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 need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

Exempt stoves from DEFRA accredited stoves (ramsey-pena.thoughtlanes.net) are constructed to stop the fire from smouldering, which reduces the amount of smoke that is produced. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is an 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 Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been tested independently and meet strict criteria on emissions. Stoves with the DEFRA approved energy-efficient stoves Exempt label are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you live in a smoke control area, it is essential to have an DEFRA approved stove since you are not legally allowed to burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. If you install a non-DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control area you will be in breach of the Clean Air Act and could be prosecuted.

There is not much difference from the outside between the one that is Defra approved and one that doesn't have this status. There are a few things stove manufacturers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious difference is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are made not to starve the fire of oxygen as this can cause it to smolder and create excessive quantities of smoke.

To avoid this manufacturers will alter the top vent of a stove that is Defra approved. This will stop you from closing the vent completely down, as this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an incredibly small screw located on the top front of the stove, below the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves with Defra exemption tend to also be multifuel stoves and can be used to burn wood as well as other fuels. This can be a great alternative for those who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas and don't want to limit their usage to only authorised fuels. Certain stoves that are exempt from Defra exemption can also be equipped with five" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand a bigger size). This is great news for those looking to install woodburning stoves but are concerned about local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?

In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and supplying an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can also offer many other benefits. For example, they tend to be more efficient than non-Defra certified stoves and therefore reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when they are used. This can lead to significant 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.

There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences as well as long-term goals. It is crucial to take these factors into consideration when selecting a stove. Choosing for a stove that is exempt from defra is an excellent choice for homeowners living in smoke-free areas. They are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.

Defra-approved stoves are not only compliant with the environmental standards, but also provide better combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, producing a more pleasant and consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can withstand higher temperatures and last longer.

As an added benefit is that the majority of Defra approved stoves are compatible with a 5" chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-free areas. It is important to remember that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels that are damp however, it will still emit nuisance fumes and could cause a charge by the local authority.

To achieve Defra approval, stove makers need to make adjustments to their appliances to restrict the amount of air that will be lost during the burning process. Typically, the top air control will be modified to prevent it from being closed all the way. Shutting off the air supply to a stove for too long could cause it to smolder instead of burning properly and, in turn, cause smoke that is unpleasant.

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

The most obvious distinction is that a defra certified stove can legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove will not be able to. Stoves that are Defra-approved have passed tests that prove they are able to burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in a region that is smoke controlled you can use your new stove without fear of fines.

A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other kinds of wood-burning stoves so it will generate more heat and emit less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who want to save money on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that are Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo that is easily identifiable and is widely used by the stove industry. You can also find out whether a stove is Defra exempt by examining the specifications or the website of the manufacturer.

There are a variety of styles to choose from when you choose a Defra-approved stove. Some of these are more traditional in design and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook, while others are more modern and would be ideal for a modern living space.

Verify that the stove is Defra exempt. It should appear on the DEFRA list of authorised appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will advertise that their stoves are Defra exempt however 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 spend the time and money to go through the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that has been Defra exempt will make sure that the wood that is used to fuel it is sustainable, seasoned and dried properly before it is burned. This will mean that it will not produce large amounts of smoke, which is beneficial to the environment and helps keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.

What is the Difference Between an Exempt Stove that is Defra-compliant and A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You'll have to take into consideration several aspects when selecting the best stove for you home. These include the style as well as 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 described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, DEFRA accredited Stoves for the average homeowner, might seem like nothing more than a marketing jargon but it has significant implications for those living in smoke-free areas.

To be in compliance with the laws prohibiting the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. This is because if you decrease the flow of air to the fire the wood will begin to smoulder and produce excess smoke, which could be in violation of the law. To avoid this make sure that the wood is dried prior to use in the stove.

You can also make use of an DEFRA exempt wood burner in a Smoke Control Area if you only burn the approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. These include gas, semi-anthracite and anthracite as well as low volatile steam coal. However, if you decide to install a non-DEFRA certified stove in your home and you burn wet wood or any other fuels that aren't listed on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be punished up to PS1000.

Even if you do not reside in a Smoke Control Area and you are not in a Smoke Control Area, a DEFRA exempt wood burner is still a good choice as they are typically more environmentally and neighbour friendly because they can be operated without generating nuisance smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system clean for longer. However, it is to be noted that by 2022 all new stoves have to meet the stricter Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiency OGV and NOX ceilings, and have emission limits that are significantly higher than the limits currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.