Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most UK cities and FireplacesAndStove towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one of them and wish to install a wood burning stove, then you'll need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognize them by their logos that are Defra-approved.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are designed to stop the fire from smouldering which reduces the amount of smoke that is produced. They also make use of 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 set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only available to stoves that have been tested independently, and have met strict standards regarding emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

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

From the outside, there's very little distinction between a 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 DEFRA approved stoves have burners that are not designed to starve fires of oxygen. This could cause them to smoke or emit excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this, fireplacesandstove stove makers will usually make an adjustment to the top air vent on a Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from closing the vent completely since this could cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is typically an incredibly small screw located on the top of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that have Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves, fireplacesandstove and can be used to burn wood, as well as other fuels. This is a great option if you live in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone, but don't want the restrictions of only using approved fuels. Certain stoves that are exempt from Defra exemption can also be fitted with 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand the larger size). This is great news for those who wish to install wood-burning stoves, but are worried about local smoke regulations.

What are the Benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?

In addition to complying with local regulations and supplying warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient in energy use than non-Defra approved stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bills. In addition, Defra approved stoves are often easier to use than non-approved stoves and may be fitted with simple controls.

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. These include your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences as well as long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is important to consider these factors. A defra-exempt stove is ideal for those who live in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves have been rigorously tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines and can help to minimise the impact that your stove can have on the environment.

Defra-approved stoves are not only compliant with the environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces a more pleasant and consistent flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, meaning they last longer and withstand more extreme temperatures.

In addition to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-free areas. However it is crucial to be aware that if you are planning to use your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, this will still produce nuisance smoke and can possibly result in a prosecution by the local authority.

To achieve Defra approval stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their equipment to limit the amount of air that could be removed during the combustion process. The top air control is usually modified to stop the complete closing. If you close the air supply too tightly it could cause the stove to smoulder instead of burning properly. This can lead to unpleasant smoke.

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

The most obvious difference 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 have been approved by Defra have passed tests that show they can burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a smoke-free zone, you will be able to use your new stove with no possibility of costly fines.

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

Stoves that are Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo that is easily identifiable and has been adopted by the stove industry. You can also determine whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or the manufacturer's website.

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

Also, make sure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by ensuring it is on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances or by ensuring that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will claim that their stoves are defra stoves-exempt but they haven't been tested. This is due to the fact that it is much easier to sell a stove that features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and take the time and money to complete the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that is Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood that is used to power it is sustainable, seasoned and dried properly before it is burned. This means that it will not produce large quantities of smoke, which is good for the environment and also helps to keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.

What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. the Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

When you are deciding on the ideal stove for your home, there is plenty of information you should take into consideration, including design, heat output, and the type of fuel. You might have noticed on our website that many multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, for the average homeowner, may appear to be nothing more than a term used to sell products however, it can have very important implications for people living in smoke-free areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws that ban the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are constructed with an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve all the way. If you decrease the flow of air to the fire too much it will cause the wood to smolder, and produce excess smoke. This will be against the law. To avoid this, you will need to ensure that the wood you use in your stove is dried out before using it on the stove.

You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA site. These include gas, semi-anthracite, and anthracite as well as steam coal with low volatile. If you install a stove that is not DEFRA-compliant in your home and use 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 or Smoke Control Zone, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is still a good choice as they are typically more environmentally and neighbor-friendly since they operate without creating harmful smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system clean for longer. It is important to know that all new stoves will need to meet the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations define minimum efficiency standards, as well as NOX and OGV ceilings, and emissions limits that are significantly higher than those currently in place for DEFRA-exempt appliances.