What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
When selecting a wood burner or multi-fuel stove it is essential to consider whether you live in a smoke control zone. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
They are also called SE stoves (SE stands for Smoke Exempt). They have passed the UK government's strict testing requirements for emission levels and can be used in smoke-free areas.
What is a DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA-approved stove is a wood-burning or multifuel stove that has passed the smoke emission test developed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The tests guarantee that the stove releases low levels of smoke when it is used with the right fuels, such as wood. Stoves that have been approved by Defra can be fitted 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.
The majority of cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in one of these areas you'll need a DEFRA-approved stove to burn wood and other approved DEFRA fuels. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra will have their manufacturers modify them to limit the amount of air they consume during combustion, which could cause black smoke.
Defra-approved stoves also feature secondary and tertiary systems which help to burn off any unburned material that is left over in the fire, which is then blown away through the chimney. This helps keep the flue and stove system cleaner for longer and reduces emissions in general which is great news for you and your neighbors.
There are numerous things to consider when buying a stove. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the details available. You might hear terms such as DEFRA or smoke controlled zones and this could be confusing if you're seeking a new appliance.
It is important to choose a DEFRA-approved model when buying an appliance. Most large cities and towns are Smoke Control Areas, and if your stove isn't approved you could be fined quite a bit. Thankfully, the vast majority of the stoves that we have on offer at Grate Expectations are all DEFRA approved and so you can shop with confidence knowing that you will receive the highest quality woodburning stove or multifuel stove for your home.
Can I use an appliance that isn't DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled area?
When you are looking for a new wood burning stove you will come across some terms that could be confusing. There are a few terms that you can hear, such as DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. They simply means that the stove was able to pass a smoke test and is in compliance with UK government regulations.
The primary benefit of buying 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 a certain amount of air during the process of combustion which thereby 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 that are set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Typically, a Defra exempt stove is marked with the word SE which stands for Smoke Exempt.
It is a good idea even if you're not in a smoke-free zone to purchase a DEFRA approved stove. This is because a DEFRA approved stove burns more efficiently than a non-DEFRA certified stove, meaning that you will get more heating output from your appliance, and it is less likely to emit part-burned combustibles that can be emitted into the air.
Some people still choose to install an non DEFRA approved stove in their home due to its look or because they aren't in a smoke-free area. It is crucial to remember that if you reside in a smoke-free area and you install a non DEFRA approved stove, you could be subject to the possibility of a fine from your local authority. To avoid this risk, it's best to buy a DEFRA-exempt stove.
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 stringent test conducted by the UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This assures it produces low levels of emissions during combustion. This means that it is able to burn a wide variety of fuel without producing polluting smoke, and is therefore a good choice for homeowners who live in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove or wood burner will often be marked with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes an SE will be added to the stove's title, which indicates that it can be used within smoke controlled areas. The logo is widely used by the industry and is easily identifiable.
If you are unsure whether your stove is DEFRA approved you can contact the manufacturer and ask them or look up the specifications on the website. It is important to keep in mind that even if your stove is marked with the DEFRA logo on it or is listed as a DEFRA stove you can still be charged with producing excessive smoke if not using it properly in an area that has a Smoke Control Area.
Making use of your DEFRA approved stove properly is very simple and involves making sure you have plenty of dry and seasoned wood, and that it is well lit before you start to burn it. It is important to keep the stove clean and to have a water tank close to the stove in case of any issues or emergencies.
A DEFRA stove is more efficient and generates less smoke than traditional open fires, gas or electric stoves. This is better for your environment and for your neighbors. DEFRA stoves usually have a second phase of combustion, which reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the air.
What is the difference between a DEFRA approved stove and a non DEFRA approved stove?
When talking about wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are many terms that are used frequently. These terms can be confusing to new buyers who might not be aware of what they mean. One of these terms that you might have heard is a DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stove. This might sound like a lot terms, but it has a very simple meaning.
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and accepted for use in areas of smoke control. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs or Defra, grants the DEFRA approval.
The DEFRA approval permits the stove to use with approved fuels, like anthracite, or certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be used in a smoke control area without causing excessive amounts of black smoke. Defra approved stoves will often be identified with the Defra approved logo or have SE (smoke exempt) in their name.
For a stove to be DEFRA approved it must meet certain requirements, such as emissions testing. DEFRA guidelines stoves is performed to ensure that the stove will not produce excessive amounts of smoke when burning approved fuels.
The stove also has to pass additional tests in order to be eligible for DEFRA approval. These include making sure that the stove has secondary and tertiary combustion technology. This allows the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and with less smoke.
There are many manufacturers that offer stoves that are DEFRA approved. These stoves usually bear the Defra approved logo or be referred to as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalogue. They are also often labelled as having a Clean Burn technology, which aids in reducing the amount of smoke created when burning authorised fuels.
It is a good thing to have a DEFRA-approved cooktop in areas with smoke control. Not only will this help to avoid any fines that might be handed out to the owner and their property, but it can also ensure that the stove is more efficient and produces an even, cleaner burning. This is beneficial for the environment and the chimney of the stove.