What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
It is important to consider whether you reside in an area with 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 stands for Smoke Exempt). They have passed the UK government's strict testing criteria for emissions levels and can be used in smoke controlled areas.
What is a DEFRA approved stove?
A DEFRA-approved stove is a wood-burning or multifuel stove that has passed a smoke emission test designed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The tests ensure the stove emits very low levels when it is using the right fuels such as wood. Stoves that have been approved by Defra can be used in Smoke Control Areas. They will typically have the DEFRA logo or the term SE (for smoke-free) added to their names.
Many cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas and so if you live in one of these areas, you will require a DEFRA approved Stove for when you plan to burn wood or other DEFRA approved fuels. Stoves that are Defra approved will be modified by the manufacturer to limit how much they starve of air during the combustion process that can cause black smoke.
Stoves that are Defra-approved come with secondary and tertiary systems that aid to burn unburned material in the fire, which is then blown away from the chimney. This will keep your stove and flue cleaner for longer, and reduce the overall emissions.
There are a lot of things to think about when buying an appliance. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the details available. There are a lot of terms such as DEFRA and smoke controlled zones mentioned and if you are in the market for a new stove then this could be a bit confusing.
It is essential to select a DEFRA-approved model when buying a new stove. A majority of cities and towns are Smoke Control Areas, and if your stove isn't approved, you could face fines of lots. Fortunately, the majority of the stoves that we have on offer at Grate Expectations are all DEFRA approved, so you can shop with confidence knowing you're getting the highest quality woodburning stove or multifuel stove for your home.
Can I use an oven that isn't DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled area?
When recommended DEFRA stoves are looking for a new wood stove, you will come across some terminology that may be confusing. You might hear the words DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. These simply means that the stove was able to pass a smoke test and is in compliance with UK government regulations.
The primary benefit of purchasing an exempt DEFRA stove is the possibility of using it in smoke-free areas without worrying about being fined. This is because the stove has been designed to limit the amount of smoke it produces. This is accomplished by shutting off the airflow during the combustion process which thereby depriving the fuel of oxygen and stopping excessive amounts of smoke from escaping.
To become DEFRA approved, a stove must be able to pass a series of tests that are laid out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Stoves that are DEFRA-exempt are typically marked with SE which stands for Smoke Exempt.
It is a good idea even if you don't live in a smoke-controlled area to purchase a DEFRA-approved stove. This is because a DEFRA approved stove will burn more efficiently than a non-DEFRA certified stove, which means that you will get a better heat output from your appliance and it will be less likely to release part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere.
Some people choose to install a non DEFRA approved stove into their home because they like its appearance or because they don't live in a smoke-controlled area. It is important to remember that when you live in a smoke-controlled area and you install an non DEFRA approved stove, you could be facing the possibility of a fine from your local authority. It is therefore recommended to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove to avoid this risk.
Can I use fuels that aren't DEFRA approved in a DEFRA approved stove?
A DEFRA approved stove that is also referred to as a DEFRA exempt wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove that is smoke-free is a stove that is legal in UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This assures it produces low levels of emission during combustion. It is able to burn a variety 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 identified 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 is able to be used within smoke controlled areas. The logo is widely used by the industry and is easily identifiable.
If you are unsure whether or not your stove is DEFRA approved you can contact the manufacturer and ask them or look up the specifications on the website. Even the DEFRA stove is branded with the logo or referred to as such, you could still be prosecuted if you don't use it properly in an area where smoke control is in place.
It is easy to use your DEFRA-approved stove. It is enough to ensure that you have a lot of dry, seasoned wood and that the stove is well lit before you start burning it. It is essential to keep the stove clean and 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 the surroundings and your neighbors. DEFRA stoves usually have a second combustion phase that reduces the amount of smoke released into the air.
What is the difference between a DEFRA approved stove and a non-DEFRA certified stove?
There are many terms used when discussing wood burning and multi fuel stoves. Some of these terms are quite confusing for new buyers because they aren't familiar with them. You may have heard the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. Although this might seem like a lot of jargon it actually has a straightforward 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 DEFRA approval is issued by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, also called Defra.
The DEFRA approval permits the stove to be used with authorised fuels such as anthracite and 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 labelled with the Defra approved logo or SE (smoke exempt) after their name.
To become DEFRA approved the stove must satisfy certain requirements, such as testing for emissions. The test is done to ensure that the stove doesn't produce excessive amounts smoke when burning approved fuels.
There are additional tests that the stove needs to pass in order to be eligible for DEFRA approval. The stove should also have secondary and tertiary technological features. This helps the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and emit less smoke.
Many manufacturers sell stoves that are DEFRA-approved. They will usually have the Defra approved logo or will be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalog. These stoves will be identified as having Clean Burn Technology, which helps reduce the amount smoke that is produced when burning approved fuels.
It is a great idea to have a DEFRA-approved stove in areas that are smoke-free. This will not only allow you to avoid any fines levied on the owner, but will also improve the efficiency of the stove and provide a cleaner burning. This is beneficial for the surroundings and the chimney of the stove.