Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

The majority of UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one and would like to install a wood stove then you'll need a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their logos that are Defra-approved.

The stoves that are not subject to Defra are designed to prevent the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is what is a Defra Exempt Stove?

A DEFRA registered stoves Exempt stove is a wood burning domestic heating appliance that has passed the tests laid out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only applied to stoves which have been independently tested, and that meet the strictest standards for emissions. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas.

You cannot burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove if you live in an area where smoke is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA authorised stove in a smoke control zone, you'll be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could be charged.

There is not much difference from the outside of an appliance that is Defra approved appliance and one that does not have this status. There are a few ways that stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that aren't designed to starve the fires of oxygen. This could cause them to smoulder or produce excessive amounts smoke.

To prevent this, stove manufacturers usually adjust the air vent at the top of the Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from being able to shut the vent completely down, as this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically a small screw located inside the front top of the stove, underneath the stove's base or at the rear of the oven.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn other types of fuels alongside wood. This is a fantastic option for people who live in areas which are designated as Smoke Control Areas, but who do not want to restrict their use to only authorized fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be fitted with five" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer does not insist on the use of a larger size). This is a great benefit for those looking to install woodburning stoves but are concerned about local smoke regulations.

What are the benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?

In addition to complying with local regulations and supplying warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. They are typically more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves and reduce the amount carbon produced. This can lead to substantial savings on heating costs. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and may be equipped with simple controls.

When you are looking to purchase an electric or wood-burning stove, there are many different aspects to take into consideration, including your heating requirements as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is important to consider these aspects. A defra-exempt stove can be a great choice for homeowners who live in smoke-free areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines. They can aid in reducing the impact that your stove has on the environment.

In addition to meeting environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to offer superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and creates a pleasant, consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means that they can endure higher temperatures and last for longer.

As an added benefit, most Defra approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes in smoke controlled areas. It is important to remember that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels that are damp however, it will still emit unpleasant fumes and may result in a prosecution from the local authority.

To obtain DEFRA stoves comparison approval stove manufacturers have to modify their appliances to restrict the amount of air that could be removed during the combustion process. Typically the air control on top will be modified to prevent it from being closed all the way. If you shut off the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smolder instead of properly burning. This will lead to nuisance smoke.

What is the difference between a DEFRA approved wood burning stoves approved stove and a non-Defra-approved stove?

The most obvious distinction is that a defra approved stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove will not be able to. Stoves that are approved by Defra have passed the tests to prove that they can safely burn wood and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive levels of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a zone that is smoke-free, you will be able to use your new stove without the possibility of costly fines.

A stove that is Defra-approved is more efficient in energy use than other stoves, producing more heat and emitting less harmful carbon dioxide into the air. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who want to save money on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that are approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also determine whether a stove is Defra exempt by looking up the specifications or visiting the website of the manufacturer.

When selecting a Defra approved stove, it is important to consider the style that you require since there are a myriad of choices available. Some are more traditional and look beautiful when placed in an old fireplace chamber, or inglenook. Others are more modern and would suit a more contemporary living space.

It is also important to ensure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by making sure that it appears on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances, or by making sure that it has the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as Defra exempt even if they haven't been tested to prove it. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove that has the Clean Burn technology than to test it and take the time and expense to go through the process of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood that is used to fuel it has been sustainably sourced and properly dried prior to burning. This will mean that it is less likely to produce huge amounts of smoke which is good for the environment and also helps to keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.

What is the difference between the Defra exempt stove and a non-Defra exempt stove?

You will need to consider several factors when choosing the right stove for your home. These include the design as well as heat output and the type of fuel. You may have noticed on our website that many multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, for the average homeowner, might seem like nothing more than a marketing term however, it can have very important implications for people who live in smoke-free areas.

To comply with the laws that ban the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are constructed with an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve all the way. If you cut down the air flow to the fire to a significant degree it will cause the wood to smoulder and emit smoke. This is against the law. To prevent this from happening, make sure that your wood is dried prior to use in the stove.

You can also use a DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only burn approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. These include anthracite, semi-anthracite and gas as well as low volatile steam coal. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your house and burn wet wood, or other fuels not on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to an amount of fine up to PS1000.

Even if you don't live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, the DEFRA exempt wood burner is still an option to consider as they are usually more environmentally and neighbour friendly since they operate without generating nuisance smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney system and flue clean for longer. However, it must be noted that by 2022 all new stoves have to meet the stricter Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiencies, OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits that are much higher than those currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.