Ten Defra Exempt Wood Burner Myths You Should Not Share On Twitter

The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a fantastic option for homeowners who live in smoke control zones. These particular log burners have been through rigorous testing and are able to operate in accordance with strict regulations.

Stoves that are approved will usually be identified with the letter "SE" which means Smoke Exempt. They are able to be used in smoke-controlled areas but only when burning Defra Approved Fuels which include wood and manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempt stoves for wood burning or Defra approved stoves are made to conform to the Department of Environment's (DEFRA) regulations. These stoves were tested and inspected to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce little or no smoke. They emit very low levels of emissions and their efficiency of combustion permits them to re-burn part-burned combustibles such as soot and ash before they escape down your chimney.

If you reside in a city or town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area then it is essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt and is able to be used with authorised fuels. It is illegal to release smoke from your chimney if not using an exempt appliance or fuels that are authorised. Defra exempt stoves are also more suitable for chimneys, as they burn fuel more effectively and produce less smoke which means your chimney and flue remain cleaner for a longer period of time.

We offer a wide range of Defra exempt stoves from world's leading manufacturers such as Stovax and Arada. We only offer the highest quality products and Defra exempt stoves you can be confident that your new stove will be a safe and Defra exempt stoves efficient addition to your home.

It is a popular misconception that you need to buy DEFRA stoves a Defra-exempt stove if your home is in a smoke-control area. This is not true. You can still have a non-DEFRA fireplace in your home, if it has a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and can only be operated with briquettes that have been approved by DEFRA.

If you want to be certain that you are able to legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, we suggest that you select one of our Defra approved models. These stoves were developed to comply with UK standards for environmental sustainability. They have been tested and verified as DEFRA exempt. This means that they emit a minimal amount of smoke. They are also more efficient than traditional stoves, meaning you can heat your home using fewer logs. You can pick from a selection of Defra models that come in a range of styles and colours.

Clean Burn

Wood-burning stoves and open fires emit smoke that could have a negative effect on the health of those living in your home and those who live nearby. This is due to the fine particles in this smoke can cause respiratory problems such as asthma. Fortunately modern DEFRA exempt stoves have been designed to significantly reduce these negative impacts.

The wood burners have been thoroughly tested and scrutinized to ensure they meet Department of Environment regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more effectively, resulting in fewer pollutants. These stoves also emit a clear vapour, instead of the dark smoke typically associated with older open fires and log burning stoves.

The reason that the smoke particles in these modern DEFRA exempt stoves are lower is due to them being constructed with secondary and third airflow systems. This means the air in the combustion chamber is constantly circulated. This makes it much more difficult for the particles to escape.

This also means you can only use authorised fuels in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such dry, seasoned firewood). The airflow system in these modern stoves also helps keep the combustion chamber spotless so that the buildup of soot is reduced and gas is able to escape through the flue.

According to Defra the new DEFRA-approved wood stove fitted with an EcoDesign baffle produces around 450 times less pollutants than the traditional log burning stove or open fire. Installing one of these efficient, modern stoves in a Smoke-Control Area is essential to safeguard both your health and the health of your neighbors.

Alternatively, you can install a DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and utilize a variety fuels, including briquettes, peat and other kinds of manufactured solid fuels that can be purchased in supermarkets. However, it is advised to only use dry 'Ready To Burn' seasoned wood and never burn treated or painted timber because they will create more pollutants than untreated wood.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA exempt wood burning stove is simple to maintain, with a regular cleaning and maintenance check helping to ensure it lasts longer. These types of stoves are also extremely efficient, providing savings on your heating bills and reducing the amount of fuel you use by up to 50 percent. These stoves produce far fewer emissions than other types, and are a more environmentally green alternative to fossil fuels.

The wood stoves are easily installed and are suitable for a variety of homes, particularly in urban areas. The wood stoves that are available have passed Defra tests which means that you can legally use them in smoke control areas without violating the law or risking a hefty penalty.

Defra approved wood stoves are also typically less expensive to run than other stoves, as they have advanced combustion technology that makes sure that the fire burns efficiently. This means that there are fewer particles and carbon monoxide releasing into the air, which is good news for your health and that of your family members.

In addition, DEFRA exempt stoves have been certified by various initiatives such as the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign which means that they meet rigorous emissions and efficiency requirements. These certifications are shown on the stoves we sell, and provide peace of mind knowing you're buying a model that is safe and eco sustainable.

There's a broad range of Defra exempt stoves here at Stoves Direct, including many traditional designs that are ideal for an inglenook fireplace, or a fireplace chamber. We also offer sleek, modern options that can be paired with a simple mantle or surround. If you're considering buying one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, it is important to think about the style that you want to have in your home and how it will fit to the decor.

You can only burn a Defra-exempt stove in a Smoke Control Area. This will save you money if 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 its growth and releases it back into the atmosphere when burned.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

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

As a result local councils have enacted laws that ban the use of open flames and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to manage the issue. However, the good news is that you can still install an appliance in your home, provided it is DEFRA exempt and you only burn authorised fuel.

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

The most efficient method to determine whether you are in a smoke control area is to contact your local council and ask them for more information. You can also find out by looking at your property's postcode online, but it is recommended DEFRA stoves to check your local council website to find out more in-depth information since each district of the UK could be different.

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 eco-friendly and friendly to neighbors. A stove that is approved by Defra will produce less smoke, which will keep your chimney and flue clean for a longer time. The majority of the top stove manufacturers like Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have a variety of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt.