Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one and would like to install a wood burning stove, then you'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their logos that are Defra-approved.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are designed to stop the fire from smouldering and reduce the amount of smoke generated. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.

What is a Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt stove is a wood-burning domestic heating device that has passed the tests set 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 the strict criteria for emissions. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you reside in a smoke control zone, you must have an DEFRA approved stove, as you are not legally allowed to burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove within a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.

There is little difference from the outside between the one that is Defra approved and one that does not have this status. However, there are some things that stove manufacturers do in order to make their products DEFRA Exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that aren't designed to starve flames of oxygen. This can cause them to smolder or create excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this manufacturers will adjust the top air vent of a stove that is Defra-approved. This prevents you from being able to shut the vent all the way down, as it could cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an incredibly small screw that is located on the front of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the back of the oven.

Stoves that are DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a great option if you reside in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by the restriction of only using authorised fuels. Some stoves that have Defra exemption can also be fitted with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a bigger size). This is a great benefit for those who want to install woodburning stoves, but are worried about local smoke regulations.

What are the advantages of a Defra Approved Stove?

Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages, including the ability to meet local regulations as well as provide a warm and cozy fire. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient in energy use than non-Defra certified stoves and therefore reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bill. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have more simple controls than non-approved ones.

There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating needs 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 a great choice for homeowners who live in smoke-controlled areas. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.

Defra-approved stoves not only meet the environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and spread of flame. 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 that they can endure higher temperatures and last for longer.

Most DEFRA registered stoves-approved stoves are compatible to use a 5 " liner for chimneys. This is perfect for homes located in smoke-controlled areas. It is essential to remember that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels that are damp however, it will still emit unpleasant fumes and may lead to prosecution from the local authority.

In order to achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make modifications to the appliance in order to limit how much air it will be deprived of during the combustion process. Typically the air control at the top will be modified to prevent it from being closed all the way. If you close the air supply too tightly it could cause the stove to smolder instead of properly burning. This could result in an unpleasant smell of smoke.

What is the difference between a Defra approved stove and a non-Defra certified 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 will not be able to. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have been tested to show they can safely and effectively burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. This means that if you live in a smoke control area you will be able to use your new stove without possibility of paying hefty fines.

A stove that is approved by Defra is more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types, producing more heat and emitting less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a good option for homeowners looking to save money on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo, which has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out if the stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specifications or checking on the manufacturers website for more information on the stove.

There are a variety of styles to choose from when choosing a Defra-approved stove. Some are more traditional and look stunning in an old fireplace or DEFRA Certified Stoves inglenook, while others are more modern and would be ideal for a modern living space.

You should also make sure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by making sure that it appears on DEFRA's list authorised appliances or by ensuring that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as being Defra exempt, even though they haven't been tested to show it. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.

A stove that has been Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood that is used to fuel it is sustainably sourced that has been properly seasoned, dried and seasoned before burning. This means that it is less likely to produce large quantities of smoke, which is good for the environment and also helps keep chimneys and flue systems clean 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's many factors you should be aware of, including the style, heat output and the type of fuel. You may have noticed on our site that many multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner, may seem like a marketing term. However it is a significant issue for those living in smoke-controlled areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws against the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. If you reduce the flow of air to the fire too much, it will cause the wood to smoulder, and produce excess smoke. This is against the law. To prevent this from happening, you will need to make sure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried before using it on the stove.

You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels on the DEFRA site. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas, and low volatile steam coal. However, if you decide to install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in your home and burn wet wood or any other fuels that aren't listed on the DEFRA list, then you could be penalized up to PS1000.

Even if you do not reside in the Smoke Control Area, an 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 are also more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system clean for longer. However, it must be noted that in 2022 all new stoves must meet the stricter Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiencies, OGV and NOX ceilings as well as emission limits which are considerably higher than those currently in use for Defra certified stoves DEFRA exempt appliances.