What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
It is important to take into consideration whether you reside in an area that has smoke control laws when choosing a wood stove or multi-fuel. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
They are also called SE stoves (SE means Smoke Exempt). They have passed the UK government’s strict testing requirements for emission levels and are able to be used in smoke controlled areas.
What is a DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA-approved stove is a multifuel or wood-burning 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 emits very low levels of smoke when using fuels that are suitable, such as wood. Stoves approved by Defra can be used in Smoke Control Areas. They will typically have the DEFRA logo or the term SE (for smoke-exempt) added to their names.
Most towns and cities will be classified as Smoke Control Areas and so if you live in one of these areas then you will have to use a DEFRA Approved Stove if you want to burn wood or other DEFRA approved fuels. Stoves that are Defra approved will be modified by their manufacturers to limit the amount they starve of air during the combustion process which can create black smoke.
Stoves that are Defra-approved come with secondary and tertiary systems that help to burn off any unburned material that is left over from the fire that is then blown away through the chimney. This helps keep your stove and flue cleaner for longer and reduce the overall emissions.
When you are looking to purchase a stove for your home, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information on offer. You might hear terms such as DEFRA and smoke-controlled zones, and if you are searching for a new stove this can be quite confusing.
It is important to choose a DEFRA-approved model when buying an appliance. Most large towns and cities are Smoke Control Areas, and if your stove isn’t approved, you could be fined a lot. Grate Expectations stocks a large number of stoves that have been approved by DEFRA. This means you can shop in confidence, knowing that you’re getting the best woodburning stove or multifuel stove.
Can I install an appliance that isn’t DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled area?
There are a few confusing terms when you are looking for a wood-burning stove. One term you may hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, these simply indicate that the stove has been tested and is in compliance with the UK government’s smoke control laws.
The primary benefit of purchasing a DEFRA-exempt stove is possibility of using it in smoke-controlled areas without fearing of being fined. The stove is designed to produce less smoke. This is achieved by shutting off a certain amount of air during the combustion process which thereby depriving the fuel of oxygen and preventing large amounts of smoke from escaping.
To be DEFRA approved, a stove must be able to pass a series of tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Defra-exempt stoves are usually marked with SE, which stands for Smoke Exempt.
It is a good idea, even if you’re not in a smoke-controlled area, to buy a DEFRA-approved stove. This is because a DEFRA approved stove burns more efficiently than a non-DEFRA approved stove, meaning that you will receive a higher heating output from your appliance, and it will be less likely to emit part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere.
Some people choose to install a non DEFRA approved stove into their home due to its appearance or because they aren’t in a smoke-free area. It is important to keep in mind that when you reside in a smoking-free zone and install an non DEFRA approved stove, you could be facing a fine from your local authority. To avoid this risk, it is recommended to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove.
Can I Burn Non-DEFRA Approved Fuels in a DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA approved stove, also known as a DEFRA exempt wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove that is smoke-free is one that can be used legally in UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a strict test conducted by the UK government’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that guarantees low levels of emissions when it is burning. It can burn a range of fuels without releasing smoke, which makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who live in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove or wood burner is usually marked 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 in smoke-controlled areas. This logo is widely used in the industry, and is easily recognisable.
If you are unsure of 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 remember that even if your stove is marked with the DEFRA logo or is listed as a DEFRA stove, you could still be charged with producing excessive smoke if not using it correctly in a Smoke Control Area.
It is easy to use your DEFRA-approved stove. You just need to make sure that you have a lot of dry, seasoned wood and that the stove is lit before you start burning it. It is crucial to keep the stove clean and keep a water tank nearby the stove in case there are any problems or emergencies.
A DEFRA stove provides you with a more Efficient NRG 5KW MultiFuel Cast Iron Stove 8KW Black Cast Iron Eco Wood Stove (previous) burn and also offers less carbon footprint than traditional open fires, or even electric or gas powered stoves as they will produce less smoke which is more beneficial for the environment and your neighbors. DEFRA stoves usually feature a second phase of combustion which further reduces the amount of pollutants that is released into the air.
What is the difference between a DEFRA approved stove and a non-DEFRA certified stove?
When talking about wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves there are many terms that are commonly used. Some of these terms are extremely confusing for buyers who are new because they might not be familiar with the terms. You may have heard of the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. While it may appear like a lot of jargon, it actually has a simple meaning.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has been inspected and is approved for use in smoke control zones. The DEFRA approval is granted 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 or certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be used in a smoke control area without producing excessive amounts of black smoke. The stoves that are Defra-approved tend to be identified with a Defra-approved logo, or SE (smoke exemption) after their names.
To become DEFRA approved, a stove has to meet certain criteria including testing for emissions. The test is conducted to ensure that the stove will not emit excessive amounts of smoke when burning approved fuels.
The stove also has to pass additional tests to qualify for DEFRA approval. These include making sure that the stove has secondary and tertiary combustion technology. This lets the stove burn fuel with less smoke and more efficiency.
Many manufacturers sell stoves that are DEFRA-approved. These stoves are typically marked with the Defra logo or listed as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalog. They are also often labeled as having Clean Burn technology, which again helps to reduce the amount of smoke produced when burning fuels that are approved for combustion.
While owning an DEFRA approved stove isn’t an obligation in smoke controlled areas, there are a number of reasons it’s an excellent idea to do so. This will not only help avoid any fines imposed on the owner, but will also increase the efficiency of the stove and produce a cleaner burn. This is good for the environment and the chimney of the stove.
