What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
When choosing a wood burner or multi-fuel stove it is important to consider whether you reside in a smoke control zone. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
These appliances are often referred to as SE stoves (SE stands for Smoke Exempt). They have passed the UK government's strict testing requirements for emissions levels and can be used in smoke controlled areas.
What is an 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 guarantee that the stove emits very low levels when using appropriate fuels such as wood. Stoves that are approved by Defra are permitted to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. They will typically have the DEFRA logo or the word SE (for smoke-exempt) added to their names.
Many cities and towns will be classified as Smoke Control Areas and so if you reside 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 have been approved by Defra will have had their manufacturers modify them to reduce the amount of air they eat during combustion, which can result in black smoke.
Defra-approved stoves also feature secondary and tertiary systems that aid to burn unburned material in the fire, which is then blown out of the chimney. This helps keep your stove and flue clean 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 sheer amount of information on offer. You may hear terms like DEFRA or smoke controlled zones, which could be confusing if you're searching for a new stove.
If you are purchasing an entirely new stove for your home, it is crucial to choose the DEFRA approved model as most cities and towns are Smoke Control Areas and if you fit a non-approved stove then you could be liable for a substantial fine. Grate Expectations stocks a large variety of stoves that are DEFRA-approved. This means that you can shop in confidence, knowing that you're getting the top wood-burning stove or multifuel stove.
Can I install a non-DEFRA Approved Stove in a Smoke Controlled Area?
You may come across some unclear terms when looking for a wood stove. One of the terms you might hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, they simply indicate that the stove has been tested and is in compliance with the UK government's smoke control laws.
The main advantage of purchasing a DEFRA exempt stove is that you will be able to use it in a smoke controlled area without fear of being fined. This is because the stove has been constructed to limit the amount of smoke it produces. This is accomplished by shutting off air during combustion, which starves the fuel of oxygen.
To become DEFRA approved the stove must be able to pass a series of tests established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Typically a Defra exempt stove is marked with the word SE which means Smoke Exempt.
The primary reason to purchase a DEFRA approved stove is to use it in a smoke-control zone, it's an excellent idea to buy one even if you do not reside in a smoke-free area. A DEFRA-approved stove burns more efficiently than one that isn't DEFRA-approved. This means you will have more heat output and less part-burned combustibles in the air.
Some people still choose to install a non DEFRA approved stove in their home due to its look or because they don't live in a smoke-controlled area. It is crucial to remember that if you reside in a smoking-free zone and you install an non DEFRA approved stove, you could be facing a fine from your local authority. To avoid this risk, it's recommended to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove.
Can I burn non-DEFRA-approved fuels in a DEFRA approved Stove?
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove, also known a DEFRA exemption wood burning stove, also known as a smoke-free multi fuel is a stove that is legal to use within UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a strict test conducted by the UK government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that guarantees low levels of emissions when it is burning. This means it's capable of burning a wide variety of fuel without producing polluting smoke, and is therefore a good option for homeowners who live in urban areas.
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Defra regulations stoves approved wood burner or multi-fuel stove will typically have the Defra Approved logo on it or be referred to as a DEFRA exempt stove. They might include an SE after the stove name to indicate that it can be used in smoke-free areas. The logo is widely used in the industry and is easily recognized.
If you aren't sure whether or not your stove is DEFRA approved, you can contact the manufacturer and ask them or look up the specifications on the website. It is important to keep in mind that even if your stove has the DEFRA logo or is described as a DEFRA stove, you could still be prosecuted for generating unintentional smoke if you're not using it correctly in an area that has a Smoke Control Area.
It is simple to use your DEFRA-approved stove. It is enough to make sure that you have a lot of dry clean, seasoned wood, and that the stove is lit before you start burning it. It is important to keep the stove clean and to have a water tank near the stove in case of any emergencies or problems.
A DEFRA stove is more efficient and produces less smoke than traditional open fires, gas or electric stoves. This is better for the environment and for the neighbors. DEFRA stoves typically include a second phase of combustion which reduces the amount of smoke released into the air.
What is the difference between the DEFRA Approved Stove and a Non-DEFRA Approved Stove?
There are many terms used when discussing wood burning and multi fuel stoves. These terms can be confusing to new buyers who may not understand what they refer to. You may have heard the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. While this may seem like a lot of jargon, it actually has a very simple meaning.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has been inspected, and is approved for use in smoke control areas. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs or Defra gives the
DEFRA stoves advantages approval.
The DEFRA approval permits the stove to be used with authorized fuels, such as anthracite and certain manufactured smokeless fuels. The stove is able to be used without producing excessive amounts of black fumes in smoke control areas. Defra approved stoves will often be identified with the
DEFRA requirements stoves approved logo or have SE (smoke exempt) in their name.
To be DEFRA approved, it must satisfy certain requirements, such as emissions testing. The test is conducted to ensure that the stove doesn't produce excessive amounts of smoke when burning approved fuels.
The stove must also pass additional tests to obtain DEFRA approval. This includes ensuring that the stove has secondary and tertiary combustion technologies. This allows the stove to burn fuel with less smoke and
Defra regulations stoves better efficiency.
There are many manufacturers that offer stoves that are approved by DEFRA. These stoves are often identified with the Defra logo or listed as a DEFRA-approved stove on their website or catalog. They will be identified as having Clean Burn Technology, which reduces the amount of smoke produced by burning approved fuels.
While having a DEFRA approved stove isn't required in smoke-free areas there are a myriad of reasons why it's an excellent idea to do so. Not only will this help to prevent any fines handed out to the owner, but it will also make the stove more efficient and produces a much cleaner burn. This is not only better for the environment, but it is also beneficial for the chimney as well as the flue system of the stove.