The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a fantastic option for homeowners who live within smoke control areas. These particular log burners have been tested thoroughly and are operating in accordance with strict regulations.

Stoves that are approved will usually be branded with the letter 'SE', which means Smoke Exempt. They can be used in smoke-controlled areas but only when burning approved fuels by the Defra, namely wood and manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempted wood burning stoves or Defra approved stoves are designed to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. These stoves were tested and examined in order to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce minimal or no smoke. They emit very low levels of carbon dioxide and their efficiency of combustion permits them to re-burn part-burned combustibles such as ash and soot before they escape down your chimney.

If you live in an area classified as a Smoke-Control Area, it is important that your stove is DEFRA exempt. It should also allow you to use approved fuels. Smoke from your chimney is a crime if you do not have an appliance exempt from the law, or fuels that are approved. Exempt stoves that are Defra-compliant are more suitable for chimneys, because they burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke, meaning your chimney and flue stay cleaner for longer.

We have a range of stoves exempt from Defra such as the ones from Stovax and Defra Permitted stoves Arada. We only provide the highest quality products and you can be confident that your new stove will be a safe and efficient addition to your home.

It is a popular misconception that you need to buy a Defra-exempt stove when your home is located in a smoke-control area. This isn't the case. You can still install a non-DEFRA fireplace within your home, as long as it has a 6" (150mm) flue liner and can be used with authorised briquettes.

If you want to ensure that you can legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we suggest that you choose one of our Defra approved models. These stoves have been developed to meet the strict environmental standards. They've been tested and verified to be DEFRA approved eco design stoves exempt which means they only produce small amounts of smoke. These stoves are also more efficient than the older models, so you can heat the property using fewer wood logs. You can choose from a range of Defra models in a wide range of styles and colours.

Clean Burn

Wood-burning stoves and open flames produce smoke which can affect the health of those in your home and people living nearby. This is due to the fine particles in this smoke are known to cause respiratory problems such as asthma. Luckily modern DEFRA exempt stoves have been developed to significantly reduce these negative impacts.

These clean burning wood burners, often called SE or Defra approved stoves, have been rigorously tested and examined to ensure that they abide by the Department of Environment's regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more effectively and produce less pollution. These stoves also emit a clear vapour instead of the dark smoke associated with older open fires and stoves that burn logs.

The reason the smoke particles in modern DEFRA exempt stoves are less is because they have been constructed with secondary and third 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 also means you can only use authorised fuels in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such dry, seasoned firewood). The airflow system of these modern stoves also helps keep the combustion chamber clean, so that the build-up of soot is minimized and gas can easily escape from the flue.

In reality, a new DEFRA approved wood stove with an EcoDesign baffle will generate around 350 times less pollution than an open-fire or traditional log burning stove, according to Defra. If you live in the Smoke Control Area, then installing one of these efficient and modern stoves is crucial to safeguard your health and those of your neighbours.

You can also install an DEFRA Approved Multi-Fuel Stove and utilize a variety of different fuels like briquettes, peat and other solid fuels manufactured by companies that are available in supermarkets. However, it is advised to only use dry 'Ready To burn' seasoned wood and do not burn treated or painted timber because they will create more pollutants than untreated wood.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt stove for wood burning can be maintained easily. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks assist in extending the lifespan of your stove. These types of stoves also are very efficient, providing savings on your heating bills and reduce your the amount of fuel you use by up to 50 percent. The emissions produced by these stoves are also significantly lower than other types of stoves. They also are a greener alternative for fossil fuels.

These kinds of wood stoves are very easy to install and suitable for all homes particularly if you live in an urban area. 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 can also be more affordable to operate than other stove models, thanks to their advanced combustion technology, which ensures that the fire burns efficiently. This means that there are fewer particles and carbon monoxide being released into the air, which is good news for your health and that of your family members.

Additionally, the DEFRA certified stoves exempt stoves have been certified by various initiatives such as the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign which means they meet strict emission and efficiency standards. You may see these certifications displayed on the stoves we sell, and provide you with confidence that you're buying an environmentally-friendly and safe model.

You can find a wide variety of Defra exempt stoves here at Stoves Direct, including many traditional designs that are ideal for an inglenook fireplace or fireplace chamber. We also offer modern, sleek options that can be paired with an easy mantle or surround. If you are thinking about purchasing one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, it is crucial to consider the style you want to have in your home and how it will fit with the interior decor.

You can only burn the stove that is exempt from Defra in a 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, as the tree that the wood is derived from absorbs CO2 when it grows and returns it back to the atmosphere when burned in a stove.

Perfect for Smoke Control Areas

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

Local councils have therefore introduced laws to control the problem by banning the use of open fireplaces as well as non-DEFRA-exempt appliances. However, the good part is that you can still have an appliance in your home if it's DEFRA exempt and you only burn fuel that is approved for burning.

Stoves that are approved for use in Smoke Control Zones will be inspected and marked to ensure that they meet or exceed the strict emission and efficiency standards. Stoves that are exempt from Defra also are more eco-friendly than other types of wood burners as they feature advanced secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that help to minimise their carbon footprint.

The simplest method to determine whether you are in a zone of smoke control is to contact your local council and ask for more details. You can also find out the address of your property's postcode online, although it is recommended to go to your local council website to find out more in-depth information since every district of the UK might be different.

Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood burning stove is a smart choice as it's more environmentally and neighbour friendly. A stove that is approved by Defra will produce less smoke, which keeps your chimney and flue cleaner for a longer time. Because of this, many top stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have a selection of smokeless models that are DEFRA Permitted Stoves exempt and will not be affected by the new law.