The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA lawful stoves approved wood burning stoves are a great option for homeowners who live in smoke control zones. These log burners have been thoroughly tested and can operate within the strict guidelines.

Stoves that have been approved can often be branded with "SE" which means Smoke Exempt. They can be used in smoke controlled areas, but only when burning approved fuels from Defra, namely wood and manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempted wood burning stoves 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 generate very little or no smoke. They emit very little carbon dioxide and their efficiency in combustion is so high that partially burned combustion products like soot and defra registered stoves ash are reburned before they escape through your chimney and into the atmosphere.

If you reside in an area designated as a Smoke-Control Area, it is important that your stove is DEFRA exempt. It should also permit you to use approved fuels. Smoke emanating from your chimney is unlawful if you do not have an appliance exempt from the law, or fuels that are approved. Exempt Defra stoves are more suitable for your chimney because they burn fuel cleaner and produce less smoke. The chimney and flue will stay cleaner longer.

We have a great selection of Defra exempt stoves from top manufacturers in the world such as Stovax and Arada. We only provide the highest quality products and you can be sure that your new stove will be a safe and effective addition to your home.

There is a widespread belief that you must purchase a Defra exempt stove if you reside in a smoke control area, however this is not the situation. You can still install a non-DEFRA stove into your house provided that it is fitted with an 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with approved brquettes or other fuels that are smokeless.

If you want to be certain that you are allowed to legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we recommend that you choose one of our Defra approved models. The stoves we offer were designed to meet UK standards for environmental protection. They have been tested and verified as DEFRA exempt. This means that they emit very little smoke. They are also more energy-efficient than traditional stoves, meaning you can heat your property using fewer logs. You can choose from a range of Defra models in a wide variety of colours and styles.

Clean Burn

Open fires and wood-burning stoves can produce smoke that can be harmful to the health of people in your home as as those nearby. This is because the fine particulates in the smoke are known to cause respiratory problems like asthma. Fortunately, modern DEFRA exempt stoves have been developed to drastically reduce these negative effects.

These wood burners have been thoroughly tested and examined in order to ensure they meet Department of Environment regulations. They also have been designed to burn fuel more efficiently so that they emit fewer pollutants. They also display an unmistakable smoke emanating from the chimney instead of the dark smoke typical of older stoves with log burning and open fires.

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

This also means that you must only use approved fuels in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such dry firewood that has been seasoned). These modern stoves have an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clean, reducing soot and allowing gas to escape easily from the flue.

According to Defra the new wood stove that is DEFRA-approved and has an EcoDesign baffle produces around 500 times less harmful emissions than a traditional log burning stove or open fire. If you live in the Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, then installing one of these efficient and modern stoves is vital to protect your health as well as the health of your neighbors.

You can also install an DEFRA Approved Multi-Fuel Stove and use a variety different fuels like peat, briquettes and other solid fuels manufactured by companies that are available in supermarkets. However, it is advised to only use dry 'Ready burn' seasoned wood and never burn painted or treated timber because they will create more pollutants than untreated timber.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt stove for wood burning is easy to maintain. Regular maintenance and cleaning checks will aid in prolonging the life of the stove. These types of stoves are also extremely efficient, providing savings on heating bills as well as reducing the amount of fuel you use by up to 50 percent. The emissions generated by these stoves are significantly lower than other types of stoves, and they provide a greener alternative to fossil fuels.

These wood stoves can be easily installed and are suitable for many homes, especially in urban areas. They have passed Defra testing, which means that they can be used legally in smoke control zones without breaking the law or risking a hefty fine.

Defra-approved wood stoves can also be cheaper to operate than other stoves, due to their sophisticated combustion technology that ensures the fire burns efficiently. This results in fewer particulates and carbon monoxide releasing into the air, which is great news for your health and that of your family members.

The DEFRA exempted stoves can also be certified by other initiatives, like Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means they meet the strictest emissions and efficiency standards. These certifications are displayed on the stoves we sell, and will give you peace of mind knowing that you're buying a model that is safe and eco sustainable.

Stoves Direct offers a large range of stoves that are Defra-exempt, including many traditional designs that are perfect for an inglenook or fireplace chamber. We also have modern, sleek options that look stunning with a simple fireplace mantle or surround. If you're considering buying one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, it is crucial to consider the style that you would like to see 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 trapped with a wood-burning fire. The stove is also a good choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The wood from the tree absorbs CO2 as it grows and releases it back into the atmosphere when it is burnt.

Perfect for Smoke Control Areas

It is essential to have a stove that burns wood that has been approved by DEFRA in UK cities and towns. This means it has passed rigorous tests and is safe to use in these areas. These tests ensure that the particulates of combustion generated by the stove do not contaminate the air. These toxins are the reason for the dark smoke often seen emanating from chimneys in areas of smoke control and can have a negative impact on health as well as creating a nuisance for neighbours.

In the wake of this local councils have passed laws banning the use of open fires and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to tackle the issue. But the good news is that you are able to still install an appliance in your home if it is DEFRA exempt and you burn approved fuel.

Stoves that are approved for use in Smoke Control Areas will be marked and tested to ensure they meet or exceed strict emission and efficiency standards. Defra Registered Stoves-exempt stoves are also more sustainable compared to other types of woodburners, as they have advanced secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce their carbon footprint.

You can determine if you live in a smoke-free zone by contact your local council. You can also determine by looking at your property's postcode online, although it is recommended to go to the website of your local council for more specific information as each district of the UK might be different.

Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area a Defra-exempt wood burning stove will still be an investment worth making. It is more environmentally friendly and also more considerate of neighbors. It can also mean that your chimney and flue system stays cleaner for longer too since a Defra approved stove will emit significantly less smoke than traditional stoves. For this reason, most top stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax offer smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and will not be affected by the new legislation.