The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a great option for homeowners who live in smoke control zones. These log burners have been rigorously tested and operate in accordance with strict regulations.

Stoves that have been approved can often be branded with "SE" which means Smoke Exempt. They are only permitted to 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 made to abide by the Department of Environment's (DEFRA) regulations. These stoves were inspected and tested to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce little or no smoke. They emit very little carbon dioxide and their efficiency in combustion is so high that partially burned combustion products like soot and ash are reburned prior to allowing them to escape down your chimney and out into the atmosphere.

If you live in an area classified as Smoke-Control Area, it is important that your stove be DEFRA exempt. It must also allow you to use fuels that are authorised. Smoke from your chimney is a crime if you do not use an appliance exempt from the law, or fuels that have been approved. Exempt stoves that are Defra-compliant are better for your chimney, because they burn fuel more cleanly and produce less smoke, so your flue and chimney stay cleaner for longer.

We have a variety of Defra-exempt stoves that include those from Stovax and Arada. We only sell the best quality products which means you can rest assured that your new stove is an excellent addition to your home.

It is a common myth that you have to purchase an exempt stove from Defra even if your house is located in a smoke-control zone. It's not the case. You can still put a non-DEFRA stove to your home if it is fitted with a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with authorized brquettes or other fuels that are smokeless.

If you want to be certain that you are able to legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, we suggest that you choose one of our Defra approved models. These stoves were designed to comply with UK environmental standards. They have been tested and verified as DEFRA exempt. This means that they emit a minimal amount of smoke. These stoves are also more efficient than the older models, which means you can heat the property using less wood logs. Our selection of Defra stoves are available in a variety of colours and styles, so you're sure to find the perfect model for your home.

Clean Burn

Wood-burning stoves and open fires produce smoke that could be harmful to the health of people in your home as well in the area. Fine particles in the smoke can trigger respiratory problems, such as asthma. Modern luxury DEFRA stoves-exempt stoves are designed to reduce the harmful effects of this smoke.

The wood burners have been thoroughly tested and inspected to ensure they are in compliance with Department of Environment regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more efficiently which means less pollutants. They also emit a clear vapour, instead of the dark smoke typically associated with older open fires and log burning stoves.

The reason why the smoke particles of these modern DEFRA exempt stoves are so less is because they have been constructed with secondary and third airflow systems. This means that the air in the combustion chamber is continuously being circulated, making it much more difficult for the particles to escape into the chimney.

This also means that you are able to only burn fuels that are authorised on your DEFRA exempt wood stove (such as dry seasoned firewood). Modern stoves feature an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clean, reducing the amount of soot and permitting gas to escape easily from the flue.

According to Defra the new DEFRA-approved wood stove fitted with an EcoDesign baffle produces around 350 times less pollution than the traditional log burning stove or open fire. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and you want to install 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 a DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and use a variety of different fuels, including briquettes, peat and other varieties of manufactured solid fuel that are available to purchase at the supermarket. It is recommended to only burn 'Ready to Burn" dry wood that has been seasoned. Never burn painted or treated wood because they create more pollutant than untreated wood.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt wood burning stove can be maintained easily. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks aid in prolonging the life of the stove. These stoves also are very efficient, offering cost savings on heating bills as well as cutting down on fuel consumption by up to 50%. These stoves produce far fewer emissions than other types, and are a more environmentally sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

These types of wood stoves are very easy to set up and are suitable for most homes particularly if you live in an urban area. These wood stoves have passed Defra tests, which means you can use them legally in smoke control zones without violating the law or committing a hefty penalty.

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

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

Stoves Direct offers a large selection of Defra-exempt stoves with a variety of traditional designs that are ideal for an inglenook or fireplace chamber. We also have modern, sleek options that go well with simple mantles or surrounds. If you're considering buying one our Defra-exempt wood burning stoves it's important to think about the style you want in your home, and how it will fit with the decor.

You can only use the stove that is exempt from Defra in the Smoke Control Area. This will help you save money if you're caught with a wood-burning fire. The stove is also a good choice for those who want to lower their carbon footprint. The wood from the tree absorbs CO2 during the process of growing and releases it back into the air when burned.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Many UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so a wood-burning stove that's been DEFRA approved is vital. This means it has passed the rigorous tests and is legal for use in these areas. These tests ensure the air isn't contaminated with the combustion particles created by the stove. These toxins cause the dark smoke that is often seen emanating from chimneys in smoke control areas, and they can have a negative impact on health, as well as being a nuisance to neighbours.

Local councils have therefore enacted laws to address the issue by prohibiting the use of open fireplaces and non-DEFRA-exempt appliances. The good news is you can still put your stove in your home as long as it's DEFRA-exempt and you use only approved fuel.

Stoves that are approved to be used in Smoke Control Zones will be inspected and marked to ensure that they are in compliance with strict emission and efficiency standards. Stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are also more eco-friendly in comparison to other types of woodburners since they have advanced secondary and tertiary burning systems that reduce their carbon footprint.

You can find out whether you are in a smoke-free area by contact your local council. You can also check your address online. However, it is best to speak with your local council for more information.

Even if you're not in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, a DEFRA approved efficient stoves exempt wood burning stove is a wise purchase because it is more environmentally and neighbour friendly. A Defra-approved stove will also produce less smoke, which can keep your chimney and flue clear for longer. For this reason, most top stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax offer smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and won't be affected by the new law.