Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

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

DEFRA approved low emission stoves exempt stoves are built to prevent the fire from burning, which reduces 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 heating appliance for domestic use that has passed the tests established by the Department for Environment, Food and Defra certified stoves Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only available to stoves that have been tested independently, and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you live in a smoke control area it is necessary to have a DEFRA approved stove since it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. If you install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in a smoke control zone, you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could be prosecuted.

There is not much difference from the outside between a Defra approved appliance and one that doesn't have this status. There are a few things that stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that aren't made to starve the flames of oxygen. This can cause them to smolder or emit excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this manufacturers will alter the top air vent of a Defra-approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely down as this would cut the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually located inside the top of the stove, below the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that have Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves that can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This is a great choice if you reside in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by the restriction of only using approved fuels. Certain stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions can also be fitted with five" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand the larger size). This is a wonderful benefit for those who wish to install wood burning stoves but are concerned about local smoke regulations.

What are the advantages of a Defra Approved Stove?

In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For instance, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-Defra certified stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon emissions when they are used. This can lead to substantial savings on heating costs. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have simpler controls than stoves that are not approved.

There are many factors to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. These include your heating needs and aesthetic preferences, as well as long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is crucial to take into consideration these factors. A stove that is defra-exempt is ideal for those who live in smoke-controlled areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines. They can reduce the impact that your stove will have on the environment.

Aside from being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and creates a pleasant, consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can endure higher temperatures and last longer.

Additionally to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves work with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-free areas. However it is important to be aware that if you plan to use your stove using damp wood or any other wet fuel, it can cause smoke nuisance and possibly result in a prosecution by the local authority.

To obtain Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make modifications to the appliance to limit how much air it is deprived of during the burning process. The air control at the top is usually modified to stop the complete closure. If you close the air supply too tightly it could cause the stove to smolder instead of properly burning. This could result in unpleasant smoke.

What is the difference between an approved Defra Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?

A stove that is approved by defra will let you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves will not. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have passed tests to show 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 zone that is smoke-free, you will be able to use your new stove with no possibility of paying hefty fines.

A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other types of wood burning stoves, meaning that it will produce more heat and release less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent option for homeowners looking to cut down on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also find out whether a stove is Defra exempt by checking the specifications or on the website of the manufacturer.

When choosing a Defra approved stove, it is important to consider the style that you require since there are a myriad of choices to choose from. Some of these are more traditional and look stunning in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more contemporary and will fit in a modern home.

Also, make sure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by ensuring it is on DEFRA's list authorised appliances, or by making sure that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra exempt but 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 is Defra exempt will ensure that the wood that is used to power it is sustainable, seasoned and dried properly before being burned. This will reduce the amount of smoke that is produced which is healthier for the environment. It also helps to keep chimneys clean for a longer time.

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

When you are deciding on the best stove for your home, there's plenty of information you will need to consider, such as design, heat output, and fuel type. You might have seen on our website that a lot of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner, might seem like nothing more than a marketing jargon however, it can have extremely important implications for those who live in smoke controlled areas.

In order to comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve all the way. If you decrease the air flow to the fire in excess it will cause the wood to smolder, and produce excess smoke. This is in violation of the law. To avoid this you should ensure that the wood you use 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 approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA site. These include gas, semi-anthracite, and anthracite as well as low volatile steam coal. If you decide to install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in your home, and you burn wet wood or other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list, then you could be penalized up to PS1000.

Even if you don't reside in the Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is still an option to consider as they are typically more environmentally and neighbor-friendly since they can be operated without generating polluting smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney system and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it must be noted that in 2022 all new stoves have to meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiencies OGV, NOX ceilings, and have emission limits that are much higher than those currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.