The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a fantastic choice for homeowners living within smoke control areas. These log burners have been thoroughly tested and operate in accordance with the strict guidelines.

Stoves that have been approved can often be identified with the letter 'SE' which stands for Smoke Exempt. They are able to be used in smoke-controlled areas, but only when burning approved fuels by the Defra including wood and manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempt stoves for wood burning or Defra approved stoves are designed to abide by the Department of Environment's (DEFRA) regulations. The stoves were tested and examined in order to ensure that they burn fuel efficiently and produce little or no smoke. They emit very little carbon dioxide and their efficiency in combustion is so high that part-burnt combustibles like ash and soot are reburned prior to allowing them to escape through your chimney and into the atmosphere.

If you reside in an area designated as Smoke-Control Area, it is important that your stove is DEFRA exempt. It should also allow you to use authorised fuels. Smoke emanating from your chimney is unlawful when you don't use an appliance exempt from the law, or fuels that have been approved. Exempt stoves that are DEFRA stoves advantages-compliant are better for your chimney, because they burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke, which means your chimney and flue remain cleaner for longer.

We have a variety of stoves that are Defra-exempt such as models from Stovax and Arada. We only offer the highest quality products, so you can rest assured that your new stove is an appropriate addition to your home.

There is a common misconception that you must purchase a Defra exempt stove if you live in a smoke-free zone, however this is not the situation. You can still fit a non-DEFRA stove to your house provided that it is fitted with a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with authorized briquettes or other smokeless fuels.

If you want to be certain that you are able to legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, we suggest that you choose one of our Defra approved models. The stoves we offer were designed to meet UK environmental standards. They have been tested and certified as DEFRA exempt. This means they emit a minimal amount of smoke. They also consume less energy than traditional stoves, which means you can heat your home using fewer logs. Our selection of Defra stoves comes in a range of colors and styles, so you're bound to find the right model for your home.

Clean Burn

Wood-burning stoves and open flames emit smoke that could affect the health of those in your home and people living nearby. This is because the fine particulates in this smoke are known to cause respiratory issues such as asthma. Fortunately modern DEFRA exempt stoves have been designed to drastically reduce these negative effects.

These wood burners that are clean burning that are commonly known as SE or Defra approved stoves, have been rigorously checked and tested to ensure that they comply with the Department of Environment's regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce less pollution. These stoves also show a clear vapour coming out of the chimney, instead of the dark smoke that is typical of older stoves that burn logs and open fires.

The reason the smoke particles of these modern DEFRA exempt stoves are so much lower is because they have been designed with secondary and tertiary airflow systems. This means the air in the combustion chamber is continuously circulated. This makes it much more difficult for the smoke particles to escape.

This means that you can only use authorised fuels in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such 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 through the flue.

According to Defra Recognized Stoves the new wood stove that is DEFRA-approved and has an EcoDesign baffle is capable of producing around 450 times less pollutants than the traditional log burning stove or open fire. Installing one of these efficient, modern stoves in a Smoke-Control Area is essential to safeguard both your health and the health of your neighbors.

You can also install a DEFRA Approved Multi-Fuel Stove and use a variety different fuels like peat, briquettes, and other solid fuels manufactured by companies that are sold in supermarkets. It is recommended to only burn 'Ready to Burn" dry wood that is seasoned. Never burn treated or painted wood as they will produce more pollution than timber that is untreated.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt wood stove is easy to maintain. Regular maintenance and cleaning checks will help to extend its lifespan. These types of stoves are also very efficient, allowing you to save money on heating bills as well as cutting down on fuel consumption by up to 50 percent. The carbon emissions generated by these stoves are significantly lower than other types of stoves, and they offer a greener alternative to fossil fuels.

These types of wood stoves are easy to install and suitable for homes of all sizes, especially if you live in an urban area. They have passed the Defra tests, which means you can legally use them in smoke control zones without violating the law or risking a hefty penalty.

Defra approved wood stoves are also often cheaper to run than other stoves, as they have advanced combustion technology that ensures that the fire burns effectively. This results in fewer particulates and carbon monoxide being released into the air, which is good news for your health as well as that of your family members.

The DEFRA exempted stoves can also be certified by other initiatives, like Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means they meet the strictest emissions and efficiency standards. These certifications are visible on the stoves we sell and will give you peace of mind knowing that you're buying a product that is safe and environmentally green.

You can find a wide selection of Defra exempt stoves here at Stoves Direct, including many traditional designs that are ideal for an inglenook fireplace, or a fireplace chamber. We also have sleek, modern options that are perfect for an easy 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'd like to see in your home and how it will fit with the decor.

You can only burn an exempt stove that is Defra-compliant in the Smoke Control Area. This will save you money if you're confronted with a fire that is wood-burning. It's also a great alternative for those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint, since the tree the wood comes from absorbs CO2 as it grows and returns this back into the atmosphere after being burned in a stove.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Many UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so a wood-burning stove that has been DEFRA approved is essential. This means that the appliance has passed rigorous tests and is able to be used legally in these areas. The tests make sure that the air isn't contaminated with the combustion particles created by the stove. These toxins are the reason for the dark smoke that is often seen emanating from chimneys in smoke control areas, and they can have a negative impact on health and also creating a nuisance for neighbours.

In response local councils have enacted laws that prohibit the use of open flames and appliances that are not exempt from DEFRA in these areas to address the problem. However, the good news is that you can still install an appliance in your home if it is DEFRA exempt and you only burn authorised fuel.

Stoves that are approved for use in Smoke Control Zones will be marked and tested to ensure that they are in compliance with the strict emission and efficiency requirements. The stoves that are Defra-exempt are also more environmentally friendly in comparison to other types of woodburners because they have advanced secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce their carbon footprint.

You can find out whether you are in a smoke-free zone by contact your local council. You can also verify the address of your home online. However, it is recommended to contact your local council for further information.

Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area a Defra-exempt wood burning stove can be an investment worth making. It is more environmentally friendly and also more considerate of neighbors. A stove that is Defra-approved will also produce less smoke, which can keep your chimney and flue clean for DEFRA Recognized stoves 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.