Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you reside in an area that is smoke controlled or smoke-free, then selecting a DEFRA Approved stove or a stove that is smoke exempt is essential. They are not only compliant with the building regulations, but they also allow you to burn wood or multi-fuels within your home.
The stove manufacturers are constantly improving their products, by adding secondary and tertiary components that reduce emissions.
Defra Approved
If you are in a zone of smoke control then you'll need to use a stove that is defra certified. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has passed laws prohibiting the emission of dark smoke in smoke-controlled areas that include the majority of towns and cities. Defra Approved stoves have been rigorously tested and examined to ensure that they conform with the law. They are designed to efficiently burn fuel and produce significantly less pollutants. They are a better choice for your family and friends, as the smoke levels will be reduced to a minimum. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will also have the logo as well as the words defra exempt or SE (smoke exempt) in their titles and specification.
Most of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves we sell are Defra approved. We are always looking to find the best quality products and wish to ensure that our customers get the best from their stove. The stoves that are Defra-approved are more efficient than non-approved models and produce less particulate matter. This will in turn reduce the amount of dark smoke produced. Stoves that are approved by Defra usually have a larger firebox, which can help reduce smoke emissions.
In addition to reducing the amount of smoke produced, Defra approved stoves will also make sure that there is a consistent supply of combustion air throughout the process. This prevents the stove from becoming starved of air, which causes it to smolder or release dark smoke. As they gain popularity, most stove manufacturers are now building Defra Approved Models into their product line.
Defra approved fireplaces are a great option for those living in smoke control zones. They are also an excellent option for anyone who wants to increase the effectiveness, safety and release of toxins into the air. They're also a great choice for people who are considering having their chimneys lined with a stainless steel twin wall liner that is flexible. Because the majority of Defra approved models come with 5" outlet, this allows them to be used with a liner of 125mm, rather than the standard 6" outlet, which could save money on the cost of the liner and installation.
Some people might choose to slumber their stove overnight by shutting the top vent completely and letting it burn slowly, this could lead to the build-up of soot and tar that can block their chimney. A stove that is Defra-approved won't allow you to shut down the top vent completely because this could trigger the fire to cease. It is also less likely that combustibles that have not burned will be released into the air. This is better for the atmosphere and less likely to cause your chimney to become blocked.
Exempt from Defra
When you're looking for a wood burning stove you'll usually come across the term Defra Exempt or DEFRA Approved. This usually refers to a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has been approved to be utilized in a smoke-controlled area.
They usually achieve this status by undergoing rigorous testing and inspection to ensure that they have extremely low emissions. This is accomplished by using secondary combustion, in which the waste products generated by the burning process are re-burned to limit the amount of pollutants released into the air. DEFRA Approved Stoves are the best option for those who live in areas with smoke restrictions and want to know that their stove is legal.
Defra exempt stoves are typically identified with an SE logo or labeled DEFRA Stove. This means that the stove passed a test created by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs to prove that it emits very minimal smoke when it is used in a proper manner. This is the reason Defra stoves are the only wood-burning stove that you are able to legally install in Smoke Controlled areas.
A wood burning stove that is approved by Defra will help keep your chimney and flue clean because they are engineered to provide a cleaner burn of wood than other types. This is due to an advanced combustion system that doesn't hinder airflow into the firebox, and allows for what's known as slumbering, this stops part-burned combustibles from escaping down your chimney.
As well as this, Defra approved wood burning stoves are usually built to be energy efficient. This is accomplished by using the most recent technologies to ensure that the highest amount of heat is derived from the fuel, and transferred to your room. Additionally, you will be able enjoy lower heating costs and more secure, cleaner and more sustainable home.
When choosing a Defra Approved stove, you'll discover that there are many options to choose from in terms of style size, dimensions and the type of fuel. Some are Defra Approved for burning wood and some will be Defra Approved to burn authorised smokeless coal too. There are both traditional and modern style Defra approved stoves to pick from so you can be certain to find the ideal choice to complement your interior.
We've put together a comprehensive guide on how to purchase a DEFRA-approved stove. It covers everything you need know about this kind of appliance including how to get the most value for your money when purchasing one, what to look out for when looking for stoves, and much more. You can read the guide in its entirety here. fireplacesandstove.com have a fantastic selection of Defra Approved Stoves from some leading UK manufacturers. Brands like Stovax and Burley are also included. If you are seeking a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove which is both Defra approved and CE certified, then take to look at the options.