What Is Defra Exempt Stove And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?
What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove? It is essential to take into consideration whether you live in an area with smoke control laws when you are choosing a wood stove or multi-fuel. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove. These appliances are often referred to as SE stoves. (SE stands for smoke-free). They have met the rigorous UK government testing criteria for emissions and can be used within smoke-controlled areas. What is an DEFRA approved stove? A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has passed a smoke emissions test designed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The tests guarantee that the stove emits very low levels of smoke when using appropriate fuels like wood. Stoves that have been approved by Defra are permitted to be used in Smoke Control Areas and will usually carry the DEFRA approval logo or have the word SE (for smoke exempt) added to their name. Many cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you live in such an area, you will need an approved DEFRA stove to burn wood and other DEFRA-approved fuels. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will have their manufacturers modify them to limit the amount of air they starve during combustion, which could cause black smoke. Defra approved stoves will also come with secondary and tertiary systems that help to burn any unburned matter from the fire into a gas which is then blown out of the chimney. This helps to keep the flue and stove system clean for longer and also reduces emissions overall which is great news for both you and your neighbours. There are DEFRA compliant stoves list to take into consideration when purchasing an appliance. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the information available. You might hear terms such as DEFRA and smoke-controlled zones. If you are in the market for a new stove then this could be a bit confusing. If you are looking to purchase a new stove for your home, it's crucial to choose the DEFRA approved model as most large 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. Grate Expectations stocks a large variety of stoves that are DEFRA approved. This means that you can shop in confidence and be assured that you're getting a top woodburning stove or multifuel stove. Can I put in an oven that isn't DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled area? You might encounter confusing terminology when shopping for a wood burning stove. You might hear the words DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. These simply mean that the stove passed a smoke-control test and is in compliance with UK government laws. The main advantage of purchasing a DEFRA exempt stove is that you'll be able to use it in a smoke-free area without fear of getting fined. The stove is designed to create less smoke. This is done by closing off the airflow during the combustion process, thereby starving the fuel of oxygen and stopping excessive amounts of smoke from being produced. In order to become DEFRA approved, a stove has to pass a series of tests that are laid out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The stoves that are Defra-exempt are usually identified with SE, which stands for Smoke Exempt. It is a good idea, even if you don't 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 approved stove, which means that you will get a better heating output from your appliance and it will be less likely to emit part-burned combustibles that can be emitted into the air. Some people choose to install an non DEFRA approved stove in their home because they like its design or do not live in a smoke-free area. It is important to keep in mind that if you reside in a smoking-free zone and you install the non DEFRA approved stove, you could be subject to an imposed fine from your local authority. It is therefore always best to buy a DEFRA exempt stove to be safe from this risk. Can I burn non-DEFRA approved Fuels in a DEFRA approved Stove? A DEFRA approved wood burning stove, also known a DEFRA exemption wood burning stove or smoke-free multi fuel, is a stove which can be used legally within UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that ensures it produces very low levels of emissions during combustion. This means it's able to burn a wide range of different types of fuels without generating unpleasant smoke, making it an ideal option for homeowners living 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, indicating that it can be used within smoke controlled areas. The logo is widely used in the market and is easily identifiable. If you are unsure whether your stove is DEFRA approved, you can call the manufacturer to inquire or look up the specifications on the website. It is important to note that even if your stove is marked with the DEFRA logo or is listed as a DEFRA stove, it is still possible to be prosecuted for producing nuisance smoke if you are not using it correctly in the Smoke Control Area. It is easy to use your DEFRA-approved stove. It is enough to make sure that you have a lot of dry well-seasoned wood and that the stove is well lit prior to you begin burning it. It is also very important to clean the stove regularly and keep a water tank in the vicinity in the event of emergencies or issues with the stove. A DEFRA stove is more efficient and produces less smoke than traditional open fires, gas or electric stoves. This is better for your environment and for your neighbors. DEFRA stoves will usually also include a second stage of combustion that further reduces the amount of pollution that is released into the air. What is the difference between the DEFRA approved stove and a non-DEFRA certified stove? There are a number of terms that are used when discussing wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. These terms can be confusing for new buyers who might not understand what they refer to. One of these terms that you may have come across is a DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stove. While this may seem like a lot of jargon, it actually has a very simple meaning. A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and approved for use in a smoke control area. The DEFRA approval is given by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs which is also known as Defra. The DEFRA approval permits the stove to be used with approved fuels, like anthracite and certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be used in a smoke-control area without producing excessive amounts of black 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 satisfy certain criteria, including emissions testing. This test is performed to ensure that the stove will not emit excessive amounts of smoke when burning authorised fuels. There are also some additional tests that the stove has to pass in order to receive DEFRA approval. These include ensuring that the stove is equipped with secondary and tertiary combustion technologies. This helps the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and with less smoke. Many manufacturers sell stoves that are approved by DEFRA. These stoves usually bear the Defra approved logo or will 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 having a DEFRA approved stove is not a legal requirement in smoke-free areas, there are a number of reasons why it is recommended to get one. This will not only help to avoid any fines that might be levied against the owner, but it will also make the stove more efficient and produces a much cleaner burn. This is not just better for the environment, but it's also better for the chimney and the flue system of the stove.