Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most commonly used classification for UK towns and cities. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and want to install a stove, you will need a Defra approved stove. You can identify them through their logos that are Defra-approved.

Defra exempt stoves are built to prevent the fire from smouldering, DEFRA certified stoves which reduces the amount of smoke that is produced. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is an Defra exempt stove?

A affordable DEFRA stoves Exempt stove is a wood-burning domestic heating device 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 independently tested and have met the strictest standards for emissions. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable for use 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 zone, you'll be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could face prosecution.

From the outside, there's very little difference between the Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been awarded this status. There are a few ways that stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are designed not to deprive the fire of oxygen, because this could cause it to smoulder and create excessive quantities of smoke.

To avoid this manufacturers will adjust the top vent of a stove that is Defra-approved. This will stop you from being able shut the vent completely down as this would cut the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is typically an insignificant screw located inside the front top of the stove, beneath the stove's base, or on the rear of the oven.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels along with wood. This can be a great option for those who reside in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas and don't want to limit their usage to only authorised fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be fitted with five" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a larger size). This is a great benefit for those looking to install wood burning stoves but are concerned about local smoke regulations.

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

Defra-approved stoves have many advantages they can provide, such as the ability to conform to local regulations as well as provide a warm and cozy fire. For instance, they tend to be more efficient than non-Defra certified stoves and consequently reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can lead to substantial savings on heating costs. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have simpler controls than non-approved stoves.

When you are looking to purchase a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove, there are a variety of different factors to consider including your requirements for heating as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is essential to consider these aspects. A stove that is defra-exempt is ideal for those who live in smoke-controlled areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines and can help to minimise the impact that your stove will have on the environment.

Aside from meeting environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, resulting in an even and pleasant flame. In addition they are more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, meaning they will last longer and can stand up to higher temperatures.

As an added benefit is that the majority of Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes in smoke controlled areas. However it is crucial to note that if you intend on using your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, it will cause smoke nuisance and be a cause for being prosecuted by the local authority.

To achieve Defra approval stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their equipment to restrict the amount of air that will be removed during the combustion process. The top air control is typically modified to stop the complete closure. If you shut off the air supply too tightly, it can cause the stove to smoke instead of properly burning. This can lead to an unpleasant smell of smoke.

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

The most obvious distinction is that a defra approved stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove will not be able to. Stoves that are Defra-approved have passed tests that show they are able to burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in an area which is smoke-free then you can make use of your new stove without fear of fines.

A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other types of wood-burning stoves, which means it will generate more heat and release less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who are looking to save money and care about the environment.

Stoves that are approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also find out whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by looking up the specifications or the manufacturer's website.

When choosing a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style you want since there are a myriad of choices to choose from. Some are more traditionally styled and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook, while others are more contemporary and will suit a contemporary living space.

Verify that the stove is Defra exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of authorised appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will claim that their stoves are Defra exempt, even though they haven't been tested. It is 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 means that it is less likely to generate large amounts of smoke, which is good for 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?

You'll need to take into consideration a number of aspects when selecting the best stove for your home. These include style, heat output, and the type of fuel. You might be aware that a number of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves that are available on our site are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon which, for the average homeowner could appear to be a commercial phrase. 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 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 decrease the flow of air to the fire to a significant degree, it will cause the wood to smolder and create smoke. This is against the law. To prevent this from happening, you will need to ensure that the wood you use in your stove is dried to a certain degree before using it on the stove.

You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels listed on the DEFRA site. 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 stoves for sale-compliant 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 reside in a Smoke Control Area, a DEFRA exempt wood burner is still an option to consider as they are typically more environmentally and friendly to neighbours because they can be operated without generating harmful smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer. It is important to know that all new stoves must to meet the more stringent Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations establish minimum efficiencies and NOX and OGV ceilings and emissions limits that are higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.