Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most popular classification for UK cities and towns. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and DEFRA Stoves specifications want to install an appliance, you'll need a Defra approved stove. You can recognise them by their DEFRA Stoves Specifications approved logo.

Defra exempt stoves are built to prevent the fire from burning, 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 device that has passed the tests laid out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only used for stoves that have been independently tested, and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are safe to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

You can't burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove when you live in an area where smoking is controlled. Installing an non DEFRA approved stove within the smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.

From the outside, there is very little distinction between an Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been awarded this status. There are a few things that stove manufacturers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are designed not to deprive the flame of oxygen, since this could cause it to smolder and release excessive amounts of smoke.

To stop this from happening manufacturers will adjust the air vent at the top of a stove that is Defra approved. 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 incredibly small screw that is located on the front of the stove, beneath the base of stove or at the rear of the oven.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels along with wood. This can be a great option for people who live in areas which are designated as Smoke Control Areas and don't want to limit themselves to using only authorised fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemptions can also be equipped with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a bigger size). This is great news for those who plan to install wood-burning stoves in their homes, but are concerned about their local smoke regulations.

What are the Benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?

In addition to being compliant with local regulations and supplying warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide a variety of other advantages. They are generally more efficient than non-Defra stoves, and also reduce the amount of carbon produced. This can lead to 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 you are looking to purchase an electric or wood-burning stove, there are many different factors to consider such as your needs for heating as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is crucial to take into consideration these factors. A stove that is defra-exempt is an excellent choice for homeowners who live in smoke-controlled areas. They are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.

Aside from complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces a more pleasant and consistent flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, meaning that they will last longer and can withstand more extreme temperatures.

The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow to use a 5 " chimney liner, which is ideal for homes in smoke-controlled areas. However it is important to note that if you are planning on using your stove with damp wood or any other wet fuel, this will still cause smoke nuisance and possibly result in a prosecution by the local authority.

To obtain Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make modifications to the appliance to limit how much air it is deprived of during the process of burning. The top air control is usually modified to stop the complete closure. Closing the air supply to a stove in excess can cause it to smoulder instead of properly burning and result in 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, a nondefra-exempt stove will not. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed tests that show they can safely burn wood and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you live in an area that is smoke-free, you can use the new stove without fear of fines.

A stove that is Defra-approved is more energy efficient than other types that produce more heat and emitting less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a great option for homeowners seeking to save money while caring about the environment.

Stoves that are Defra approved will usually be advertised with the Defra Approved logo, which is very recognisable and has been adopted by the stove industry. You can also determine if a stove is Defra-exempt by checking the specifications or on 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 choices to choose from. Some of these are more traditional in design and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook while others are more contemporary and will suit a contemporary living space.

Check that the stove is Defra-exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will advertise their stoves as being Defra exempt even though they haven't been tested to show it. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove with the Clean Burn technology than to test it and take the time and expense to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that is Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood that is used to power it is sourced sustainably and properly dried, seasoned and before being burned. This will reduce the amount of smoke produced, which is better for the environment. It also helps keep chimneys clean for longer.

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

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

To comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of wood 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 cut the air flow to the fire too much the wood will begin to smolder and release excess smoke, which will be in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening ensure that your wood is kiln-dried before you use it in the stove.

You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA site. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas, and steam coal with low volatile. However, if you decide to install a non-DEFRA certified stove in your home, and you burn wet wood or other fuels that aren't listed on the DEFRA stoves installation list that you can be penalized up to PS1000.

Even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is still a good choice as they are generally more eco-friendly and friendly to neighbours because they can be operated without creating harmful 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 have to meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiency OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits that are significantly higher than those currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.