The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves are a great option for homeowners living in areas of smoke control. These particular log burners have been tested thoroughly and are able to operate in accordance with strict regulations.

Stoves that are approved will usually be identified with the letter 'SE' which stands for Smoke Exempt. They are only permitted to be used in smoke-controlled areas in the event of burning approved fuels from Defra such as wood or manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempted wood burning stoves or DEFRA stoves ratings Defra approved stoves are designed to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. These stoves were inspected and tested to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce minimal or no smoke. They emit low levels of carbon dioxide and their efficiency in combustion is so high that even part-burnt combustion products like soot and ash are reburned before they escape down your chimney and into the air.

If you reside in a large or a city town that is classified as Smoke Control Area then it is essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt and is able to be used with fuels that are authorised. Smoke from your chimney is illegal if you do not have an exempt appliance, or fuels that have been approved. Exempt Defra stoves are better for your chimney because they burn fuel cleaner and produce less smoke. Your flue and chimney will stay cleaner longer.

We have a variety 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 a safe and efficient addition to your home.

It is a common misconception that you must buy an exempt stove from Defra even if your house is located within a smoke-control area. This is not true. You can still install a non-DEFRA fireplace within your home, as long as it has 6" (150mm), flue liner, and can only be operated with briquettes that have been approved by DEFRA.

If you want to ensure that you are allowed to legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, we suggest that you choose one of our Defra approved models. These stoves were designed to comply with UK environmental standards. They have been tested and certified as DEFRA exempt. This means they emit very little smoke. They are also more efficient than older models, so you can heat your home using less wood logs. Our selection of Defra stoves is available in a variety of colors and styles, so you're bound to find the ideal model for your home.

Clean Burn

Open fires and wood-burning stoves produce smoke which can cause harm to the health of those living at home and those living close by. This is due to the fine particulates in this smoke are known to cause respiratory problems such as asthma. Modern stoves that are DEFRA-exempt are designed to minimize these harmful effects.

These wood burners have been 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 the clear smoke that is released from the chimney, instead of the dark smoke associated with older log burning stoves and open fires.

The reason why the smoke particles in these modern DEFRA exempt stoves are so less is due to the fact that they are constructed with secondary and tertiary airflow systems. This means that the air inside the combustion chamber is constantly circulated. This makes it much more difficult for the particles to escape.

This means that you are able to only use fuels that are authorised in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such dry, seasoned firewood). Modern stoves come with an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clean, reducing the amount of soot and allowing gas to escape easily from the flue.

In fact, a new DEFRA approved wood stove that is fitted with an EcoDesign baffle can produce approximately 450 times less pollution than an open fire or old fashioned log burning stove according to Defra. Installing one of these modern, efficient stoves in a Smoke-Control Area is crucial to protect your health as well as the health of your neighbors.

You can also install a DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and make use of a variety of fuels, including briquettes, peat and other kinds of manufactured solid fuels that can be purchased in supermarkets. However, it is recommended to only use dry 'Ready to burn' seasoned wood and never burn treated or painted timber as these will produce more pollutants than untreated wood.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA exempt wood-burning stove is simple to maintain, with a regular cleaning and maintenance routine making sure it lasts for longer. These stoves are very efficient and can reduce consumption of fuel by as high as 50%. The emissions generated by these stoves are far lower than other types of stoves, and they are a greener alternative for fossil fuels.

They can be easily installed and are suitable for many homes, particularly in urban areas. They have passed DEFRA guidelines stoves tests, which means they can be used legally in smoke control zones without breaking the law and risking a hefty fine.

Defra approved wood stoves are often more affordable than other stoves because they feature advanced combustion technology that makes sure the fire burns efficiently. This results in fewer particulates and carbon monoxide being released into the air, which is good news for your health as well as that of your family members.

Additionally, the DEFRA exempt stoves have been certified by various initiatives such as the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign, meaning that they meet rigorous emission and efficiency standards. These certifications are displayed on the stoves we offer, and provide peace of mind knowing that you're buying a product that is safe and eco green.

Stoves Direct offers a large selection of Defra-exempt stoves, including many traditional designs that are ideal for an inglenook or fireplace chamber. We also have contemporary stylish options that look great with a simple fireplace surround or mantle. If you're considering purchasing one of our DEFRA guidelines stoves-exempt wood burning stoves, it's crucial 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 log burner you can legally burn in a Smoke Control Area, and it will help you avoid having to pay a fine if are caught with an illegal wood-burning fire. It's also a great option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint because the tree from which the wood is derived from absorbs CO2 as it grows and returns it back to the atmosphere when it is burned in the stove.

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 appliance has passed strict tests and can be used legally in these areas. These tests guarantee that the particulates that are produced by the stove do not contaminate the air. These toxins cause the dark smoke that is often seen emanating from chimneys in smoke control areas and could have a negative impact on health, as well as being a nuisance to neighbours.

In the wake of this local councils have enacted laws banning the use of open fires and appliances that are not exempt from DEFRA in these areas to address the problem. The good news is that you can still install your stove in your home as long as it's DEFRA-exempt and you only use approved fuel.

Stoves that have been approved to be used in Smoke Control Zones will be inspected and marked to ensure that they meet or exceed the strict emission and efficiency requirements. Stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are also more sustainable compared to other types of woodburners, as they utilize advanced secondary and tertiary combustion systems which reduce their carbon footprint.

The most efficient method to determine if you live in a smoke-free zone is to contact your local council and ask them for more information. You can also look up your address online. However, it's best to speak with your local council for more details.

Even if you do not reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA stoves Ratings-exempt wood burning stove is an excellent investment. It is more environmentally friendly and also more considerate of neighbors. It will also usually mean that your chimney and flue system is cleaner for a longer period of time since the Defra approved stove will emit significantly less smoke than traditional stoves. Many of the leading stove makers like Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have a variety of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt.