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 rigorously tested and operate in accordance with strict regulations.

Stoves that are approved will be marked with a 'SE', which means Smoke Exempt. They are only permitted to be used in smoke-controlled zones in the event of burning approved fuels from Defra, namely wood or manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempted stoves that burn wood or Defra log burner regulations-approved stoves are made to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA stoves ratings's) regulations. These stoves were tested and inspected to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce minimal or no smoke. They emit very low levels of carbon dioxide and their combustion efficiency allows them to re-burn partially burned combustibles like soot and ash before they escape up your chimney.

If you reside in a city or 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 illegal if you do not use an exempt appliance, or fuels that are approved. Exempt stoves that are Defra-compliant are better for your chimney since they burn fuel efficiently and produce less smoke meaning your chimney and flue remain cleaner for longer.

We offer a wide range of Defra-exempt stoves such as the ones from Stovax and Arada. We only sell the best quality products, so you can be sure that your new stove is a safe addition to your home.

There is a widespread belief that you have to purchase a Defra exempt stove if you reside in a zone of smoke control, however this is not the case. You can still fit a non-DEFRA stove into your home if it is fitted with a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with approved charcoal or other smokeless fuels.

If you want to be certain that you are able to 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 exempt, which means that they only produce small amounts of smoke. They also consume less energy than traditional stoves, which means you can heat your property with fewer logs. You can choose from a variety of Defra models in a vast variety of colours and styles.

Clean Burn

Open fires and wood-burning stoves produce smoke which can cause harm to the health of those living at home and people living nearby. The fine particles that are present in the smoke could cause respiratory problems, such as asthma. Modern stoves that are exempt from DEFRA are designed to lessen the harmful effects of this smoke.

The wood burners have been thoroughly tested and examined to ensure that they meet Department of Environment regulations. They are also designed to use fuel more efficiently, so that they release less pollutants. These stoves also emit clear vapour, instead of the dark smoke typically associated with older open fires and stoves that burn logs.

Modern DEFRA-exempt stoves come with secondary and tertiary systems that are responsible for the lower smoke particles. This means that the air in the combustion chamber is always being circulated, making it far more difficult for the particles to escape into the chimney.

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

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

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

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt stove for wood burning is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks assist in extending the lifespan of your stove. These types of stoves are also very efficient, providing savings on heating bills as well as reduce your consumption of fuel by up to 50%. These stoves produce far fewer emissions than other stoves, and are a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

These types of wood stoves are easy to install and are suitable for all homes particularly if you live in an urban zone. They have passed the Defra tests and are able to legally use them in smoke control areas without violating the law or risking a hefty penalty.

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

The DEFRA exempted stoves are also certified by other initiatives, like Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means that they comply with strict standards for efficiency and emission. These certifications are visible on the stoves we sell, and provide assurance that you're buying a product that is safe and eco sustainable.

There's a broad 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 have modern stylish options that look stunning with a simple fireplace 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 would like to see in your home and how it will fit to the decor.

It is only possible to burn the stove that is exempt from Defra in the Smoke Control Area. This will help you save money if you're confronted with a fire that is wood-burning. The stove is also a good choice for those who want to lower their carbon footprint. The wood from the tree absorbs CO2 during its growth and contemporary stoves 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 has been DEFRA approved is vital. This means that the stove has passed strict tests and is able to be legally used in these areas. These tests ensure the air isn't contaminated with the combustion particles created by the stove. These toxins can create the dark smoke visible from chimneys in smoke control zones. They can be harmful to health and can be a nuisance to neighbours.

Local councils have also enacted laws to address the issue by prohibiting the use open fireplaces and appliances that are not exempt from DEFRA. But the good part is that you can still install a stove in your home if it is DEFRA exempt and you only burn approved fuel.

Stoves that have been approved for use in Smoke Control Zones will be marked and tested to ensure they meet or surpass the strict emission and efficiency standards. Stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are also more environmentally friendly than other kinds of woodburners since they have advanced secondary and tertiary burning systems which reduce their carbon footprint.

You can find out whether you are in a smoke-free zone by calling your local council. You can also check the address of your home online. However, it's recommended to contact your local council for more details.

Even if you don't live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood burning stove is a good investment as it will be more environmentally and neighbour friendly. A stove that is approved by Defra will produce less smoke, which will keep your chimney and flue clear for longer. For this reason, most leading stove manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax offer smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and will not be affected by the new regulations.