What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
When selecting a wood burner or multi-fuel stove, it is essential to consider whether you reside in a smoke control zone. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
They are also known as SE stoves. (SE means smoke exempt). They have met the strict UK government testing criteria 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 an emissions test for smoke created by the UK Government’s Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The tests guarantee that the stove emits very low levels of smoke when using appropriate fuels like wood. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra are permitted to be used in Smoke Control Areas and will usually carry the DEFRA approval logo or the word SE (for smoke exempt) added to their name.
The majority of cities and towns will be classified as Smoke Control Areas and so if you live in one of these areas, then you’ll require a DEFRA Approved Stove in order to burn wood or other DEFRA approved fuels. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will have their manufacturers modify them to reduce the amount of air they eat during combustion, which could cause black smoke.
Defra approved stoves also have secondary and tertiary combustion systems in place which helps to burn any unburned matter from the fire into a gas which is then blown away out of the chimney. This helps keep the flue and stove system cleaner for longer and also reduces overall emissions which is great news for you and your neighbours.
When purchasing a new stove for your home, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available. You may hear terms such as DEFRA or smoke-controlled zones, which can be confusing when looking for a new appliance.
If you are purchasing a new stove to fit in your home, it is very important that you choose a DEFRA approved model since the majority of 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 in confidence and be assured that you’re getting the top wood burning stove or multifuel stove.
Can I put in an oven that isn’t DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled area?
You might encounter confusing terms when you are looking for a wood-burning NRG 4.5KW Eco Design Stove Portable Fireplace. One of the terms you might hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, which simply indicate that the stove been through a test that is in accordance with the UK governments smoke control laws.
The main advantage of purchasing a DEFRA exempt stove is that you’ll be permitted to use it in a smoke controlled zone without fear of being fined. The stove is designed to produce less smoke. This is accomplished by closing off some air during the combustion process, which deprives the fuel of oxygen.
To become DEFRA approved the stove must be able to pass the tests established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Typically, a Defra exempt stove will be marked with the word SE which stands for Smoke Exempt.
The primary reason to purchase the DEFRA approved stove is to enable you to use it in a smoke-control area, it is also recommended to purchase one even if you do not live in a smoke controlled area. A DEFRA-approved stove will burn more efficiently than one that is not DEFRA-approved. This means you will receive more heat output and less part-burned combustibles in the air.
There are people who choose to fit a non-DEFRA approved stove in their home simply because they like the look of it or because they do not reside in a smoke-free area. It is important to remember that if you reside in a smoke-free area and you install an non DEFRA approved stove, you could be subject to an imposed fine from your local authority. It is therefore advisable to buy a DEFRA exempt stove to be safe from this risk.
Can I use fuels that aren’t DEFRA approved in a DEFRA approved stove?
A DEFRA approved stove is also known as a DEFRA exempt wood burning stove or a smoke-free multi fuel stove, is one that is legal to use in UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a stringent test developed 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 able to burn a wide variety of fuel without producing polluting smoke, and is therefore an excellent option for homeowners who live in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove or wood burner is usually marked with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes an SE will be added to the stove’s title, which indicates that it can be used in smoke-controlled areas. This logo is widely used in the industry and is easily recognized.
If you aren’t sure whether your stove is DEFRA approved you can contact the manufacturer and ask or look up the specifications on the website. Even even if your DEFRA stove is marked 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 enforced.
Making use of your DEFRA approved stove correctly is very simple and involves making sure you have plenty dry, seasoned wood and that it is well lit before you start to burn it. It is also crucial to keep the stove clean and to keep a water tank nearby in the event of emergencies or issues with the stove.
A DEFRA stove provides you with a more Efficient 5KW Portable Eco Stove MultiFuel Cast Iron combustion and provides less carbon footprint than traditional open fires, or even gas or electric powered stoves since they produce less smoke, which is better for the environment as well as your neighbours. DEFRA stoves will usually also include a second stage of combustion, which reduces the amount of pollution that is released into the air.
What is the difference between a DEFRA approved stove and a non-DEFRA certified stove?
There are a number of terms that are used when discussing wood burning and multi fuel stoves. These terms can be confusing to novice buyers who might not understand what they refer to. One of these terms that you may have come across is a DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stove. While it may appear like an excessive amount of jargon, it actually has a straightforward 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 is the entity that grants DEFRA approval.
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 usually be identified with the Defra approved logo or have SE (smoke exempt) in their name.
To be DEFRA approved, it must meet certain criteria, including emissions testing. The test is done to ensure that the stove doesn’t produce excessive amounts smoke when burning approved fuels.
There are a few additional tests that the stove must undergo in order to receive DEFRA approval. These include making sure that the stove has secondary and tertiary combustion technologies. This helps the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and with less smoke.
Many manufacturers offer stoves which are approved by DEFRA. These stoves will often have the Defra approved logo or will be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalog. These stoves will be labeled as having Clean Burn Technology, which helps to reduce the amount of smoke produced by burning approved fuels.
While owning an DEFRA approved stove is not a legal requirement in smoke controlled areas, there are a number of reasons why it’s an excellent idea to have one. This will not only help to avoid any fines that are imposed on the owner but will also increase the efficiency of the stove and provide a cleaner burning. This is not only better for the environment, but it is also beneficial for the chimney and the flue system of the stove.