Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

The majority of UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one and would like to install a wood burner then you'll require a DEFRA approved energy-efficient Stoves exempt stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to prevent the flame from burning and reduce the amount of smoke produced. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt stove is a wood-burning domestic heating device that has passed the tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been tested independently and meet the strict criteria for emissions. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas.

You cannot burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove when you live in a place where smoke is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA authorised stove in a smoke control area you will be in breach of the Clean Air Act and could be prosecuted.

From the outside, there's very little difference between the recommended DEFRA stoves approved stove and one that hasn't been given this status. There are a few ways that stove manufacturers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that are not designed to starve the fires of oxygen. This could cause them to smoke or emit excessive amounts of smoke.

To stop this from happening manufacturers will alter the top air vent of a Defra-approved stove. This will stop you from being able to shut the vent completely down, as this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an incredibly small screw that is located on the front top of the stove, underneath the base of stove or at the rear of the oven.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves and may therefore be used to burn different types of fuels alongside wood. This is a great option if you reside in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Zone and you don't want the restrictions of only using fuels that are approved. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be fitted with five" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). This is good news for those who plan on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes, but are concerned about the local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the advantages of a Defra-approved stove?

Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits they can provide, such as the ability to conform to local regulations as well as provide warm and cozy fire. They are typically more efficient than non-Defra stoves and also reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced. This can lead to significant savings on your heating costs. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have simpler controls than non-approved ones.

When buying an electric or wood-burning stove, there are a variety of various factors to take into account, including your requirements for heating, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. It is essential to take these aspects into consideration when choosing a stove, and opting for a defra burning mdf-exempt stove is a good option for those living in smoke-free areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines and can aid in reducing the impact that your stove can have on the environment.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide better combustion and flame spread. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and creates a pleasant, consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can withstand higher temperatures and last for longer.

The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow to use a 5 " liner for chimneys, which is ideal for homes in areas with smoke control. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you are planning to use your stove using damp wood or any other wet fuel, it can create smoke that is not pleasant and could potentially lead to being prosecuted by the local authority.

To obtain Defra approval, stove makers need to make adjustments to their appliances to restrict the amount of air that will be removed during the combustion process. Typically the air control on top is modified to stop it from being closed completely. The air supply that is shut off to a stove in excess could cause it to smolder instead of burning properly and cause smoke that is unpleasant.

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

The most obvious distinction is that a defra-approved stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove would not. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have passed tests to prove they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. This means that if you live in a smoke-free zone, you will be able to use your new stove without the possibility of paying hefty fines.

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

Stoves that have been approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also determine if a stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specification details or by looking on the website of the manufacturer for more details about the stove.

There are many styles available when choosing a Defra-approved stove. Some are more traditional and will look stunning in an old fireplace chamber, or inglenook. Others are more modern and would be a great fit for a more 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 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 take the time and expense to go through the process of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood used as fuel for it is sustainable and properly dried prior to burning. This reduces the amount of smoke that is produced which is healthier for the environment. 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 it comes to selecting the right stove for your home, there's many factors you must be aware of, including the style, heat output and the type of fuel. You might have seen on our site that many multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner, may appear to be nothing more than a marketing jargon however, it can have significant implications for those living in smoke-free areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve all the way. If you decrease the air flow to the fire in excess it can cause the wood to smolder and emit smoke. This is against the law. To prevent this from happening ensure that your wood is dried thoroughly before you use it in the stove.

You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas and steam coal that is low volatile. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your house and burn wet wood, DEFRA approved energy-Efficient stoves or any other fuels not on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to penalties of 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 eco friendly and neighbor-friendly since they operate without producing harmful smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer. However, it is to be noted that by 2022, all new stoves must comply with the more stringent Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiencies OGV and NOX ceilings as well as emission limits that are significantly higher than those currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.