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What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
When choosing a wood burner or multi-fuel stove it is essential to consider whether you live in a smoke control area. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
These appliances are also sometimes called SE stoves (SE is for Smoke Exempt). They have passed the UK government’s strict testing requirements for emissions levels and can be used in smoke-free areas.
What is an DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has passed the smoke emissions test developed by the UK Government’s Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The tests guarantee that the stove emits low levels of smoke when used with appropriate fuels such as wood. Eco-friendly stoves approved by Defra may be installed in Smoke Control Areas. They will typically bear the DEFRA logo or the word SE (for smoke-free) added to their names.
The majority of cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area you’ll require an approved DEFRA stove to burn wood and other approved DEFRA fuels. Stoves that are Defra approved will have been modified by their manufacturer to limit the amount they starve air during the combustion process which can result in black smoke.
The stoves that are Defra-approved also have secondary and tertiary systems that aid to eliminate any material that has not been burned from the fire that is then blown away from the chimney. This will keep your stove and flue cleaner for longer, and reduce overall emissions.
There are a lot of aspects to take into consideration when purchasing a stove. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of information available. You may hear terms like DEFRA or smoke controlled zones. This can be confusing if you’re seeking a new appliance.
If you are looking to purchase a new stove to fit in your home then it is very important that you choose one that is a DEFRA approved model as most large towns and cities are Smoke Control Areas and if you install a stove that isn’t approved, you could be liable for a substantial fine. Fortunately, the majority of the stoves we sell at Grate Expectations are all DEFRA approved, so you can shop with confidence knowing that you’re getting the highest quality woodburning or multifuel stove to fit in your home.
Can I put in a stove that is not DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled space?
You may come across some unclear terms when looking for a wood-burning stove. You may hear the terms DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. These simply means that the stove passed a smoke control test and is in compliance with UK government laws.
The primary benefit of purchasing a DEFRA-exempt stove is the possibility of using it in smoke-controlled areas without fearing of being fined. This is due to the fact that the stove is designed to limit the amount of smoke it produces. This is achieved by shutting off the airflow during the combustion process and thus depriving the fuel of oxygen and stopping excessive amounts of smoke from being generated.
To be DEFRA approved, a stove must pass several tests that are set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Typically a Defra exempt stove will be marked with the word SE which means Smoke Exempt.
Although the main purpose of the DEFRA approved stove is to enable you to use it in a smoke control area, it is also a good idea to purchase one even if you don’t live in a smoke controlled area. A DEFRA-approved stove will burn more efficiently than one that is not DEFRA-approved. This means that you will have more heat output and Efficient 5KW Eco Stove – MultiFuel Cast Iron less part-burned combustibles in the air.
Some people opt to install a non DEFRA approved stove in their home due to its look or because they do not live in a smoke-free area. However it is crucial to remember that if you do live in a smoke controlled area and you install a non-DEFRA approved stove then you could face a large fine from your local council. To avoid this risk, it is best to buy 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 smoke-free multi fuel stove, is stoves that can be used legally in UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a rigorous test conducted by the UK government’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) which ensures that it emits low levels of emissions during combustion. This means it is capable of burning a broad variety of fuel without producing unpleasant smoke, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who live in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove or wood burner is typically marked with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes an SE will be added to the stove’s name, indicating that it can be used in smoke-controlled areas. The logo is widely used in the market, and is easily recognisable.
If you aren’t sure whether or not your stove is DEFRA approved you can contact the manufacturer to inquire or look up the specifications on the website. It is important to remember that even if the stove bears the DEFRA logo on it or is described as a DEFRA stove, you could still be prosecuted for producing nuisance smoke if you are not using it properly in an area that has a Smoke Control Area.
Utilizing your DEFRA approved stove correctly is easy and involves making sure that you have plenty of dry and seasoned wood, and that it is properly lit before you begin to burn it. It is also essential to keep the stove clean and keep a water tank in the vicinity in case of any emergencies or issues with the stove.
A DEFRA stove will provide you with a more efficient burn and also offers less carbon footprint than traditional open fires, or even electric or gas stoves since they produce less smoke which is better for the environment and your neighbors. DEFRA stoves usually include a second stage of combustion which further 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 it comes to wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are several terms that are commonly used. Some of these terms can be quite confusing for new buyers because they aren’t 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 tested and is approved for use in smoke control zones. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs or Defra is the entity that grants DEFRA approval.
The DEFRA approval permits the stove to be used with approved fuels such as anthracite and certain manufactured smokeless fuels. The stove is able to be used without producing excessive amounts of black fume in smoke control areas. Stoves that are Defra-approved are usually branded with a Defra-approved logo or SE (smoke exemption) after their names.
In order for a stove to be DEFRA approved it must meet certain requirements, including emissions testing. This test is carried out to ensure that the stove will not emit excessive amounts of smoke when burning approved fuels.
There are additional tests that the stove has to go through to be able to qualify for the DEFRA approval. The stove must also be equipped with secondary and tertiary technological features. This allows the stove to burn fuel with less smoke and greater efficiency.
Many manufacturers offer stoves that are DEFRA approved. They are usually identified with the Defra logo or described as a DEFRA approved stove on their catalog or website. These stoves will be identified as having Clean Burn Technology, which reduces the amount of smoke produced by burning approved fuels.
While owning a DEFRA approved stove isn’t a legal requirement in areas with smoke control there are a myriad of reasons it’s a good idea to get one. This will not only help to avoid any fines levied on the owner, but will also make the stove more Efficient 5KW Eco Stove – MultiFuel Cast Iron and result in a cleaner burn. This is not only good for the environment, but it’s also beneficial for the chimney and the flue system of the stove.