Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most common classification for UK cities and towns. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and want to install an appliance, Defra certified stoves you'll need a Defra approved stove. You can recognize them by their Defra approved logo.

Defra exempt stoves are built to stop the fire from smouldering and reduce the amount of smoke that is produced. 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 device that has passed the tests laid out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only used for stoves that have been independently tested, and have met strict standards regarding 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 since you are not legally allowed to burn wood (unless you are authorised to burn fuel) without one. Installing the use of a non DEFRA approved stove within a smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.

There is no difference on the outside of the one that is Defra approved appliance and one that does not have this status. However, there are some things that stove makers do to make their appliances DEFRA exempt. The most obvious difference is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are made not to starve the flame of oxygen, since this could cause it to smolder and produce excessive amounts of smoke.

To prevent this manufacturers will alter the top air vent of a Defra-approved stove. This will stop you from being able shut the vent completely down because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is typically a small screw inside the top front of the stove, Defra certified stoves beneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that have DEFRA stoves price range exemptions can also be multifuel stoves, and can be used to burn wood, as well as other fuels. This is a great option if you reside in an area which is designated as a Smoke Control Zone and you don't want to be restricted to only using authorised fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemption can also be fitted with five" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on larger dimensions). This is great news for those who want to install wood burning stoves but are concerned about local smoke regulations.

What are the benefits of a Defra approved stove?

In addition to being compliant with local regulations and providing an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For example, they tend 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 result in significant savings on your heating bill. Stoves that are approved by Defra are also simpler to use and have easier controls than stoves that are not approved.

There are a variety of factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. This includes your heating needs and aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is essential to consider these aspects. A defra-exempt stove can be ideal for those who live in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves have been rigorously tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines. They can help to minimise the impact that your stove can 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 and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, meaning they last longer and endure higher temperatures.

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 essential to remember that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels that are damp the stove will still emit toxic fumes that could cause a charge from the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their appliances to limit the amount of air that can be lost during the burning process. The air control at the top is usually altered to stop the complete closing. If you shut off the air supply too much it could cause the stove to smoulder instead of burning properly. This could result in nuisance smoke.

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

A stove that has been approved by the defra can let burning wood legally within a Smoke Control Area. However, a nondefra-exempt stove isn't. 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 a region that is smoke-free then you can make use of your new stove without fear of penalties.

A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other kinds of wood burning stoves, so it will generate more heat and emit less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a good choice for homeowners looking to save money and care about the environment.

Stoves that have been approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also determine whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or the website of the manufacturer.

There are a variety of styles to choose from when selecting a stove that is Defra-approved. Some of these are more traditional in design and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook while others are more modern and would be ideal for a modern living space.

Make sure the stove is Defra-exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of approved appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are DEFRA stoves reviews exempt but they haven't been tested. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.

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

What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove and A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You'll need to consider several factors when choosing the ideal stove for you home. These include the style, heat output, and fuel type. You might be aware that a number of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves on our site are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner, might seem like nothing more than a marketing jargon however, it can have extremely important implications for those living in smoke-free areas.

To comply with the laws against the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you decrease the flow of air to the fire in excess it will cause the wood to smoke, and produce excess smoke. This is in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening, you will need to make sure that the wood in your stove is dried to a certain degree before using it on the stove.

You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels on the DEFRA site. This includes anthracites and semi-anthracites as well as gas and steam coal that is low volatile. However, if you choose to install a non-DEFRA certified stove in your home and burn wet wood or any other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be punished up to PS1000.

Even if you don't reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, the DEFRA exempt wood burner is an option to consider as they are usually more environmentally and neighbour friendly since they operate without creating nuisance smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney system and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it should be noted that by 2022 all new stoves have to meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiency, OGV and NOX ceilings as well as emission limits that are much higher than those currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.