The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves are a great option for homeowners living in areas with smoke control. These stoves have been tested thoroughly and are able to operate within the strict guidelines.

Stoves that are approved will be marked with an 'SE' which stands for Smoke Exempt. They can be used in smoke-controlled areas, but only when burning Defra Approved Fuels including wood and manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempted stoves that burn wood or Defra-approved stoves are designed to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. The stoves were tested and inspected to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce minimal or no smoke. They emit low levels of carbon dioxide and their efficiency in combustion is so high that part-burnt fuels such as soot and ash are reburned before they escape down your chimney and out into the atmosphere.

If you reside in a large or a city town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area then it is essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt and can be used with fuels that are authorised. Smoke from your chimney is a crime when you don't use an exempt appliance or DEFRA Guidelines Stoves fuels that are approved. Exempt Defra stoves are better for your chimney as they burn fuel cleaner and produce less smoke. Your chimney and flue will last longer and remain cleaner.

We offer a wide selection of Defra exempt stoves from the top manufacturers in the world such as Stovax and Arada. We only offer the highest quality products and you can be certain that your new stove will be a safe addition to your home.

It is a common misconception that you need to buy an exemption from affordable DEFRA stoves-compliant stove if your home is in a smoke-control area. This is not true. You can still have a non-DEFRA-compliant fireplace in your home, DEFRA Regulations Stoves if it has a 6" (150mm) flue liner and can be made use of briquettes that are approved by the government.

If you want to ensure that you are allowed to legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we recommend you select one of our DEFRA Permitted stoves approved models. These stoves have been designed to meet the strict environmental standards. They have also been tested and certified to be DEFRA exempt, which means that they will only produce minimal amounts of smoke. These stoves are also more efficient than older models, which means you can heat your home using fewer wood logs. You can choose from a selection of Defra models in a vast range of styles and colours.

Clean Burn

Open fires and wood-burning stoves generate smoke that can have a negative effect on the health of people within your home as well as people living nearby. The fine particulates found in the smoke can cause respiratory issues, including asthma. Fortunately modern DEFRA exempt stoves have been designed to drastically reduce these harmful impacts.

The wood burners have been thoroughly tested and examined to ensure that they are in compliance with Department of Environment regulations. They also have been designed to burn fuel more efficiently, meaning that they emit less pollution. These stoves will also show a clear vapour that is released from the chimney instead of the dark smoke typical of older log burning stoves and open fires.

The reason why the smoke particles in modern DEFRA exempt stoves are so less is due to the fact that they are designed with secondary and tertiary airflow systems. This means that the air inside the combustion chamber is continuously circulated. This makes it much harder for the particles to escape.

This also means that you are able to only burn authorised fuels on your DEFRA exempt wood stove (such as dry seasoned firewood). The airflow system on these modern stoves also keeps the combustion chamber clean, so that soot build-up is minimised, and gas can easily escape from the flue.

In reality, a new DEFRA approved wood stove with an EcoDesign baffle will produce around 450 times less pollution than an open-fire or old fashioned log burning stove, according to Defra. If you live in a Smoke Control Area, then installing one of these efficient and modern stoves is crucial to safeguard your health as well as the health of your neighbours.

You can also install a DEFRA Approved Multi-Fuel Stove and make use of a variety of fuels, including briquettes, peat and other solid fuels made by manufacturers which are available at supermarkets. However, it is recommended to only use dry 'Ready To Burn' seasoned wood and never burn painted or treated timber since these can produce more pollution than untreated wood.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt wood stove is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks aid in prolonging the life of the stove. These stoves are highly efficient and can cut down on the consumption of fuel by as much as 50%. These stoves emit far less emissions than other stoves, and are a more eco sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

These kinds of wood stoves are very easy to install and suitable for most homes especially if you reside in an urban area. They have passed the Defra tests and are able to use them legally in smoke control areas without violating the law or committing an expensive fine.

Defra approved wood stoves are often cheaper to run than other models of stoves because they feature advanced combustion technology that makes sure the fire burns efficiently. This means that less carbon monoxide and particulates are released into the atmosphere. This is good for your health and that of your family.

The DEFRA exempted stoves are also certified by other initiatives, like Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means they meet the strictest emissions and efficiency standards. These certifications are shown on the stoves we offer, and will give you assurance that you're purchasing a stove that is safe and environmentally green.

Stoves Direct offers a large selection of Defra-exempt stoves with a variety of traditional designs that are perfect for an inglenook or fireplace chamber. We also have modern, sleek options that can be paired with simple mantles or surrounds. If you're thinking of purchasing one our Defra-exempt wood burning stoves it's important to consider the style you'd like to see for your home, and how it will fit with the interior decor.

You can only use the stove that is exempt from Defra in the Smoke Control Area. This will save you money if trapped with a wood-burning fire. The stove is also a great choice for those looking to cut down their carbon footprint. The wood of the tree absorbs CO2 as it grows and releases it back into the atmosphere when it is burnt.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Many UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so a wood-burning stove that's been DEFRA approved is vital. This means that the stove has passed strict tests and can be used legally in these areas. These tests ensure that the combustion particulates produced by the stove do not contaminate the air. These toxins can lead to the dark smoke visible from chimneys within smoke zones of control. They can be harmful to health and can be a nuisance to neighbours.

Local councils have therefore enacted laws to address the issue by banning the use of open fireplaces and non-DEFRA-exempt appliances. However, the good news is that you are able to still put a stove in your home if it's DEFRA exempt and you only burn fuel that is approved for burning.

Stoves that are approved to be used in Smoke Control Zones will be marked and tested to ensure that they are in compliance with strict emission and efficiency standards. Defra exempt stoves also are more eco-friendly than other types of wood burners as they are equipped with advanced secondary and tertiary combustion methods that reduce their carbon footprint.

You can find out whether you live in a smoke-free zone by contacting your local council. You can also look up your property's address online. However, it's recommended to contact your local council for more details.

Even if you do not reside in a Smoke Control Area a Defra-exempt wood burning stove can be a wise investment. It is more environmentally friendly and also more considerate of neighbors. A stove that is approved by Defra will produce less smoke, which can keep your chimney and flue clear for longer. This is why the majority of major stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have a range of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and will not be affected by the new regulations.