Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

The majority of UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you live in one and want to install a wood burning stove, then you need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra have been designed to stop the fire from burning. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is what is a Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt Stove is a domestic heating appliance that burns wood and has passed the tests conducted 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. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas.

It is not possible to burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove in an area where smoke is controlled. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.

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

To prevent this manufacturers will adjust the top vent of a stove that is Defra-approved. This will stop you from closing the vent completely down, DEFRA stoves ratings as it would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually an incredibly small screw that is located on the front top of the stove, underneath the base of stove or on the back of the oven.

Stoves that have Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves, and can be used to burn wood as well as other fuels. This is a great option if you live in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Zone, but don't want the restrictions of only using authorised fuels. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be equipped with a 5" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer does not insist on the larger size). This is great news for those who are planning to install wood-burning stoves in their homes, but are concerned about local regulations on smoke.

What are the benefits of a stove that is Defra certified?

Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages they can provide, such as the ability to comply with local regulations as well as provide warm and cozy fire. They are generally more efficient than non-Defra stoves, and also reduce the amount of carbon that is produced. This can result in significant savings on your heating costs. DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves-approved stoves are also easier to use and have more simple controls than non-approved ones.

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences, as well as long-term goals. It is essential to take these elements into consideration when selecting the right stove, and opting for a defra exempt stove is a good option for those living in smoke controlled areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and are in compliance with strict environmental guidelines. They can reduce the impact that your stove can have on the environment.

Defra-approved stoves are not only compliant with 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. In addition, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, which means they last longer and endure higher temperatures.

Most stoves that are Defra-approved are able with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in areas that are smoke-free. It is essential to remember that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels with dampness however, it will still emit unpleasant fumes and may lead to prosecution by the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove makers are required to make adjustments to the stove in order to limit the amount of air it can be starved of during the combustion process. Typically the air control at the top will be altered to prevent it from being shut all the way. Shutting off the air supply to a stove too much could cause it to smolder rather than burning properly and result in a nuisance smoke.

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

The most obvious difference is that a defra certified stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove would not. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have been tested to prove that they are able to safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a zone that is smoke-free, you can use your new stove without the risk of hefty fines.

A Defra approved Stove Regulations is also more efficient than other kinds of wood-burning stoves, so it will generate more heat and emit less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them an excellent option for homeowners seeking to save money and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been Defra approved will usually be advertised with the Defra Approved logo that is easily identifiable and is used by the stove industry. You can also find out if a stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specifications or looking on the website of the manufacturer for more details about it.

There are a variety of styles to choose from when selecting a stove that is Defra-approved. Some are more traditional and look gorgeous in an old fireplace or inglenook. Others are more modern and would be a great fit for a more contemporary living space.

Also, make sure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by making sure that it is on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances, or by making sure that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as Defra exempt even if they haven't been tested to demonstrate that they are. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove that has the Clean Burn technology than to test it and spend the time and expense to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that has been Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood used to fuel it is sourced sustainably and properly dried, seasoned and before it is burned. This will mean that it is less likely to produce large amounts of smoke, which is better for the environment, and also helps to keep chimneys and flue systems clean for longer.

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

You'll have to consider a number of aspects when selecting the best stove for your home. These include the design the heat output, style, and the type of fuel. You may have noticed on our site that many wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon which, for the average homeowner might appear to be a marketing term. However it can have significant implications for those who live in smoke-controlled areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws prohibiting the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you cut down the flow of air to the fire too much it can cause the wood to smolder and emit smoke. This is against the law. To prevent this from happening you should make sure that the wood in your stove is dried to a certain degree before using it on the stove.

You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas and steam coal with low volatile. If you install a stove that is not DEFRA-compliant in your home and use wet wood, or any other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to an amount of fine up to PS1000.

Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is a great option. They are more environmentally friendly and friendly to neighbors since they are able to operate without generating harmful smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney system and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it must be noted that by 2022 all new stoves must meet the stricter Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiency OGV, NOX ceilings, and have emission limits that are much higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.