Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most commonly used classification for UK cities and towns. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and would like to install an appliance, you'll require a Defra approved stove. You can identify them by their Defra approved logo.

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

What is a Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt stove is a wood-burning domestic heating appliance that has passed the tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only available to stoves that have been independently tested, and have met strict standards regarding emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

You cannot burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove if you live in an area where smoking is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in a smoke control area you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could face prosecution.

From the outside there is no distinction between a Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been given this status. There are a few ways stove manufacturers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are designed not to deprive the fire of oxygen as this can cause it to smolder and create excessive quantities of smoke.

To avoid this, stove manufacturers will usually adjust the air vent at the top of a Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from closing the vent all the way down, since this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually an incredibly small screw that is located on the front top of the stove, below the base of stove or on the rear of the oven.

Stoves with Defra exemption tend to also be multifuel stoves, and can be used to burn wood, as well as other fuels. This is a fantastic alternative for defra endorsed stoves those who live in areas which are designated as Smoke Control Areas, but who do not want to restrict their use to only authorized fuels. Some stoves that have Defra exemption can also be fitted with 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand larger dimensions). This is great news for those who wish 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 also offer many other benefits. They are generally more efficient than non-Defra stoves, and also reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced. This can lead to significant savings on your heating bills. Stoves that are approved by Defra are also simpler to use and have more simple controls than non-approved stoves.

When purchasing an electric or wood-burning stove, there are many different factors to consider including your requirements for heating as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is crucial to take these factors into consideration when choosing the right stove, and opting for a defra exempt stove is a great option for those living in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves have been rigorously tested and are in compliance with strict environmental guidelines and can reduce the impact your stove has on the environment.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are also designed to offer better combustion and flame spread. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and creates a pleasant, consistent flame. In addition they are more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, which means they will last longer and endure higher temperatures.

In addition, most Defra approved stoves work with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-free areas. However it is crucial to be aware that if you plan to use your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, it will create smoke that is not pleasant and could be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.

To achieve Defra approval stove manufacturers must make modifications to their equipment to restrict the amount of air that can be lost during the burning process. The air control on the top is usually modified to stop the complete closing. If you close the air supply too much it could cause the stove to smoulder instead of properly burning. This can lead to 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, nondefra-exempt stoves won't. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have been tested to prove they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. This means that when you live in a smoke control area you can use your new stove with no 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 carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This makes them a good option for homeowners looking to save money and care about the environment.

Stoves that are approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out if a stove is Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or visiting the manufacturer's website.

When you are choosing a Defra approved stove, it is essential to think about the style that you require as there are many different choices to choose from. Some are more traditionally styled and look great in an old fireplace or inglenook, while others are more modern and will suit a contemporary living space.

It is also important to ensure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by making sure that it is listed on DEFRA's list of approved appliances or by checking that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are defra stove exempt however they haven't been tested. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove that features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and spend the time and money to complete the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that has been Defra exempt will ensure that the wood used to power it is sustainably sourced, seasoned and dried properly before being burned. This reduces the amount of smoke generated, which is healthier for the earth. It also helps to keep chimneys clean for a longer time.

What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. a Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You will need to consider several factors when choosing the right stove for you home. These include the design the heat output, style, and fuel type. You may have seen on our website that many multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, to the average homeowner, could appear to be a commercial phrase. However, it has important implications for those living in smoke-controlled areas.

To comply with the laws that ban the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are designed with an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you reduce the air flow to the fire the wood will begin to smoulder and produce excessive smoke, which would be in breach of the law. To prevent this from happening, you will need to ensure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried before using it on the stove.

You can also use a DEFRA exempt wood burner in a Smoke Control Area if you only burn the 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 decide to install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in your home and you burn wet wood or other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be punished up to PS1000.

Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is an option to consider as they are typically more environmentally and neighbor-friendly since they can be operated without producing polluting smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer. However, it should be noted that by 2022, all new stoves must comply with the stricter Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiency OGV, NOX ceilings and have emissions limits that are significantly more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA Endorsed Stoves exempt appliances.