Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

The majority of UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one of them and wish to install a wood burning stove, then you'll need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognize them by their logos that are Defra-approved.

The stoves that are not subject to Defra have been designed to stop the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.

What is an Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning domestic heating appliance which has passed the tests conducted 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. The stoves that are Defra Exempt can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

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

From the outside, there's no distinction between an Defra approved stove and high Quality stoves one that hasn't been given this status. There are a few things stove makers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that aren't designed to starve flames of oxygen. This could cause them to smoulder or emit excessive amounts of smoke.

To prevent this, stove manufacturers will typically adjust the top air vent on a Defra approved stove. This will prevent the possibility of shutting the vent completely as this would cut the air supply 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 can be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn other types of fuels alongside wood. This can be a great option for those who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas however do not want to restrict their use to only authorized fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemptions can be equipped with a 5" 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 wood-burning stoves, but are worried about local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the Benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?

Defra-approved stoves have many advantages they can provide, such as the ability to comply with local regulations as well as provide warm and cozy fire. For instance, they tend to be more efficient in energy use than stoves that are not Defra approved and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon produced when used. This can lead to significant savings on your heating bill. Stoves that are approved by Defra are also simpler to use and have more simple controls than non-approved ones.

When buying an electric or wood-burning stove, there are a variety of different aspects to take into consideration, including your requirements for heating as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is essential to consider these aspects. A defra-exempt stove is ideal for those who live in smoke-free areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines, and can reduce the impact your stove will have on the environment.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, producing more pleasing and consistent flame. In addition, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, meaning that they last longer and stand up to higher temperatures.

Most stoves that are Defra-approved are able to use a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in areas that are smoke-free. However it is crucial to be aware that if you intend to use your stove using damp wood or another wet fuel, it will produce nuisance smoke and can be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.

To obtain Defra approval, stove manufacturers must make changes to the appliance to limit the amount of air it is deprived of during the burning process. The air control on the top is usually altered to prevent the complete closing. If you close the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smoke instead of burning properly. This will lead to nuisance smoke.

What is the difference between a Defra Approved Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?

A defra-approved stove will allow burning wood legally within a Smoke Control Area. However, an exempt stove that is not defra-approved isn't. This is because high quality stoves that are Defra approved have been tested to show they can effectively and safely burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. This means that if you live in a smoke control area 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 kinds of wood-burning stoves so it will generate more heat and emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a great option for homeowners looking to cut down 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 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 that you require because there are a variety of options available. Some of these are more traditionally styled and look great in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more contemporary and will fit in a modern home.

Check that the stove is Defra exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or have the DEFRA approved efficient stoves logo. Many manufacturers will claim that their stoves are Defra-exempt but 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 expense to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, which means that the wood used as fuel for it is sustainable and properly dried prior to burning. This means that it will not produce huge amounts of smoke which is better for the environment and helps keep chimneys and flue systems clean for longer.

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

You'll need to consider several factors when choosing the ideal stove for you home. These include the style the heat output, style, and fuel type. You may have noticed that a lot of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves on our website are described as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This jargon, to the average homeowner may appear to be nothing more than a marketing term however, it can have very important implications for people who live in smoke controlled areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws against the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you reduce 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, make sure that your wood is kiln-dried before you put it in the stove.

You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA site. These include gas, semi-anthracite, and anthracite as well as steam coal with low volatile. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your house and burn wet wood, or other fuels not on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to a fine of up to PS1000.

Even if you don't reside in a Smoke Control Area, the DEFRA exempt wood burner is still a good choice as they are typically more environmentally and neighbor-friendly since they can be operated without generating polluting smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. It is important to note that all new stoves will have to comply with the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations define minimum efficiencies and NOX and OGV ceilings and emission limits that are significantly more than the ones in place today for DEFRA-exempt appliances.