Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

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

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

What is 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 applied to stoves that have been independently tested and have met the strictest standards for emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you reside in a smoke control zone, Premium DEFRA stoves you must have an DEFRA approved stove since it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are an authorised fuel) without one. Installing the use of a non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.

From the outside there is very little distinction between an Defra approved stove and one that has not been granted this status. However, there are some things that stove makers do in order to make their appliances DEFRA Exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that aren't designed to starve the fires of oxygen. This can cause them to smoulder or emit excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this, stove manufacturers usually adjust the air vent at the top of a Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from closing the vent all the way down, since this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an incredibly small screw located on the top of the stove, beneath the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels in addition to wood. This is a great option if you reside in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone and you don't want to be restricted to only using fuels that are approved. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be fitted with five" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer does not insist on the larger size). This is a wonderful benefit for those who wish to install wood-burning stoves, but are worried about local smoke regulations.

What are the benefits of a stove that is DEFRA legislation stoves certified?

In addition to complying with local regulations and supplying an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can provide a variety of other advantages. They are typically more efficient than non-Defra stoves, and also reduce the amount of carbon that is produced. This can lead to substantial savings on your heating bills. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have more simple controls than stoves that are not approved.

When you are looking to purchase an electric or wood-burning stove, there are different aspects to take into consideration, such as your requirements for heating, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is crucial to take into consideration these factors. A defra-exempt stove is ideal for those who live in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, Premium Defra Stoves approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means that they can withstand higher temperatures and last for longer.

Most Defra-approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch liner for chimneys, which is ideal for homes in areas with smoke control. It is important to remember that if you decide to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels that are damp however, it will still emit toxic fumes that could cause a charge from the local authority.

To get Defra approval stove manufacturers must make modifications to their appliances to restrict the amount of air that can be lost during the burning process. Typically, the top air control will be altered to prevent it from being shut all the way. If you close the air supply too much, it can cause the stove to smolder instead of burning properly. This will 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 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 passed tests to show they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. If you live in an area which is smoke-free, you can make use of your new stove without fear of penalties.

A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other types of wood-burning stoves, so it will generate more heat and will emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a good option for homeowners looking to save money on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that are Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo, which has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out if the stove is Defra exempt by reading the specification details or by checking on the manufacturers website for information about the stove.

There are many styles available when choosing a Defra-approved stove. Some are more traditional and look gorgeous when placed in an old fireplace, or inglenook. Others are more modern in style and would be a great fit for a more modern living space.

Check that the stove is Defra exempt. It should be listed on the DEFRA list of approved 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 much easier to market a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.

A stove that has been Defra exempt will ensure that the wood that is used to power it is sourced sustainably, seasoned and dried properly before being burned. This means that it will not produce large amounts of smoke, which is better for the environment and helps to keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.

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

You'll need to consider several factors when choosing the right stove for your home. These include style as well as heat output and the type of fuel. You might have noticed that a lot of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves that are available on our site are described as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner may appear to be nothing more than a term used to sell products however, it can have significant implications for those living in smoke-free areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws that prohibit 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. This is because if you cut the flow of air to the fire, the wood will start to smolder and release excess smoke, which could be in breach of the law. To prevent this from happening make sure that the wood is dried thoroughly prior to use in the stove.

You can also make use of the DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only burn the approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. These include anthracite, semi-anthracite and gas 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 that are not on DEFRA's list, you could face penalties of up to PS1000.

Even if you don't reside in the Smoke Control Area, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is still a good choice as they are generally more eco-friendly and friendly to neighbours because they can be operated without producing harmful smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system clean for longer. However, it should be noted that by 2022, all new stoves must meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiency OGV and NOX ceilings, and have emission limits that are much more than the ones currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.