Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you live in one and want to install a wood burner then you'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can recognize them by their Defra-approved logo.

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

What is an Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning heating appliance for domestic use that has passed the tests conducted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been tested independently and have met the strictest standards for emissions. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

You cannot burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove in an area where smoking is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA authorised stove in a smoke control area you will be in breach of the Clean Air Act and could be charged.

There is not much difference from the outside of a Defra approved appliance and one that does not have this status. There are a few things that stove manufacturers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are designed not to deprive the fire of oxygen because this could cause it to smolder and release excessive amounts of smoke.

To prevent this manufacturers will alter the top vent of a Defra-approved stove. This prevents you from closing the vent all the way down, as it would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically a small screw inside the top of the stove, underneath the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and may therefore be used to burn different types of fuels alongside wood. This is a great choice if you reside in an area which is designated as a Smoke Control Zone, but don't want to be restricted to only using authorised 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 a larger size). This is great news for those who want to install woodburning stoves but are worried about local smoke regulations.

What are the benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?

Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits, including the ability to comply with local regulations and provide warm and cozy fire. They are typically more efficient than non-Defra stoves and can reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced. This can lead to significant savings on your heating bills. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have easier controls than stoves that are not approved.

When buying a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove, there are a variety of different aspects to take into consideration, such as your requirements for heating as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is important to take these aspects into consideration when selecting the right stove, and opting for a stove that is exempt from defra is a great option for those living in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.

Apart from being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are also designed to offer better combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces an even and pleasant flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means that they can endure higher temperatures and last longer.

The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow with a 5 inch liner for chimneys, which is perfect for homes located in areas that are smoke-free. It is essential to remember that if you decide to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels with dampness however, it will still emit toxic fumes that could lead to prosecution from the local authority.

To achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers must make modifications to their appliances to limit the amount of air that can be deprived during the burning process. The air control at the top is typically modified to stop the complete closure. If you shut off the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smolder instead of burning properly. This could result in unpleasant smoke.

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

The most obvious difference is that a DEFRA endorsed stoves certified stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-Defra recognized stoves exempt stove would not. Stoves that are Defra-approved have passed tests that show they can safely burn wood and effectively in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive quantities 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 Defra-approved stove is also more energy efficient than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful emissions in the air. This makes them a great choice for homeowners looking to save money and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also determine whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by checking the specifications or on the website of the manufacturer.

There are many styles to choose from when selecting a stove that is Defra-approved. Some of these are more traditional and look great in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more modern and would be ideal for a modern living space.

You should also make sure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by making sure that it is listed on DEFRA's list authorised appliances, or by making sure that it has the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will market their stoves as being Defra exempt even if they haven't been tested to show that they are. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove that features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and spend the time and expense to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood that is used as fuel for it is sourced sustainably and properly dried before burning. This will mean that it will not produce large amounts of smoke, which is good for the environment and helps keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.

What is the difference between an Exempt Stove that is Defra-compliant and the Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You'll have to consider several factors when choosing the right stove for you home. These include style, heat output, and fuel type. You may have noticed that many of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves available on our website are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, for the average homeowner could appear to be a commercial term. However it is a significant issue for those who live in smoke-free areas.

In order to comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, DEFRA stoves features exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you reduce the air flow to the fire too much the wood will begin to smoke and create excessive smoke, which would be in violation of the law. To avoid this, make sure that your wood is dried before you use it in the stove.

You can also make use of the DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only use approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas and low volatile steam coal. However, if you choose to fit a non-DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews approved stove in your home and you burn wet wood or other fuels that aren't listed on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be penalized up to PS1000.

Even if you're not in the Smoke Control Area a recommended DEFRA stoves exempted wood stove is a great option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly as they can operate without producing harmful smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system clean for a longer period of time. However, it must be noted that in 2022 all new stoves have to meet the stricter Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiencies, OGV and NOX ceilings as well as emission limits which are considerably more than the ones currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.