Defra Approved Stove: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
What is a Defra Approved Stove? A Defra Approved stove (also known as SE) is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that can be used in areas of smoke control. Defra approval logos are often seen on these stoves or are identified accordingly in their specifications. These stoves are more beneficial for the environment, and they will prevent the neighbors from being irritated with smoke. They are also subjected rigorous testing. What is an DEFRA Approved Stove? When looking for wood burning stoves or multi fuel stove for your home, it's important to think about the kind of fuel you are going to be using. This is especially important if you live in a smoke controlled area since this will impact the types of fuels you are permitted to burn in your stove. Wood stoves can burn many different fuels. However, if you live in a smoke-free zone you'll require a DEFRA-approved stove that is specifically designed to burn fuels that are authorised with no smoke. A DEFRA approved wood burning or multi-fuel stove is one that has undergone rigourous testing to ensure that the emissions created by the stove are less. This is accomplished by ensuring that the stove has secondary combustion which means that the waste gasses are re-burned within the stove to reduce the level emissions. DEFRA approved stoves offer cost savings in addition to lessening the production of smoke. They are designed to burn wood efficiently and provide higher efficiency. This makes them a great option for those who want to heat their homes using renewable energy sources that is green and can provide a cost effective way to heat their property. There are a range of different styles of DEFRA approved stoves available from traditional to contemporary. This allows homeowners to find an appliance that will blend in with the decor of their home. They can be incorporated into existing fireplaces or inglenooks. They can be used in conjunction with a range of chimney liners and are compatible with both gas or natural sources. defra stoves of using DEFRA approved stoves aren't only available to those living in areas that are smoke-free. Anyone can benefit from their higher efficiency and lower emissions. A DEFRA approved wood stove can help improve the air quality in your home, and contribute to a greener future, as trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere that is then returned to the atmosphere when they are burned for warmth. What Fuels Can Be Burned in a DEFRA-Approved Stove A DEFRA approved wood-burning stove (also known as a Defra smoke exempt appliance) is an appliance that has passed Defra's strict tests to limit the amount of smoke. If you reside in a UK city or a large town that is classified as a smoke control area it is a legal requirement that you only make use of a Defra approved stove or you risk breaking the law and being punished. However, even if don't live in a smoke control area, a Defra approved stove is a good idea to ensure that your chimney and flue system stay more clean for a longer period of time. Stove makers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax have been striving to create the most advanced technology for clean burning that has led to the creation of Defra approved stoves that do not just limit the release of harmful pollutants into the air, but also drastically reduce the amount of smoke that is produced during the combustion process. Defra approved stoves now have secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions and make fuel burn more efficiently. They are also more eco-friendly. It's important to note that although a Defra approved stove can burn manufactured solid fuel such as household coal, Coal fires High Petroleum-based fuels and Petrol Coke and wood, you must be careful about what kind of firewood you choose to use. It is not legal to use damp or wet wood in a DEFRA approved stove. This will result in excessive smoke that can cause disturbance to neighbors and create an hazard of fire within your home. We suggest that when buying wood for your Defra approved fireplace, you purchase only splits and logs that are dry and properly seasoned. We also suggest that you only buy firewood that has been stamped with the 'Ready to Burn' logo. This signifies that the wood has been treated with low moisture content to avoid excess smoke production. The majority of Defra approved wood burning stoves do not offer the option to burn smokeless coke. However there are a few excellent traditional models that look stunning with or without a mantle and surround. A DEFRA-approved stove lets you to install a 5” (125mm), twin wall stainless steel chimney liner that is flexible. This is a more affordable option than the standard 6” 150mm liner and is particularly useful if your existing chimney has some awkward bends. Can I install a non-Defra Approved Stove into a Smoke Control Area? If you are in the market for an updated wood-burning stove it is likely that you'll see DEFRA approved models. This is industry jargon that refers to a stove being exempt from laws in smoke control zones when it is used using approved fuels, such as anthracite, seasoned logs, or other mineral solid fuels (DEFRA approved). It is important to know that non-Defra devices can be used in smoke-controlled areas, but they must be used only to burn approved fuels such as anthracite. If you use them in conjunction with different wood types or flammable solid fuels then they could release excessive quantities of smoke and lead to the issue of a fire infringement against the property. Stoves that are Defra Approved often have the Defra logo on their descriptions of products. Manufacturers may also refer to them as SE (smoke-exempt) or as DEFRA stoves. To be Defra approved a stove must meet the strict requirements of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs in relation to performance and emissions. They have been subjected rigorous tests to ensure low emissions and high efficiency. The purchase of an Defra approved multi fuel stove or wood-burning stove can help reduce your carbon footprint and keep your home warm at the same at the same time. Another benefit of a DEFRA Approved Stove is that they are typically fitted with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is a great advantage since it allows you to save money on the cost of installation and comply with building regulations. If you're not aware of the rules governing the burning of wood in areas that are smoke-controlled it can be difficult to select the right DEFRA-approved wood stove for your home. It is crucial to select a stove which has been tested and meets the UK government's standards. This will provide you with the most efficient burning experience. It is also important to only burn wood that has been seasoned in your stove. This wood has a moisture level that is lower than 20% to stop excessive smoke from accumulating after it is burned. It is available in most local shops and through programs like Woodsure Ready to Burn. What Is an DEFRA Exempt Stove? If you're considering buying wood burning stoves there's so much to consider. From design and heat output to the fuel type, there is a lot to take in before making your final choice. If you live in a smoke controlled area one of the most important factors to look for is a DEFRA exempt stove. This is because a DEFRA approved stove has been tested independently and proven to be capable of burning wood in a smoke controlled area. They are designed to reduce emissions of particles from the combustion process. This means that less pollution will be created in the air. DEFRA approved appliances are more sustainable for the environment as well as your chimney system as they prevent part-burned materials from entering the chimney and creating blockages. A Defra exempt stove will have the logo 'DEFRA approved' on the outside of the unit or in the title of the specification. The logo is easily identifiable and is a quality mark that is widely used by stove manufacturers. Many of the wood-burning stoves that we sell bear the DEFRA mark We also carry various models that are multi-fuel which are DEFRA approved. In addition to in addition to Defra approval, you must make sure that the wood burner or multi-fuel stove is equipped with a 5” chimney liner. This is because non-DEFRA stoves require an even larger flue than DEFRA approved models and will cause the chimney to become blocked if you are not careful. If you're unsure whether or not you live in a Smoke Controlled area or what the regulations are regarding the kinds of fuels you can burn, contact us and we will be more than happy to assist. You can also go to the website of your local council to find out more about the laws in force to your local area.