What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
When selecting a wood burner or multi-fuel stove it is crucial to think about whether you live in a smoke control area. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
These appliances are often referred to as SE stoves. ( DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves stands for smoke-free). These appliances have passed the strict UK government testing standards for emissions levels and can be used in smoke-controlled areas.
What is a DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has passed an emissions test for smoke created by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The tests ensure that the stove emits low levels of smoke when using fuels that are suitable, such as wood. Stoves that have been approved by Defra can be installed in Smoke Control Areas and will usually be branded with the DEFRA approval logo or have the word SE (for smoke exempt) added to their name.
Many cities and towns will be classified as Smoke Control Areas and so if you reside in one of these areas, then you'll need to use a DEFRA approved Stove if you want to burn wood or other DEFRA approved fuels. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra will have their manufacturers modify them to reduce the amount of air they consume when they burn, which can result in black smoke.
The stoves that are Defra-approved also have secondary and tertiary systems which help to burn off any unburned material that is left over in the fire that is then blown away from the chimney. This helps to keep the flue and stove system cleaner for longer and also reduces emissions overall which is great news for you and your neighbors.
When buying a stove for your home, there are many factors to consider and it's easy to be overwhelmed by the volume of information on offer. There are a lot of terms such as DEFRA and smoke controlled zones, and if you are in the market for a new stove this could be a bit confusing.
If you are looking to purchase a new stove for your home, it's very important that you choose the DEFRA approved model, as the majority of cities and towns will be Smoke Control Areas and if you install a stove that isn't approved, you could be liable for a substantial fine. Thankfully, the vast majority of the stoves we stock here at Grate Expectations are all DEFRA approved and so you can shop with confidence knowing you are getting the best quality woodburning stove or multifuel stove for your home.
Can I install a stove that is not DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled space?
You may come across some confusing terms when you are looking for a wood burning stove. One word you might hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, these simply indicate that the stove been tested and is in compliance with the UK government's smoke control laws.
The most important benefit of buying an exempt DEFRA stove is the fact that you can use it in smoke-free areas without fearing of being fined. The stove is designed to produce less smoke. This is accomplished by shutting off the airflow during the combustion process and thus depriving the fuel of oxygen and preventing excessive amounts of smoke from being generated.
In order to become DEFRA approved, a stove has to pass a series of tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Stoves that are DEFRA-exempt are typically marked with SE which stands for Smoke Exempt.
It is a good idea even if you do not live in a smoke-free zone to purchase a DEFRA approved stove. This is because a DEFRA approved stove will burn much more efficiently than a non-DEFRA endorsed stove, which means you will receive a higher heating output from your appliance, and it is less likely to emit part-burned combustibles to the air.
Some people choose to install an non DEFRA approved stove in their home due to its design or aren't in a smoke-free area. It is crucial to remember that should you reside in a smoke-free area and you install an non DEFRA approved stove, you could be subject to an imposed fine from your local authority. To avoid this possibility, it's recommended to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove.
Can I burn fuels that aren't DEFRA approved in a DEFRA approved stove?
A DEFRA approved stove is also known as a DEFRA exempt wood burning stove, or a smoke-free multi fuel stove, is one that is legal in UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a strict test conducted by the UK government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) which ensures that it emits low levels of emissions when it is burning. This means it is capable of burning a wide range of different types of fuels without creating polluting smoke, and is therefore a good choice for homeowners who live in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel or wood burner will often be identified with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes, an SE may be added to the stove's name to indicate that it can be used in smoke-controlled areas. The logo is widely used in the industry, and is easily recognisable.
If you are unsure of whether or not your stove is DEFRA approved you can contact the manufacturer to inquire or go to the website. Even even if your DEFRA stove is marked with the logo or is described as such, you could be charged with a crime if don't use it properly in an area that has smoke control in place.
Utilizing your DEFRA approved stove is easy and involves making sure that you have plenty of dry and seasoned wood, and that it is properly lit before you begin to burn it. It is important to keep the stove clean and keep a water tank nearby the stove in case there are any issues or emergencies.
A DEFRA stove can provide you with a more efficient combustion and offers less carbon footprint than traditional open fires, or even electric or gas powered stoves since they produce less smoke which is better for the environment and your neighbors. DEFRA stoves typically have a second combustion phase which reduces the amount released into the air.
What is the difference between the DEFRA approved stove and a non-DEFRA certified stove?
When discussing wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves there are several terms that are used frequently. These terms can be confusing for new buyers who might not be aware of what they mean. One of these terms you may have encountered is a DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stove. This might seem like a lot of terms, but it is a simple definition.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has been tested and approved for use in smoke control areas. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs or Defra gives the DEFRA approval.
The DEFRA approval permits the stove to be used with approved fuels like anthracite, or certain manufactured smokeless fuels. The stove is able to be used without producing excessive quantities of black fume in areas that control smoke. Defra-approved stoves are often labelled with a Defra approved logo or SE (smoke exemption) after their names.
To be DEFRA approved, it must meet certain criteria, including emissions testing. The test is done to ensure that the stove doesn't emit excessive amounts of smoke when burning approved fuels.
There are also some additional tests that the stove must pass in order to receive DEFRA approval. These include making sure that the stove is equipped with secondary and tertiary combustion technology. This allows the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and with less smoke.
Many manufacturers offer stoves which are approved by DEFRA. They will usually have the Defra approved logo or be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalogue. These stoves will be identified as having Clean Burn Technology, which reduces the amount of smoke produced when burning approved fuels.
While owning a DEFRA approved stove isn't an obligation in smoke controlled areas There are a variety of reasons why it's a good idea to do so. This will not only help avoid any fines that are imposed on the owner, but will also improve the efficiency of the stove and provide a cleaner burning. This is not only better for the environment, but it's also better for the chimney and flue system of the stove.