10 Unexpected Defra Exempt Stove Tips

What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove? It is important to take into consideration whether you reside in a region that has smoke control laws when you are choosing a wood stove or multi-fuel. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove. These appliances are also sometimes called SE stoves (SE means Smoke Exempt). These appliances have passed the strict UK government testing requirements for emissions levels and are able to be used in smoke-controlled areas. What is a DEFRA approved stove? A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has passed a smoke emissions test designed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The tests ensure that the stove produces very low levels of smoke when it is used with appropriate fuels such as wood. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra can be fitted in Smoke Control Areas and will usually have the DEFRA approval logo or the term SE (for smoke exempt) added to their names. The majority of cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in one of these areas you'll need an approved DEFRA stove to burn wood or other approved fuels by DEFRA. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra will have had their manufacturers modify them to reduce the amount of air they eat when they burn, which can result in black smoke. Defra approved stoves will also have secondary and tertiary combustion systems that help to convert any non-burned matter from the fire into gas which is then blown away out of the chimney. This keeps your flue and stove cleaner for longer, and reduce the overall emissions. When purchasing a new stove for your home there are many factors to consider and it's easy to be overwhelmed by the volume of information available. You might hear terms such as DEFRA and smoke-controlled zones mentioned and if you are looking for a new stove, this can be very confusing. If you are buying a new stove to fit in your home, it is crucial to choose one that is a DEFRA approved model, as the majority of large cities and towns will be Smoke Control Areas and if you fit a non-approved stove then you could face a hefty fine. Grate Expectations stocks a large selection of stoves that are DEFRA-approved. This means that you can shop with confidence and be assured that you're getting a top wood burning stove or multifuel stove. Can I put a non-DEFRA Approved Stove in a Smoke Controlled Area? When shopping for a new wood burning stove, you will come across some terminology that can be confusing. One of the terms you might hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, they simply indicate that the stove been through a test that is in accordance with the UK governments smoke control laws. The major benefit of buying a DEFRA exempt stove is that you will be able to use it in a smoke controlled zone without fear of being fined. The stove is designed to create less smoke. This is accomplished by shutting off a portion of air during combustion process, which deprives the fuel of oxygen. To be DEFRA approved, a stove has to pass a series of tests that are laid out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Defra-exempt stoves are usually marked with SE which means Smoke Exempt. It is a good idea, even if you do not live in a smoke-free area, to buy 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 more energy output from your appliance, and it will be less likely to emit part-burned combustibles to the air. Some people still choose to install an non DEFRA approved stove in their home due to its appearance or because they do not live in a smoke-free area. It is crucial to remember that should you live in a smoke-controlled area and you install a non DEFRA approved stove, you could be subject to the possibility of a fine from your local authority. To avoid this possibility, it's recommended to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove. Can I burn fuels that aren't DEFRA approved in a DEFRA approved stove? A DEFRA approved wood burning stove, also known as a DEFRA exemption wood burning stove or smoke-free multi fuel, is a stove which can be used legally within UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a stringent test conducted by the UK government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that ensures it produces very low levels of emissions during combustion. It can burn a range of fuels without producing smoke, which makes it an ideal choice for homeowners in urban areas. A DEFRA approved wood burner or multi-fuel stove will typically include the Defra Approved logo on it or will be described as a DEFRA exempt stove. They might have an SE added after the stove's name to indicate it can be used in smoke-controlled areas. The logo is widely used in the market and is easily identifiable. If you are unsure whether or not your stove is DEFRA approved, you can call the manufacturer to inquire or check the specifications on the website. It is important to note that even if your stove is marked with the DEFRA logo or is described as being a DEFRA stove, you could still be prosecuted for generating excessive smoke if not using it correctly in a Smoke Control Area. Using your DEFRA approved stove correctly is easy and involves making sure you have plenty seasoned dry wood and that it is properly lit before starting to burn it. It is crucial to keep the stove clean and keep a water tank nearby the stove in the event of any emergencies or problems. A DEFRA stove will provide you with a more efficient burning experience and has an environment-friendly option than traditional open fires or even electric or gas stoves, as they generate less smoke, which is better for the environment as well as your neighbours. DEFRA stoves usually come with a second combustion stage which reduces the amount of smoke released into the air. What is the difference between a DEFRA Approved Stove and a Non-DEFRA Approved Stove? When talking about wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are many terms that are commonly used. Some of these terms are very confusing for novice buyers as they may not be familiar with them. You may have heard of the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. Although this might seem like a lot of jargon it actually has a simple meaning. A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and approved to be used in a smoke control area. The DEFRA approval is given by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs which is also called Defra. The DEFRA approval allows the stove to be used with approved fuels such as anthracite and certain manufactured smokeless fuels. DEFRA approved stoves is able to be used without producing excessive quantities of black fume in areas of smoke control. Stoves that are Defra-approved are usually branded with a Defra approved logo or SE (smoke exemption) after their names. To be DEFRA approved, it must satisfy certain requirements, including emissions testing. This test is conducted to ensure that the stove doesn't emit excessive amounts of smoke while burning approved fuels. There are also some additional tests that the stove must pass in order to be eligible for DEFRA approval. These include making sure that the stove has secondary and tertiary combustion technology. This helps the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke. Many manufacturers offer stoves that are DEFRA approved. These stoves will often have the Defra approved logo or be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalogue. These stoves will be labeled as having Clean Burn Technology, which helps to reduce the amount of smoke produced by burning approved fuels. It is a great idea to have a DEFRA-approved cooktop in smoke-controlled areas. This will not only help to prevent any fines that might be handed out to the owner, but it will also mean that the stove is more efficient and produces an even, cleaner burning. This is not just better for the environment, but it's also better for the chimney as well as the flue system of the stove.