Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most commonly used classification for UK cities and towns. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area and want to install a stove, you will require a Defra approved stove. You can identify them by their Defra-approved logo.

Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to stop the fire from burning which reduces the amount of smoke generated. They also burn fuel better.

What is what is a Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt Stove is a domestic heating appliance that burns wood and has passed the tests established by the Department for Environment, Food and DEFRA stove Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only available to stoves that have been independently tested and have met strict standards regarding emissions. Defra exempt stoves can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

You cannot burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove in a place where smoke is controlled. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.

From the outside, there is very little difference between a Defra approved stove and one that has not been granted this status. However, there are a few things that stove makers do in order to make their appliances DEFRA exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that are not designed to starve the flames of oxygen. This can cause them to smolder or create excessive amounts of smoke.

To stop this from happening manufacturers will adjust the top vent of a stove that is Defra approved. This will stop you from being able to shut the vent all the way down, since this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually located inside the top of the stove, defra stove beneath the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and may therefore be used to burn different types of fuels alongside wood. This is a great choice if you reside in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by to be restricted to only using fuels that are approved. Certain stoves that are exempt from Defra exemption can also be fitted with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand a bigger size). This is a great benefit for those who wish to install wood-burning stoves but are concerned about local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the advantages of a Defra approved stove?

In addition to complying with local regulations and providing an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can also offer many other benefits. They are typically more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves and reduce the amount carbon that is produced. This can lead to substantial savings on your heating bills. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have simpler controls than non-approved ones.

When purchasing an electric or wood-burning stove, there are many different aspects to take into consideration, such as your requirements for heating, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is important to consider these aspects. A defra-exempt stove is an excellent choice for homeowners who live in smoke-free 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 and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, meaning that they will last longer and can withstand more extreme temperatures.

The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes in smoke-controlled areas. However, it is important to note that if you are planning on using your stove with damp wood or another wet fuel, it will cause smoke nuisance and be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove makers need to make adjustments to their equipment to limit the amount of air that will be lost during the burning process. The top air control is usually modified to prevent the complete closure. If you shut off the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smoulder instead of properly burning. This could result in unpleasant smoke.

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

A stove that has been approved by the luxury DEFRA stoves can let you burn wood legally in a Smoke Control Area. However, a nondefra-exempt stove will not. Stoves that are approved by Defra have passed tests that prove they are able to burn wood safely and effectively in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive quantities of smoke. This means that when you live in a zone that is smoke-free, you will be able to use your new stove without the possibility of costly fines.

A Defra-approved stove is also more efficient in energy use than other stoves, producing more heat and emitting less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a great choice for homeowners seeking to save money and care about the environment.

Stoves that are DEFRA stoves for sale approved will typically be advertised with the Defra Approved logo that is easily identifiable and has been adopted by the stove industry. You can also determine if the stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specifications or looking on the website of the manufacturer for more details about the stove.

When selecting a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style that you require since there are a myriad of choices available. Some of these are more traditional and will look gorgeous when placed in an old fireplace chamber, or inglenook. Others are more modern and would suit a more contemporary living space.

Also, make sure that the stove you select is Defra exempt by making sure that it appears on DEFRA's list authorised appliances or by ensuring that it has 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 simpler to sell a stove with the Clean Burn technology than to test it and then spend the time and expense to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that is Defra exempt will ensure that the wood used to power it is sourced sustainably that has been properly seasoned, dried and seasoned before it is burned. This will reduce the amount of smoke produced which is better for the environment. It also helps keep chimneys in good condition for longer.

What is the Difference Between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. the Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You'll need to take into consideration various factors when choosing the ideal stove for your home. These include style, 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 listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, to the average homeowner might seem like nothing more than a term used to sell products but it has significant implications for those who live in smoke-free areas.

To be in compliance with the laws against the sale of logs within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism that stops you from closing down the air supply valve completely. This is because if you cut the air flow to the fire, the wood will start to smoulder and produce excess smoke, which could be in breach of the law. To prevent this from happening, make sure that your wood is dried thoroughly before you use it in 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 website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas, and steam coal with 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 a fine of up to PS1000.

Even if you're not in a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is still an excellent choice. They are more eco friendly and friendly to neighbors since they operate without producing harmful smoke. They are also more efficient, and will keep your chimney system and flue cleaner for longer. However, it must 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 emissions limits which are considerably more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.