Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most common classification for UK towns and cities. If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and are looking to install a stove, you'll need a Defra approved stove. You can recognize them by their logos that are Defra-approved.

Defra exempt stoves are built to stop the flame from burning which reduces the amount of smoke that is produced. They also burn fuel better.

What is an Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt stove is a wood burning domestic heating appliance that has passed the tests laid out by the Department for Environment, DEFRA stove Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only used for stoves that have been independently tested and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

You can't burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove in a place where smoke is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in a smoke control area you'll be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could be charged.

There is little difference from the outside between an appliance that is Defra approved appliance and one that doesn't have this status. There are a few ways stove makers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that are not designed to deprive fires of oxygen. This can cause them to smoulder or Defra stove create excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this, stove manufacturers usually make an adjustment to the top air vent on an Defra approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent all the way down, since this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually an incredibly small screw located on the top of the stove, underneath the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a great choice if you live in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone, but don't want the restriction of only using approved fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemptions can also be equipped with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). This is great news for those who want to install woodburning stoves but are concerned about local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the advantages of a DEFRA permitted stoves approved stove?

In addition to complying with local regulations and offering an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can provide a variety of other advantages. They are typically more efficient than non-Defra stoves, and also reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced. This can result in significant savings on your heating bills. In addition, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and may be fitted with simple controls.

There are many factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is essential to consider these aspects. A stove that is defra-exempt is ideal for those who live in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves are environmentally friendly and have been tested rigorously.

Defra-approved stoves not only meet the environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and a wider spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces an even and pleasant flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, meaning they last longer and withstand more extreme temperatures.

As an added benefit, most Defra approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes located in smoke-free areas. However it is crucial to keep in mind that if you plan on using your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, this will still create smoke that is not pleasant and could possibly result in a being prosecuted by the local authority.

To achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers must make modifications to their appliances to limit the amount of air that will be removed during the combustion process. The top air control is usually altered to prevent the complete closure. If you shut off the air supply too tightly, it can cause the stove to smolder instead of burning properly. This will lead to nuisance smoke.

What is the difference between a Defra Approved Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?

The most obvious distinction is that a defra certified 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 tests that prove 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 smoke control area you can use your new stove without possibility of paying hefty fines.

A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other kinds of wood-burning stoves meaning that it will produce more heat and will emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a good option for homeowners seeking to save money and care about the environment.

Stoves that have been Defra approved will usually be advertised with the Defra Approved logo that is easily identifiable and is widely used by the stove industry. You can also determine whether a stove is Defra exempt by examining the specifications or visiting the manufacturer's website.

When you are choosing a Defra approved stove, it is important to consider the style you prefer since there are a myriad of options available. Some of these are more traditional and look great in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more contemporary and will suit a contemporary living space.

Make sure the stove is Defra exempt. It should be listed on the DEFRA list of authorised appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will advertise that their stoves are Defra-exempt, even though they haven't been tested. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the cost of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood used to fuel it has been sustainably sourced and properly dried prior to burning. This will decrease the amount of smoke generated, which is healthier for the earth. It also helps keep chimneys in good condition for longer.

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

You'll have to take into consideration various factors when choosing the right stove for you home. These include the style the heat output, style, and the type of fuel. You might have seen on our website that a lot of stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, to the average homeowner, may appear to be nothing more than a term used to sell products, however, it has very important implications for people living in smoke-free areas.

To comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism which 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 start to smolder and release excess smoke, which could be in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening ensure that your wood is kiln-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 the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas and steam coal that is low volatile. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your home and you burn wet wood, or any other fuels not on the DEFRA's list, you could face penalties of up to PS1000.

Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area, a DEFRA exempt wood burner is an excellent option since they are typically more environmentally and neighbor-friendly since they can be operated without producing nuisance smoke. They are also more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system clean for a longer period of time. It is important to remember that all new stoves will have to meet the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations define minimum efficiencies and NOX and OGV ceilings, and emission limits that are higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA-exempt appliances.