Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one of them and wish to install a wood burner then you need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognize them by their Defra approved logo.

Defra exempt stoves are built to prevent the fire from smouldering which reduces the amount of smoke that is produced. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning domestic heating appliance which has passed the tests conducted by the Department for DEFRA Approved low emission stoves Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only applied to stoves which have been independently tested, and have met strict standards regarding emissions. DEFRA approved low emission stoves exempt stoves are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

It is not possible to burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove when you live in an area where smoke is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA authorised stove in a smoke control area you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could face prosecution.

From the outside, there's no distinction between a Defra approved stove and one that has not been granted this status. There are a few things stove makers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious difference is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are designed not to deprive the fire of oxygen, since this could cause it to smolder and create excessive quantities of smoke.

To prevent this, stove manufacturers will typically adjust the air vent at the top of an Defra approved stove. This will stop you from being able to shut the vent all the way down, since this could cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually an insignificant screw located inside the front of the stove, beneath the stove's base or on the rear of the oven.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels in addition to wood. This is a fantastic option for people who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas however do not want to limit themselves to using only authorised fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemptions can be equipped with 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand a bigger size). This is a wonderful benefit for those who want to install wood burning stoves, but are worried about local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the benefits of a Defra-approved stove?

Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages that include the ability to conform to local regulations and provide warm and cozy fire. They are generally more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves, and also reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced. This can result in substantial savings on your heating bills. In addition, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves, and can be equipped with simple controls.

When purchasing a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are various factors to take into account, including your requirements for heating as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is crucial to take these aspects into consideration when choosing a stove. Choosing for a defra exempt stove is a good option for those living in smoke-free areas. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.

Aside from meeting environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can stand up to higher temperatures and last longer.

Most stoves that are Defra-approved are able to use a 5 " liner for chimneys. This is ideal for homes in areas that are smoke-free. It is essential to remember that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other damp fuels, it will still produce toxic fumes that could lead to prosecution from the local authorities.

To get DEFRA stoves installation approval stove manufacturers have to modify their appliances to limit the amount of air that can be removed during the combustion process. Typically, the top air control will be modified to prevent it from being closed all the way. If you close the air supply too much it could cause the stove to smoulder instead of properly burning. This can lead to unpleasant smoke.

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

A stove that is approved by defra will let burning wood legally within a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves won't. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed tests that prove they can burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive quantities of smoke. If you reside in an area that is smoke-free, you can use the new stove with no risk of fines.

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

Stoves that have been Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo that is easily identifiable and has been adopted by the stove industry. You can also determine whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or the manufacturer's website.

When choosing a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style you prefer as there are many different options available. Some of these are more traditional and will look beautiful in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook. Others are more modern and would be a great fit for a more contemporary living space.

Verify that the stove is Defra-exempt. It should be listed on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will market their stoves as being Defra exempt even though they have not been tested to show that they are. This is due to the fact that it is much easier to sell a stove with the Clean Burn technology than to test it and take the time and money to complete the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that has been Defra exempt will make sure that the wood used to fuel it is sustainably sourced that has been properly seasoned, dried and seasoned before it is burned. This will decrease the amount of smoke generated, which is healthier for the earth. It also helps to keep chimneys in good condition for longer.

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

When you are deciding on the right stove for your home, there is a lot of information that you should take into consideration, including design, heat output, and the type of fuel. 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, may seem like a marketing term. However, it has important implications for those living in areas that are smoke-free.

To comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are constructed with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you reduce the air flow 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 an DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only burn approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. These include gas, semi-anthracite and anthracite as well as steam coal with low volatile. However, if you choose to fit a non-order DEFRA stoves online approved stove in your home, and you burn wet wood or any other fuels that aren't listed on the DEFRA list that you can be penalized up to PS1000.

Even if you do not reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is still an excellent option since they are typically more environmentally and neighbor-friendly because they can be operated without creating harmful smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer. It is important to remember that all new stoves will have to meet the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations establish minimum efficiency levels, NOX and DEFRA Approved low emission Stoves OGV ceilings and emissions limits that are significantly higher than those in place today for DEFRA-exempt appliances.