Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most popular classification for UK towns and cities. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and would like to install an appliance, you'll need a Defra approved stove. You can identify them through their approved logo from the Defra.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra are designed to prevent the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount of smoke. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is a 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, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been tested independently and meet strict criteria on emissions. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas.

You can't burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove if you live in an area where smoke is controlled. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove within the smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.

From the outside there is very little difference between the Defra approved stove and one that has not been awarded this status. However, there are some ways that stove manufacturers can do to make their products DEFRA Exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that aren't designed to starve the flames of oxygen. This could cause them to smoke or emit excessive amounts of smoke.

To stop this from happening manufacturers will adjust the air vent at the top of a stove that is Defra approved. This will stop the possibility of shutting the vent completely because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is typically a small screw inside the top front of the stove, beneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and [Redirect-302] may therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a great alternative for those who live in areas which are designated as Smoke Control Areas and do not want to restrict themselves to using only authorised fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be fitted with a 5" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). This is good news for people who are planning on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes but are worried about local regulations on smoke.

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

Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages that include the ability to meet local regulations and provide warm and cozy fire. They are typically more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves and reduce the amount carbon 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.

There are many factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating needs and aesthetic preferences, as well as long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is important to consider these aspects. A defra-exempt stove can be an excellent choice for homeowners who live in smoke-free areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and are in compliance with strict environmental guidelines and can aid in reducing the impact your stove will have on the environment.

Apart from being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are also designed to offer superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, producing a more pleasant and consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can stand up to higher temperatures and last for longer.

As an added benefit is that the majority of Defra approved stoves work 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 are planning to use your stove using damp wood or any other wet fuel, it will cause smoke nuisance and be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make adjustments to the stove in order to limit how much air it is deprived of during the burning process. Typically the air control on top will be modified to prevent it from being closed completely. Shutting off the air supply to a stove for too long could cause it to smolder instead of burning properly and result in nuisance smoke.

What is the Difference Between a Defra Approved Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?

A defra-approved stove will allow burning wood legally within a Smoke Control Area. However, an exempt stove that is not defra-approved isn't. Stoves that are approved by Defra have passed the tests to prove that they can burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive amounts of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a smoke control area you will be able to use your new stove without risk of hefty fines.

A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other types of wood-burning stoves which means it will generate more heat and will emit less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them an excellent option for homeowners looking to cut down on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been Defra approved will usually be advertised with the Defra Approved logo which is well-known and has been adopted by the stove industry. You can also determine if a stove is Defra exempt by reading 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 choosing a Defra-approved stove. Some are more traditional and look beautiful when placed in an old fireplace chamber 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 select is Defra exempt by ensuring it is listed on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances or by checking that it has the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra-exempt but they haven't been tested. This is because it is easier to sell a stove that features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and take the time and money to go through the process of becoming Defra exempt.

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

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

When it comes to choosing the best stove for your home, there is many factors you should take into consideration, including design, heat output and the type of fuel. You may have noticed that many of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves that are available on our site are described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner, could appear to be a commercial term. However it is a significant issue for those living in smoke-controlled areas.

In order to comply with the laws that ban the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve all the way. This is because if you decrease the air flow to the fire too much the wood will begin to smolder and release excessive smoke, which would be in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening, you will need to ensure that the wood you use in your stove is kiln dried before using it on the stove.

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

Even if you don't live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA requirements stoves exempted wood stove is still an excellent choice. They are more eco friendly and friendly to neighbors since they can operate without producing harmful smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system clean for a longer period of time. It is important to know that all new stoves will have to meet the more stringent Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations set minimum efficiencies and NOX and OGV ceilings and emission limits that are much higher than those in place today for DEFRA-exempt appliances.