The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves can be a fantastic option for homeowners living in areas of smoke control. These particular log burners have been through rigorous testing and are operating within strict regulations.

Stoves that have been approved will bear the letter 'SE', which stands for Smoke Exempt. They can be used in smoke controlled areas but only when burning approved fuels by the Defra which include wood and manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempt wood burning stoves, or DEFRA endorsed stoves approved stoves are constructed to comply with the Department of Environment's (DEFRA) regulations. The stoves were tested and inspected in order to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce very little or no smoke. They have low emissions levels and their combustion efficiency is so high that part-burnt combustibles like ash and soot are reburned before they can escape up your chimney and into the atmosphere.

If you live in an area classified as Smoke-Control Area, it is important that your stove is DEFRA exempt. It must also allow you to use authorised fuels. Smoke emanating from your chimney is unlawful if you do not have an appliance exempt from the law, or fuels that have been approved. DEFRA recommended stoves exempt stoves are also more suitable for chimneys, since they burn fuel efficiently and produce less smoke, which means your chimney and flue remain cleaner for longer.

We have a great selection of Defra exempt stoves made by the top manufacturers around the world including Stovax and Arada. We only sell top quality products, so you can be certain that your new stove is an appropriate addition to your home.

It is a common misconception that you must buy an exemption from Defra-compliant stove even if your house is located in a smoke-control zone. It's not the case. You can still install a non-DEFRA stove into your home if it has an 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with authorized briquettes or other smokeless fuels.

If you want to be sure that you can legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we recommend that you choose one of our Defra approved models. The stoves we offer were designed to comply with UK standards for environmental sustainability. They have been tested and certified as DEFRA exempt. This means they emit very little smoke. They are also more efficient than older models, which means you can heat your home using less wood logs. You can choose from a range of Defra models in a wide range of styles and colours.

Clean Burn

Wood-burning stoves and open fires produce smoke which can affect the health of people at home and people living nearby. This is due to the fine particles in this smoke can cause respiratory problems such as asthma. Luckily modern DEFRA exempt stoves are designed to drastically reduce these negative effects.

The wood burners have been thoroughly tested and examined to ensure that they comply with the Department of Environment regulations. They also have been designed to burn fuel more efficiently, meaning that they emit less pollution. They also emit a clear vapour, instead of the dark smoke associated with older open fires and log burning stoves.

The reason that the smoke particles in these modern DEFRA exempt stoves are lower is due to them being constructed with secondary and tertiary airflow systems. This means that the air inside the combustion chamber is constantly circulated. This makes it much harder for the particles to escape.

This also means that you can only use fuels that are approved for burning on your DEFRA exempt wood stove (such as dry seasoned firewood). The airflow system of these modern stoves also keeps the combustion chamber spotless so that the build-up of soot is minimized and gas can easily escape from the flue.

According to Defra the new wood stove that is DEFRA-approved and has an EcoDesign baffle can produce 350 times less pollution than traditional stoves that burn wood or open fire. Installing one of these efficient, modern stoves in a Smoke Control Area is essential to safeguard both your health and the health of your neighbors.

Alternately, you can set up a DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and make use of a variety of fuels, including briquettes, peat, and other types of manufactured solid fuels that are available for purchase in supermarkets. It is recommended DEFRA stoves to only burn ready to burn" dry wood that is seasoned. Do not burn painted or treated wood because they create more pollution than timber that is untreated.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt wood burning stove can be easily maintained. Regular maintenance and cleaning checks will help to extend its lifespan. These types of stoves also are very efficient, providing savings on your heating bill and reducing the amount of fuel you use by up to 50 percent. These stoves produce far fewer emissions than other stoves, and are a more eco green alternative to fossil fuels.

These wood stoves can be easily installed and are suitable for a variety of homes, especially in urban areas. These wood stoves have passed DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves tests and are able to use them legally in smoke control zones without violating the law or risking the hefty penalty.

Defra approved wood stoves are also often more affordable than other models of stoves due to their advanced combustion technology that makes sure that the fire burns efficiently. This means that less carbon monoxide and particulates are released into the atmosphere. This is good for your health and your family's.

Additionally, the DEFRA exempt stoves have been inspected by a variety of initiatives like the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign which means that they meet stringent emission and efficiency standards. You may see these certifications advertised on the stoves that we sell, and provide you with assurance that you are purchasing a safe and environmentally responsible model.

You can find a wide selection of Defra exempt stoves at Stoves Direct, including many traditional styles that are perfect for an inglenook fireplace, or a fireplace chamber. We also offer modern, sleek options that are perfect for simple mantles or surrounds. If you're considering purchasing one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, you need to think about the style you want in your home, and how it'll fit with the interior decor.

A Defra exempt stove is the only type of stove that can legally use in a Smoke Control Area, and it will help you avoid paying a fine in the event that you are caught with an illegal wood-burning fire. It is also an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint as the tree that is used to make the wood absorbs CO2 as it grows, and returns it back to the atmosphere when it is burned in the stove.

Perfect for Smoke Control Areas

It is important to have a stove that burns wood that has been DEFRA-approved in UK cities and towns. This means that the stove has passed rigorous tests and is able to be legally used in these areas. These tests ensure that particulates of combustion produced by the stove do not contaminate the air. These toxins are the reason for the dark smoke that is frequently seen from chimneys in areas of smoke control and can have a negative impact on health as well as being a nuisance to neighbours.

As a result, local councils have introduced laws that prohibit the use of open fires and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to tackle the issue. But the good news is that you are able to still put an appliance in your home if it's DEFRA exempt and you burn fuel that is approved for burning.

Stoves that have been approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas will be marked and tested to ensure they meet or surpass the strict emission and efficiency requirements. Defra exempt stoves also are more eco-friendly than other types of wood burners as they are equipped with advanced secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce their carbon footprint.

The easiest method to determine if you live in a smoke-free zone is to contact your local council and ask for more information. You can also check the address of your home online. However, it's best to consult your local council for more details.

Even if you're not in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood burning stove is a smart purchase because it is more sustainable and friendly to neighbours. It will also usually mean that your chimney and flue system stays cleaner for longer too, as a Defra approved stove produces significantly less smoke than traditional stoves. Because of this, many leading stove manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have a range of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and won't be affected by the new regulations.