Everything You Need To Be Aware Of Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most commonly used classification for UK towns and cities. If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and are looking to install a stove, you'll need a Defra approved stove. You can identify them through their logos that are Defra-approved.

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

What is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning heating appliance for domestic use that 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 independently tested and meet the strict criteria for emissions. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas.

If you reside in a smoke control area it is necessary to have a DEFRA approved stove, as it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. Installing an 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 the one that is Defra approved appliance and one that doesn't have this status. There are however a few things that stove makers do to ensure that their appliances are DEFRA Exempt. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are made not to deprive the fire of oxygen, as this can cause it to smoulder and produce excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this, stove manufacturers usually make an adjustment to the air vent at the top of an Defra approved stove. This prevents you from closing the vent completely down, as this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically a small screw inside the top of the stove, underneath the stove's base or DEFRA certified stoves on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves that 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 however don't want to limit their use to only authorized fuels. Certain stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions can be fitted with 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a bigger size). This is a great benefit for those looking to install woodburning stoves but are concerned about local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the Benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?

Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages they can provide, such as the ability to conform to local regulations as well as provide warm and cozy fire. For instance, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-Defra certified stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon produced when used. This can result in substantial savings on your heating costs. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are typically more user-friendly than non-approved stoves, and can be fitted with simple controls.

When purchasing a multi-fuel or wood-burning 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. When selecting a stove, it is important to consider these aspects. A defra-exempt stove can be ideal for those who live in smoke-free areas. They have been thoroughly tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines, and can aid in reducing the impact that your stove will have on the environment.

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

In addition, most Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-free areas. It is crucial to keep in mind that if you decide to use your stove with damp wood or other damp fuels however, it will still emit nuisance fumes and could cause a charge from the local authorities.

In order to achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make adjustments to the stove in order to limit the amount of air it will be deprived of during the combustion process. Typically the air control at the top DEFRA stoves will be altered to prevent it from being shut all the way. If you close the air supply too tightly it could cause the stove to smolder instead of burning properly. This could result in 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, an exempt stove that is not defra-approved won't. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have been tested to prove that they are able to safely and effectively burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in an area which is smoke-free you can make use of your new stove without the risk of fines.

A stove that is approved by Defra is more energy efficient than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent option for homeowners looking to cut down on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.

Stoves which have been approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also find out whether a stove is Defra exempt by looking up the specifications or on 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 options available. Some are more traditional and look stunning in an old fireplace or inglenook while others are more modern and would fit in a modern home.

Make sure the stove is Defra exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of approved appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as Defra exempt even though they have not been tested to prove it. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the cost of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that is Defra exempt will ensure that the wood that is used to fuel it is sustainably sourced, seasoned and dried properly before burning. This means it is less likely to generate huge amounts of smoke which is good for the environment, and also helps keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.

What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. the Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

When you are deciding on the ideal stove for your home, there is plenty of information you must take into consideration, including design, heat output and fuel type. You may be aware that a number of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves available on our website are described as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA compliant stoves list approved. This is jargon that, for the average homeowner, might seem like nothing more than a marketing term however, it can have significant implications for those living in smoke-free areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws against the sale of logs 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 reduce the air flow to the fire the wood will begin to smoulder and produce excess smoke, which could be in violation of the law. To avoid this, you will need to ensure that the wood in your stove is dried out prior to using it on 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 decide to fit a non-DEFRA approved stove in your home, and you burn wet wood or other fuels that aren't listed on the DEFRA list that you can be fined up to PS1000.

Even if you're not in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is still an excellent choice. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly as they operate without producing harmful smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer. However, it is to be noted that by 2022 all new stoves must comply with the stricter Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiencies OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits which are considerably more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.