The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a fantastic option for homeowners who live within smoke control zones. The stoves have been rigorously tested and operate in accordance with strict guidelines.

Stoves that have been approved will often be branded with 'SE' which stands for Smoke Exempt. They can only be used in smoke-controlled areas 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-approved stoves are made to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. The stoves have been tested and inspected to ensure that they use fuel more efficiently and DEFRA approved traditional stoves emit little or no smoke. They emit very minimal levels of emissions and their efficiency of combustion permits them to re-burn part-burned combustibles such as ash and soot 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 crucial that your stove is DEFRA exempt and is able to be used with fuels that are authorised. Smoke from your chimney is a crime if you do not have an exempt appliance, or fuels that have been approved. Exempt stoves that are Defra-compliant are better for your chimney, as they burn fuel more cleanly and produce less smoke, which means your chimney and DEFRA Approved Traditional Stoves flue remain cleaner for a longer period of time.

We offer a wide range of stoves that are Defra-exempt that include models from Stovax and Arada. We only provide the highest quality products, so you can be confident that your new stove will be safe and a reliable addition to your home.

There is a common misconception that you need to buy a Defra exempt stove if you reside in a smoke control area however this isn't the case. You can still have an unapproved fireplace in your home, if it has 6" (150mm) flue liner, and can only be used with authorised briquettes.

We suggest you select a Defra approved model if you wish to ensure that you are able to use wood legally in your DEFRA-exempt stove. These stoves have been developed to comply with the UK's strict environmental standards. They've been tested and verified to be DEFRA approved traditional stoves (read this post here) 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 the property using less wood logs. You can pick from a range of Defra models in a vast variety of colours and styles.

Clean Burn

Wood-burning stoves and open fires produce smoke that could be detrimental to the health of people living in your home as well in the area. This is due to the fine particles that make up this smoke can cause respiratory issues such as asthma. Luckily, modern DEFRA exempt stoves have been designed to drastically reduce these harmful impacts.

These wood burners were thoroughly tested and scrutinized to ensure that they meet Department of Environment regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more effectively, resulting in fewer pollutants. These stoves also show an unmistakable smoke coming out of the chimney instead of the dark smoke that is common with older log burning stoves and open fires.

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

This also means that you are able to only use fuels that are approved for burning on your DEFRA exempt wood stove (such as dry seasoned firewood). These modern stoves have an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clean, reducing the amount of soot and allowing gas to escape easily from the flue.

According to Defra, a brand new approved wood stove by DEFRA that has an EcoDesign baffle can produce 450 times less pollutants than the traditional log burning stove or open fire. Installing one of these modern, efficient stoves in a Smoke-Control Area is essential to safeguard your health as well as the health of your neighbors.

You can also install a DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and utilize a variety fuels like briquettes, peat and other kinds of manufactured solid fuel which can be purchased at the supermarket. However, it is advised to only use dry 'Ready Burn' seasoned wood and never burn treated or painted timber since these can produce more pollutants than untreated timber.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt wood burning stove can be maintained easily. Regular maintenance and cleaning checks will help to extend its lifespan. These stoves are very efficient and can reduce consumption of fuel by as high as 50%. These stoves produce far fewer emissions than other stoves and are an environmentally sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

The wood stoves are easily installed and are suitable for many homes, particularly in urban areas. The wood stoves that are available have passed Defra tests which means that you can legally use them in smoke control zones without breaking the law or risking an expensive fine.

DEFRA requirements stoves-approved wood stoves may also be cheaper to operate than other stoves, due to their sophisticated combustion technology that ensures the fire burns efficiently. This means less carbon monoxide, particulates and other pollutants are released into the air. This is beneficial to your health and your family's.

The DEFRA exempted stoves can also be certified by other initiatives, such as Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means that they meet strict emission and efficiency standards. These certifications are listed on the stoves we sell, and give you confidence that you are buying an environmentally-friendly and safe model.

Stoves Direct offers a large range of stoves that are Defra-exempt that include many traditional designs that are perfect for an inglenook or fireplace chamber. We also have sleek, modern options that go well with a simple mantle or surround. If you're considering buying one our Defra-exempt wood burning stoves, you need to consider the style you want in your home and how it will fit with the interior decor.

A Defra exempt stove is the only kind of stove that can legally burn in a Smoke Control Area, and it will help you avoid having to pay a fine if find yourself in the middle of a illegal wood-burning fire. 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 releases it back into the atmosphere when it is burned.

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 essential. This means that it has passed rigorous tests and is legal for use in these areas. These tests ensure that the particulates of combustion generated by the stove do not contaminate the air. These toxins are what cause the dark smoke often seen coming from chimneys in areas of smoke control, and they can have a negative effect on health and also making neighbors uncomfortable.

In response local councils have passed laws that prohibit the use of open flames and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to address the problem. The good news is 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 Smoke Control Areas will be marked and tested to ensure they are in compliance with strict emission and efficiency standards. Stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are also more sustainable in comparison to other types of woodburners, as they use advanced secondary and tertiary burning systems that reduce their carbon footprint.

You can determine if you are in a smoke-free area by calling your local council. You can also verify your property's address online. However, it's best to consult your local council for further information.

Even if you do not reside in the Smoke Control Area a Defra-exempt wood burning stove is an investment worth making. It is more eco friendly and neighbor-friendly. It also means that your chimney and flue system will stay more clean because the Defra approved stove produces significantly less smoke than traditional stoves. Many of the leading stove makers like Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, offer a range of smokeless models which are DEFRA exempt.