with log burning and open fires.

Modern DEFRA-exempt stoves feature secondary and tertiary systems which are responsible for the smoke particles that are lower. This means that the air inside the combustion chamber is constantly being circulated, which makes it much more difficult for these particles to escape into the chimney.

This also means that you must only use approved fuels in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such seasoned dry firewood). These modern stoves have an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clear, reducing soot and allowing gas to flow easily out of the flue.

According to Defra, a brand new approved wood stove by DEFRA that has an EcoDesign baffle produces around 350 times less pollution than the traditional log burning stove or open fire. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and you want to install one of these efficient and modern stoves is vital to protect your health as well as the health of your neighbours.

You can also install an DEFRA Approved Multi-Fuel Stove and use a variety different fuels like peat, briquettes and other solid fuels made by manufacturers that are sold in supermarkets. However, it is recommended to only use dry 'Ready to Burn' seasoned wood and never burn painted or treated timber because they will create more pollution than untreated wood.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt stove for wood burning can be easily maintained. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks help to extend its lifespan. These stoves are also extremely efficient, offering cost savings on heating bills as well as cutting down on the amount of fuel you use by up to 50%. The emissions produced by these stoves are far lower than other types of stoves, and they are a greener alternative for fossil fuels.

They can be easily installed and are suitable for many homes, especially in urban areas. They have passed Defra testing, meaning you can legally use them in smoke control zones without breaking the law and the risk of a large fine.

Defra approved wood stoves are also often cheaper to run than other models of stoves due to their advanced combustion technology that ensures that the fire burns effectively. This means less carbon monoxide and particulates are released into the air. This is good for the health of your family and for your own.

The DEFRA exempted stoves are certified by other initiatives, such as Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means that they comply with strict emission and efficiency standards. You may see these certifications listed on the stoves we sell, and give you assurance that you are purchasing a safe and environmentally responsible model.

Stoves Direct offers a large range of stoves that are DEFRA stoves benefits-exempt, including many traditional designs that are perfect for an inglenook or a fireplace chamber. We also have modern, sleek options that look fantastic with a simple fireplace mantle or surround. If you're considering purchasing one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, it's crucial to think about the style you want in your home, and how it will blend with the design.

It is only possible to burn a Defra-exempt stove in the Smoke Control Area. This will help you save money if you're caught with a wood-burning fire. It is also an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, as the tree that is used to make the wood absorbs CO2 as it grows, and returns this back into the atmosphere after being burned in a stove.

Suitable for Smoke Control Areas

It is crucial to have a stove that burns wood that has been DEFRA-approved in UK cities and towns. This means that it has passed stringent tests and is safe to use in these areas. These tests ensure that the particulates of combustion produced by the stove do not pollute the air. These toxins are what cause the dark smoke often seen emanating from chimneys in smoke control areas and they can have a negative impact on health, as well as making neighbors uncomfortable.

In response, local councils have introduced laws that ban the use of open flames and appliances that are not exempt from DEFRA in these areas to tackle the issue. The good news is that you can still put your stove in your home as long as it's DEFRA-exempt and you use only approved fuel.

Stoves that have been approved to be used in a Smoke Control Area will be marked as in the Smoke Control Area and have been tested to ensure that they meet or exceed strict emissions and efficiency standards. The stoves that are exempt from Defra tend to be more environmentally friendly than other kinds of wood burners because they feature advanced secondary and tertiary combustion methods which help reduce their carbon footprint.

You can find out if you are in a smoke-free zone by contacting your local council. You can also determine by looking up your home's postcode online, although it is recommended to check the website of your local council to find out more in-depth information since every district of the UK could be different.

Even if you do not live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood burning stove is a wise choice as it's more sustainable and friendly to neighbours. It also means that your chimney and flue system stays cleaner for longer too, as a Defra approved stove will produce significantly less smoke than traditional stoves. This is why the majority of top stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have a selection of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and will not be affected by the new legislation.