The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves are an excellent option for homeowners who live in areas with smoke control. The stoves have been rigorously tested and operate in accordance with strict regulations.

Stoves that have been approved will often be labelled with 'SE' which stands for DEFRA Approved Clean Burning Stoves Smoke Exempt. They can only be used in smoke-controlled areas when burning Defra-approved fuels that include wood or smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempted wood burning stoves or DEFRA approved eco design stoves approved stoves are made to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. These stoves were tested and inspected to ensure that they burn fuel efficiently and produce little or no smoke. They emit very little carbon dioxide and their efficiency in combustion is so high that even part-burnt combustibles like ash and soot are reburned before they escape down your chimney and into the air.

If you reside in a city or large town that is classified as Smoke Control Area then it is essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt and can be used with authorised fuels. It is illegal to release smoke from your chimney if you're not using an exemption appliance or authorised fuels. Exempt Defra stoves are more suitable for your chimney as they burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke. Your chimney and flue will stay cleaner longer.

We have a variety of stoves that are Defra-exempt such as those from Stovax and Arada. We only sell the best quality products, so you can be confident that your new stove will be a safe and DEFRA approved clean burning stoves efficient addition to your home.

It is a popular misconception that you need to buy an exempt stove from Defra when your home is located in a smoke-control area. This isn't the case. You can still put an un-DEFRA stove in your home provided it has an 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with approved brquettes or other fuels that are smokeless.

If you want to be certain that you can legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we recommend you select one of our Defra approved models. These stoves were developed to comply with UK standards for environmental protection. They have been tested and verified as DEFRA exempt. This means they emit a minimal amount of smoke. They are also more energy-efficient than traditional stoves, which means you can heat your property using fewer logs. You can choose from a selection of Defra models in a wide variety of colours and styles.

Clean Burn

Wood-burning stoves and open fires emit smoke that could have a negative effect on the health of those living within your home as well as people living nearby. This is due to the fine particles that make up the smoke are known to cause respiratory problems such as asthma. Modern stoves that are DEFRA-exempt are designed to minimize these harmful effects.

These wood burners have been thoroughly tested and inspected to ensure that they comply with the Department of Environment regulations. They are also designed to use fuel more efficiently, so that they release less pollutants. They also emit a clear vapour, instead of the dark smoke that is typically associated with older open fires and stoves that burn logs.

These modern DEFRA-exempt stoves have secondary and tertiary mechanisms that are responsible for the lower smoke particles. This means that the air inside the combustion chamber is continuously circulated. This makes it more difficult for the smoke particles to escape.

This also means that you are able to only use fuels that are approved for burning on your DEFRA exempt wood stove (such as dry seasoned firewood). The airflow system on these modern stoves also helps keep the combustion chamber clean, so that the buildup of soot is reduced, and gas can easily escape through the flue.

In fact, a new DEFRA approved wood stove with an EcoDesign baffle will generate around 350 times less pollution than a traditional open fire or traditional log burning stove according to Defra. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area and you want to install one of these modern and efficient stoves is essential to protect your health as well as the health of your neighbours.

Alternately, you can set up an DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and use a variety of different fuels including peat, briquettes, and other types of manufactured solid fuels that are available to purchase at the supermarket. However, it is recommended to only use dry 'Ready To Burn' seasoned wood and do not burn treated or painted timber since these can produce more pollutants than untreated wood.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA approved clean Burning stoves exempt wood burning stove is easy to maintain, with a regular clean and maintenance checks making sure it lasts for longer. These stoves are highly efficient and can cut down on fuel consumption by as much as 50 percent. These stoves produce far fewer emissions than other stoves, and are a more eco sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

These kinds of wood stoves are simple to set up and are suitable for most homes, especially if you live in an urban zone. They have passed Defra tests, which means you can legally use them in smoke control zones, without breaking the law or the risk of a large fine.

Defra approved wood stoves are often less expensive to run than other models of stoves, as they have advanced combustion technology which ensures that the fire burns efficiently. This results in less particulates and carbon monoxide being released into the air, which is great news for your health as well as that of your family members.

The DEFRA exempted stoves are certified by other initiatives, like Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means they meet the strictest standards for efficiency and emission. You may see these certifications displayed on the stoves we stock, and they give you confidence that you are buying an environmentally-friendly and safe model.

Stoves Direct offers a large selection of Defra-exempt stoves, including many traditional designs that are perfect for an inglenook or fireplace chamber. We also have modern, sleek options that are perfect for simple mantles or surrounds. If you are thinking about purchasing one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, it's crucial to consider the style you would like to see in your home and how it will blend with the interior decor.

You can only use an exempt stove that is Defra-compliant in a Smoke Control Area. This will help you save money if you're caught with a wood-burning fire. It's also a great alternative for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, because the tree from which the wood is derived from absorbs CO2 as it grows and returns it back to the atmosphere after being burned in a stove.

Ideal for Smoke Control Areas

Many UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so a wood-burning stove that's been DEFRA approved is essential. This means that it has passed the rigorous tests and is safe to use in these areas. These tests ensure that the combustion particulates generated by the stove do not contaminate the air. These toxins cause the dark smoke often seen coming from chimneys in areas of smoke control, and they could have a negative impact on health, as well as creating a nuisance for neighbours.

As a result local councils have passed laws banning the use of open flames and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to manage the issue. But the good part is that you can still put a stove in your home, provided it is DEFRA exempt and you burn approved fuel.

Stoves that are approved for use in a Smoke Control Area will be marked as in the Smoke Control Area and have been tested to make sure that they are in compliance with strict emissions and efficiency standards. The stoves that are exempt from Defra tend to be more eco-friendly than other types of wood burners as they feature advanced secondary and tertiary combustion systems which help reduce their carbon footprint.

The easiest method to determine whether you are in a smoke-free zone is to contact your local council and ask them for more information. You can also check your address online. However, it's best to speak with your local council for further information.

Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood burning stove is a smart purchase because it is more sustainable and friendly to neighbours. A stove that is Defra-approved will also produce less smoke, which keeps your chimney and flue clear for longer. Many of the leading stove makers, such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have a variety of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt.