Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most common classification for UK cities and towns. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and would like to install a stove, you'll need a Defra approved stove. You can identify them through their approved logo from the Defra.

Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to prevent the fire from smouldering which reduces the amount of smoke generated. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

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

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

From the outside, there's no distinction between a Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been given this status. There are a few things that stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are made not to starve the flame of oxygen, as this can cause it to smolder and produce excessive amounts of smoke.

To prevent this manufacturers will alter the top air vent of a stove that is Defra-approved. This prevents you from being able to shut the vent completely down, since this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is often located inside the top front of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn different types of fuels alongside wood. This is a great option for those who you reside in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone and you don't want to be restricted to only using authorised fuels. Some stoves that have Defra exemptions can also be equipped with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on larger dimensions). This is great news for people who are planning on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes but are worried about their local smoke regulations.

What are the Benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?

Defra-approved stoves have many advantages, including the ability to comply with local regulations and provide an inviting and warm fire. They are typically more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves and reduce the amount carbon produced. This can result in substantial savings on your heating costs. In addition, Defra approved stoves are often easier to use than non-approved stoves and can be fitted with simple controls.

There are a variety of factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences, as well as long-term goals. It is essential to take these aspects into consideration when choosing a stove, and opting for a defra exempt stove is a good option for those living in areas that are smoke-free. They have been thoroughly tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines. They can aid in reducing the impact that your stove has on the environment.

In addition to complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, which means they will last longer and are able to stand up to higher temperatures.

In addition to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-free areas. However it is crucial to note that if you intend on using your stove with damp wood or any other wet fuel, it will create smoke that is not pleasant and could possibly result in a being prosecuted by the local authority.

To achieve Defra approval stove manufacturers have to modify their appliances to restrict the amount of air that will be removed during the combustion process. The air control at the top is usually altered to prevent the complete closure. If you close the air supply too tightly it could cause the stove to smoulder instead of properly burning. This will 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 will not. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have been tested to prove they can safely and effectively burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a smoke control area you will be able to use your new stove without possibility of costly fines.

A stove that is Defra-approved is more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types that produce more heat and emitting less harmful carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who are seeking to save money while caring about the environment.

Stoves that are Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo which is well-known and is widely used by the stove industry. You can also determine if a stove is Defra exempt by examining the specifications or looking on the website of the manufacturer for more information on the stove.

When you are choosing a Defra approved stove, it is essential to think about the style you want as there are many different choices to choose from. Some are more traditional and will look beautiful in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook while others are more modern and would fit in a modern home.

Make sure the stove is Defra-exempt. It should be listed on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as Defra exempt even if they have not been tested to demonstrate it. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove that features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and take the time and money to complete 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 means that it is less likely to generate large amounts of smoke, which is better for the environment and also helps to keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.

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

When you are deciding on the best stove for your home, there's a lot of information that you should consider, such as design, heat output and the type of fuel. You might be aware that a number of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves available on our site are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner may seem to be nothing more than a marketing term however, it can have significant implications for those who live in smoke controlled areas.

To be in compliance with the laws against the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. This is because if you cut the air flow 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 the wood is dried thoroughly prior to use in the stove.

You can also use a DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only burn approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. These include gas, semi-anthracite, and anthracite as well as steam coal with low volatile. If you install a stove that is not DEFRA-compliant in your home and use wet wood, or any other fuels that are not on DEFRA's list, you could face a fine of up to PS1000.

Even if you do not live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, an DEFRA accredited stoves exempt wood burner is an excellent option since they are typically more environmentally and friendly to neighbours since they can be operated without producing harmful smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system clean for longer. However, it should be noted that by 2022 all new stoves must meet the stricter Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiency OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits that are significantly higher than the limits currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.