Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

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

The stoves that are not subject to Defra have been designed to stop the fire from burning. This reduces the amount of smoke. They also burn fuel better.

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 only applied to stoves which have been independently tested and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are safe for use in Smoke Control Areas.

If you reside in a smoke control area, it is essential to have a DEFRA approved stove since it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are authorised to burn fuel) without one. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.

There is no difference on the outside of the one that is Defra approved and one that doesn't have this status. There are a few things stove makers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that are not designed to starve the fires of oxygen. This can cause them to smolder or produce excessive amounts smoke.

To avoid this, manufacturers will adjust the top air vent of a Defra-approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually an incredibly small screw that is located on the front of the stove, beneath the stove's base or on the rear of the oven.

Stoves with Defra exemptions are also able to be multifuel stoves that can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This is a great option if you reside in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by the restrictions of only using fuels that are approved. Some stoves that have DEFRA regulations stoves exemptions can also be fitted with five" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). This is a great benefit for those who want to install woodburning stoves but are concerned about local smoke regulations.

What are the benefits of a Defra-approved stove?

Defra-approved stoves have many advantages that include the ability to comply with local regulations as well as provide warm and cozy fire. For instance, they tend to be more efficient than non-Defra certified stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon emissions when used. This can result in substantial savings on your heating costs. In addition, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves, and can be fitted with simple controls.

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. This includes your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is crucial to take these elements into consideration when selecting a stove, and opting for a defra-exempt stove is a good option for those living in smoke-free areas. They have been thoroughly tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines. They can reduce the impact your stove will have on the environment.

Aside from meeting environmental standards, DEFRA lawful stoves approved stoves are also designed to offer better combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. In addition they are more durable than non-DEFRA approved energy-efficient stoves approved stoves, meaning they will last longer and stand up to higher temperatures.

In addition to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves are compatible with a 5" chimney liner, which is perfect for homes that are located in smoke-free areas. However it is important to keep in mind that if you are planning to use your stove with damp wood or another wet fuel, this will still produce nuisance smoke and can be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.

To obtain Defra approval stove manufacturers have to modify their equipment to restrict the amount of air that will be removed during the combustion process. The air control on the top is usually altered to stop the complete closing. Closing the air supply to a stove for too long could cause it to smolder instead of properly burning, which in turn will result in a nuisance smoke.

What is the Difference Between an approved Defra Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?

The most obvious difference is that a defra certified stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempted stove won't. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have passed tests to prove that they are able to effectively and safely burn wood in smoke controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. This means that if you live in a zone that is smoke-free, you will be able to use your new stove with no possibility of costly fines.

A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other kinds of wood burning stoves, meaning that it will produce more heat and emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a good choice for homeowners looking to save money and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been Defra approved will typically be advertised with the Defra Approved logo, which is very recognisable and is widely used by the stove industry. You can also find out whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by checking the specifications or the website of the manufacturer.

When selecting a Defra approved stove, it is important to consider the style you prefer as there are many different choices to choose from. Some are more traditional and look great in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook while others are more modern and will be ideal for a modern living space.

You should also make sure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by ensuring that it is listed 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. It is easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the cost of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, which means that the wood used as fuel for it is sourced sustainably and properly dried before burning. This will mean that it will not produce large amounts of smoke, which is better for the environment, and also helps to keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.

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

You'll need to take into consideration various factors when choosing the right stove for your home. These include style as well as 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, for the average homeowner may seem like a marketing phrase. However it can have significant implications for those living in areas that are smoke-free.

To be in compliance with the laws prohibiting the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas defra stoves exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. This is because if you cut the flow of air to the fire too much, the wood will start to smolder and release excessive smoke, which would be in breach of the law. To avoid this, make sure 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 the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. These include gas, semi-anthracite and anthracite as well as low volatile steam coal. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your home and use wet wood or other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to a fine of up to PS1000.

Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is a great option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly as they can operate without producing nuisance smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer. It is important to remember that all new stoves will need to meet the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations define minimum efficiency levels, OGV and NOX ceilings, and emission limits that are more than the ones in place today for DEFRA-exempt appliances.