The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are an excellent option for homeowners who live in smoke control zones. These particular stoves have undergone rigorous testing and are able to operate within the strict guidelines.

Stoves that are approved will be marked with an 'SE' which means Smoke Exempt. They can only be used in smoke-controlled zones when burning Defra-approved fuels, namely wood or manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempt wood burning stoves or Defra approved stoves are constructed to abide by the Department of Environment's (DEFRA) regulations. These stoves have been tested and examined to ensure that they use fuel more efficiently and generate little or no smoke. They emit low levels of carbon dioxide and their efficiency in combustion allows them to re-burn partially burned combustibles such as soot and ash before they escape down your chimney.

If you live in a city or large town that is classified as Smoke Control Area then it's crucial that your stove is DEFRA exempt and is able to be used with fuels that are authorised. Smoke emanating from your chimney is unlawful if you do not have an appliance exempt from the law, or fuels that are approved. Exempt stoves that are Defra-compliant are more suitable for chimneys, since they burn fuel efficiently and produce less smoke meaning your chimney and flue stay cleaner for longer.

We have a range of stoves exempt from Defra that include those from Stovax and Arada. We only sell the best quality products and you can be sure that your new stove will be safe and a reliable addition to your home.

It is a popular misconception that you have to purchase an exempt stove from Defra even if your house is located within a smoke-control area. It's not the case. You can still fit a non-DEFRA stove to your home provided it is fitted with a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and that you only use it with authorized briquettes or other smokeless fuels.

If you want to be certain that you can legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we recommend that you select one of our Defra approved models. The stoves we offer were designed to meet UK environmental standards. They have been tested and certified as DEFRA exempt. This means they emit very little smoke. These stoves are also more efficient than older-style models, meaning you can heat your home with fewer wood logs. Our range of Defra stoves comes in a variety of colours and styles, so you're sure to find the ideal model for your home.

Clean Burn

Wood-burning stoves and open flames emit smoke that could cause harm to the health of people in your home and those living close by. Fine particles in the smoke can trigger respiratory problems, such as asthma. Modern stoves that are exempt from DEFRA are designed to minimize these harmful effects.

These wood burners were thoroughly tested and scrutinized to ensure that they meet Department of Environment regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more efficiently which means less pollutants. These stoves also emit clear vapour instead of the dark smoke associated with older open fires and log burning stoves.

These modern DEFRA-exempt stoves have secondary and tertiary systems that are responsible for the smoke particles that are lower. This means that the air within the combustion chamber is constantly being circulated, which makes it much more difficult for the particles to escape into the chimney.

This also means you are able to only use fuels that are authorised in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such seasoned dry firewood). Modern stoves come with an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clean, reducing the amount of soot and allowing gas to flow easily out of the flue.

According to DEFRA permitted stoves, a brand new wood stove that is DEFRA-approved and has an EcoDesign baffle produces around 350 times less pollution than traditional stoves that burn wood or open fire. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, then installing one of these efficient and modern stoves is vital to protect your health as well as the health of your neighbors.

You can also install an DEFRA Approved Multi-Fuel Stove and use a variety different fuels such as peat, briquettes, and other solid fuels manufactured by companies that are sold in supermarkets. However, it is advised to only use dry 'Ready to Burn' seasoned wood and never burn painted or treated timber since these can produce more pollutants than untreated timber.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt wood burning stove is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks assist in extending the lifespan of your stove. These stoves are highly efficient and can cut down on fuel consumption by as much as 50%. The emissions produced by these stoves are also far lower than other types of stoves. They also offer a greener alternative to fossil fuels.

These types of wood stoves are very easy to install and are suitable for most homes particularly if you live in an urban zone. They have passed Defra testing, which means that you can legally use them in smoke control zones without breaking the law and risking a hefty fine.

Defra-approved wood stoves can also be more affordable to operate than other stove models, because of their advanced combustion technology, which ensures that the fire burns efficiently. This means less carbon monoxide, particulates and other pollutants are released into the air. This is good for your health and that of your family.

The DEFRA exempted stoves can also be certified by other initiatives, including Clearskies and Ecodesign. This means that they comply with strict standards for efficiency and emission. These certifications are displayed on the stoves we sell and will give you peace of mind knowing you're buying a product that is safe and eco sustainable.

There's a broad selection of Defra exempt stoves here at Stoves Direct, including many traditional styles that are perfect for an inglenook fireplace or a fireplace chamber. We also have modern stylish options that look stunning with a simple fireplace surround or mantle. If you're considering purchasing one of our Defra-exempt wood burning stoves, you need to think about the style you'd like to have in your home, and how it will blend with the decor.

A Defra exempt stove is the only kind of log burner that you can legally use in a Smoke Control Area, and it will save you from having to pay a fine if are caught with a rogue wood-burning fire. The stove is also a good choice for those who want to lower their carbon footprint. The wood of the tree absorbs CO2 during the process of growing and releases it back into the air when it is burned.

Suitable for Smoke Control Areas

It is essential to have a stove that burns wood that has been approved by DEFRA in UK cities and towns. This means that it has passed stringent tests and is legal to use in these areas. These tests ensure that combustion particulates generated by the stove do not pollute the air. These toxins can cause the dark smoke visible from chimneys within smoke control zones. They can be harmful to the health and cause annoyance to neighbours.

In the wake of this local councils have passed laws banning the use of open fires and non-DEFRA stoves specifications exempt appliances in these areas to manage the problem. But the good news is that you can still install a stove in your home if it's DEFRA approved high-quality stoves exempt and you only burn approved fuel.

Stoves that have been approved for use in Smoke Control Zones will be inspected and marked to ensure that they are in compliance with the strict emission and efficiency requirements. The stoves that are exempt from Defra are more eco-friendly than other types of wood burners as they have advanced secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that help to minimise their carbon footprint.

You can determine if you live in a smoke-free area by contacting your local council. You can also determine by looking at your property's postcode online, however it is recommended to check the official website of your local council for more detailed information as every district in the UK may be different.

Even if you do not live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood-burning stove is a wise choice as it's more sustainable and friendly to neighbours. A Defra-approved stove will also produce less smoke, which keeps your chimney and flue clean for longer. For this reason, most major stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax offer smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and will not be affected by the new law.