Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most common classification for UK towns and cities. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and would like to install a stove, you will need a Defra approved stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

The stoves which are exempt from Defra are designed to prevent 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 domestic heating appliance that has passed the tests laid out by the Department for DEFRA recognized Stoves 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. Exempt stoves from Defra are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you reside in a smoke-control area it is necessary to have a DEFRA approved stove as you cannot legally burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove in the smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.

There is no difference on the outside between a Defra approved and one that does not have this status. There are a few things stove makers can do to ensure that their products are 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 smoulder and create excessive quantities of smoke.

To stop this from happening manufacturers will alter the air vent at the top of a Defra-approved stove. This prevents you from being able to shut the vent completely down, since this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually an incredibly small screw located on the top front of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels in addition to wood. This is a great option for those who you reside in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone, defra recognized Stoves but don't want to be restricted to only using authorised fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemptions can also be fitted with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a bigger size). This is good news for those who are planning on installing woodburning stoves in their homes, but are concerned about local regulations on smoke.

What are the benefits of a stove that is Defra certified?

In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and supplying warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can also offer many other benefits. They tend to be more efficient than non-Defra stoves and also reduce the amount of carbon that is produced. This can result in significant savings on your heating bill. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are often easier to use than non-approved stoves and may be fitted with simple controls.

When purchasing a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are a variety of various factors to take into account, such as your needs for heating as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is essential to take these elements into consideration when selecting a stove. Choosing for a stove that is exempt from defra is an excellent choice for those living in smoke controlled areas. They are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.

Defra-approved stoves not only meet the environmental standards, but also provide better combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. In addition, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, meaning that they last longer and can stand up to higher temperatures.

As an added benefit, most Defra approved stoves work with a 5" chimney liner, which is perfect for homes in smoke controlled areas. It is important to remember that if you decide to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels with dampness the stove will still emit nuisance fumes and could result in a prosecution from the local authorities.

To obtain Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make adjustments to the stove in order to limit the amount of air it can be starved of during the burning process. Typically the air control at the top will be altered to prevent it from closing completely. The air supply that is shut off to a stove for too long could cause it to smolder rather than burning properly, which in turn will result in a nuisance smoke.

What is the Difference Between a Defra Approved Stove and 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 would not. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed tests that prove they can burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive quantities of smoke. If you reside in an area that is smoke-free you can make use of your new stove without the risk of fines.

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

Stoves which have been Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo which is used 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 of these are more traditional and will look beautiful when placed in an old fireplace, or inglenook. Others are more modern and will look great in a contemporary living space.

Make sure the stove is Defra exempt. It should be listed on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will market their stoves as being Defra exempt even though they have not been tested to show it. This is because it is easier to sell a stove that has the Clean Burn technology than to test it and then spend the time and money to go through 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 will reduce the amount of smoke that is produced which is better for the environment. It also helps keep chimneys clean for longer.

What is the difference between an Exempt Stove that is Defra-compliant and A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You'll have to consider several aspects when selecting the best stove for you home. These include the design as well as heat output and fuel type. You might have noticed that a lot of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves available on our website are described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to an average homeowner, might appear to be a marketing phrase. However it can have significant implications for those who live in areas that are smoke-free.

To be in compliance with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you reduce the flow of air to the fire too much the wood will begin to smoulder and produce excessive smoke, which would be in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening you should ensure that the wood you use in your stove is dried out prior to putting it on the stove.

You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas and steam coal that is low volatile. If you install a non-defra recognized stoves (http://plurismillesimes.com/) stove in your home and you burn wet wood, or any other fuels that are not on DEFRA's list, you could face penalties of up to PS1000.

Even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is a great option. They are more environmentally friendly and friendly to neighbors since they can operate without producing polluting smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it is to be noted that by 2022 all new stoves must comply with the more stringent Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiency, OGV and NOX ceilings as well as emission limits that are much more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.