Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

The majority of UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you live in one and want to install a wood burning stove, then you'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them by their Defra approved logo.

The stoves which are exempt from Defra are designed to prevent the fire from burning. This reduces the amount of smoke. They also burn fuel better.

What is what is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning heating appliance for domestic use that has passed the tests established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only available to stoves that have been independently tested and that meet the strictest standards for emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you live in a smoke control area it is necessary to have a DEFRA approved stove, as it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are an authorised fuel) without one. Installing 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's very little distinction between an Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been given this status. There are a few things stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that are not designed to starve fires of oxygen. This could cause them to smoulder or produce excessive amounts 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 completely down, as it would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an insignificant screw located inside the front of the stove, Defra certified stoves below the stove's base, or at the rear of the oven.

Stoves that have Defra exemption tend to also be multifuel stoves, and can be used to burn wood and Defra certified stoves other fuels. This can be a great alternative for those who reside in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas however don't want to limit themselves to using only authorised fuels. Some 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 great news for those who plan to install wood-burning stoves in their homes, but are concerned about the local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the Benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?

In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and supplying warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can also offer many other benefits. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient in energy use 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. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are often easier to use than non-approved stoves and may be fitted with simple controls.

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

Apart from meeting environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-DEFRA endorsed stoves approved stoves, which means they last longer and can endure higher temperatures.

In addition is that 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 keep in mind that if you plan to use your stove using wet wood or other damp fuel, it can produce nuisance smoke and can potentially lead to being prosecuted by the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove makers are required to make modifications to the appliance to limit how much air it will be deprived of during the combustion process. Typically the air control on top will be modified to prevent it from being shut all the way. The air supply that is shut off to a stove in excess could cause it to smolder instead of properly burning and, in turn, result in a nuisance smoke.

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

A defra-approved stove will allow you burn wood legally in a Smoke Control Area. However, a nondefra-exempt stove will not. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have been tested to prove they can effectively and safely burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. This means that if you live in a smoke-free zone, you can use your new stove with no possibility of costly fines.

A stove that is approved by Defra is more energy efficient than other types, producing more heat and emitting less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent option for homeowners looking to cut down on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.

Stoves which have been approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo, which has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out whether a stove is Defra exempt by examining the specifications or on the manufacturer's website.

When choosing a Defra approved stove, it is essential to think about the style you want as there are many different choices to choose from. Some are more traditional and will look beautiful in an old fireplace or inglenook, while others are more modern and would be ideal for a modern living space.

Also, make sure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by ensuring it appears 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 exempt but they haven't been tested. This is because it is easier to sell a stove that has the Clean Burn technology than to test it and spend the time and expense to complete the process of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood that is used as fuel for it is sourced sustainably and properly dried prior to burning. This will mean that it is less likely to generate huge amounts of smoke which is beneficial to the environment and also helps to 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 right stove for your home, there's a lot of information that you must consider, such as design, heat output and fuel type. You might have noticed that a lot 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 can have significant implications for those who live in smoke-controlled areas.

To be in compliance with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. If you reduce the air flow to the fire in excess it can cause the wood to smolder, and produce excess smoke. This is in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening you must make sure that the wood in your stove is dried out prior to putting it on the stove.

You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels that are 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 non-DEFRA stove in your home and use 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 live in a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is a great option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly since they are able to operate without generating nuisance smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney system and flue cleaner for longer. It is important to know that all new stoves will need to comply with the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations define minimum efficiency levels, NOX and OGV ceilings and emission limits that are higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA-exempt appliances.