The Most Common Defra Exempt Wood Burner Mistake Every Beginner Makes

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 particular log burners have been tested thoroughly and are able to operate in accordance with strict regulations.

Stoves that are approved will usually be labelled with 'SE' which stands for Smoke Exempt. They can be used in smoke controlled areas, but only when burning Defra Approved Fuels which include wood and manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempted stoves that burn wood or Defra-approved stoves are designed to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. The stoves were inspected and tested in order 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 up your chimney and into the air.

If you live in a large or a city town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area then it's essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt and can be used with authorised fuels. It is unlawful to emit smoke from your chimney if you're not using an exemption appliance or authorised fuels. Exempt stoves that are DEFRA list stoves-compliant are better for your chimney, since they burn fuel efficiently and produce less smoke so your flue and chimney remain cleaner for a longer period of time.

We offer a wide range of stoves exempt from Defra such as models from Stovax and Arada. We only provide the highest quality products and you can rest assured that your new stove will be a safe and effective addition to your home.

It is a common myth that you have to purchase an exempt stove from Defra when your home is located within a smoke-control area. This is not true. You can still have an unapproved fireplace within your home, as long as it has a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and can only be used with authorised briquettes.

We suggest that you select an Defra approved model if you wish to ensure that you are able to use wood legally in your DEFRA-exempt stove. These stoves have been developed to meet the UK's strict environmental standards and have been tested and certified to be DEFRA exempt, which means that they will only produce minimal amounts of smoke. They are also more efficient than older-style stoves, so you can heat your property with fewer logs. You can pick from a variety of Defra models in a vast variety of colours and styles.

Clean Burn

Wood-burning stoves and open flames emit smoke that could have a negative effect on the health of those living in your home and people living nearby. This is due to the fine particles that make up the smoke are known to cause respiratory problems such as asthma. Fortunately, modern DEFRA exempt stoves are designed to greatly reduce the harmful effects.

These wood burners have been thoroughly tested and scrutinized in order to ensure they comply with the Department of Environment regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce less pollution. These stoves also emit clear vapour instead of the dark smoke associated with older open fires and stoves that burn logs.

The reason why the smoke particles in modern DEFRA exempt stoves are so lower is because they have been designed with secondary and tertiary airflow systems. This means the air in the combustion chamber is continuously circulated. This makes it more difficult for the smoke particles to escape.

This means that you must only use approved fuels in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such dry firewood that has been seasoned). Modern stoves feature an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clean, reducing soot and permitting gas to escape easily from the flue.

According to Defra, a brand new wood stove that is DEFRA-approved and has an EcoDesign baffle produces around 500 times less harmful emissions than a traditional log burning stove or open fire. If you live in an area that has 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.

Alternatively, you can install a DEFRA Approved Multi Fuel Stove Defra Approved-fuel stove and make use of a variety of fuels, including briquettes, peat and other kinds of manufactured solid fuel which can be purchased at supermarkets. However, it is advised 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 timber.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt wood burning stove is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks will aid in prolonging the life of the stove. These stoves are highly efficient and can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 50 percent. These stoves emit far less emissions than other stoves and are a more environmentally sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

These kinds of wood stoves are simple to set up and are suitable for all homes especially if you reside in an urban area. They have passed Defra tests, which means they can be used legally in smoke control zones, without breaking the law and risking a hefty fine.

Defra approved wood stoves are also often more affordable than other models of stoves, as they have advanced combustion technology that 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 your family's.

In addition, the DEFRA exempt stoves have been inspected by a variety of initiatives like the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign which means that they meet rigorous emission and efficiency standards. These certifications are advertised on the stoves that we sell, and provide you with assurance that you are purchasing an environmentally-friendly and safe model.

Stoves Direct offers a large selection of Defra-exempt stoves, including many traditional designs that are ideal for an inglenook or a fireplace chamber. We also have modern, sleek options that look fantastic with a simple fireplace surround or mantle. If you're considering buying one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, it's crucial to consider the style you would like in your home and how it will blend with the decor.

A Defra exempt stove is the only type of log burner you can legally burn in a Smoke Control Area, and it will help you avoid paying a fine if you are caught with an illegal wood-burning fire. It is also an excellent option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint, since the tree the wood comes from absorbs CO2 when it grows and returns it back to the atmosphere when burned in a stove.

Ideal for Smoke Control Areas

Many UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so a wood burning stove that has been DEFRA certified is essential. This means that it has passed the rigorous tests and is legal to use in these areas. These tests ensure the air isn't contaminated with the combustion particles produced by the stove. These toxins can lead to the dark smoke seen from chimneys within smoke zones of control. They are harmful to health and cause annoyance to neighbors.

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

Stoves that are approved to be used in Smoke Control Zones will be inspected and marked to ensure that they meet or surpass strict emission and efficiency standards. The stoves that are exempt from Defra tend to be more environmentally friendly than other types of wood burners since they feature advanced secondary and tertiary combustion methods that help to minimise their carbon footprint.

You can determine if you live in a smoke-free area by contact your local council. You can also determine by looking up your home's postcode online, however it is recommended to go to your local council website for more specific information as every district of the UK might be different.

Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area a Defra-exempt wood burning stove can be an excellent investment. It is more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly. A stove that is Defra-approved will also produce less smoke, which can keep your chimney and flue clear for a longer time. Because of this, many leading stove manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have a range of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and will not be affected by the new regulations.