Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most 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 stove then you'll need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognize them by their Defra approved logo.

The stoves which are exempt from Defra have been designed to stop the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is a 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 approved sustainable stoves Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been independently tested and have met the strictest standards for emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you reside in a smoke control zone, you must have a DEFRA approved stove since you cannot legally burn wood (unless you are authorised to burn fuel) without one. If you install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in a smoke control zone, you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could face prosecution.

There is little difference from the outside between an appliance that is Defra approved stove and one that doesn't have this status. However, there are a few things that stove manufacturers use to make their products DEFRA Exempt. The most obvious difference is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are designed not to deprive the fire of oxygen, because this could cause it to smolder and produce excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this, stove makers will typically adjust the air vent at the top of the Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from closing the vent completely down, as it will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically located inside the top of the stove, beneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn different types of fuels alongside wood. This is 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 that are defra stove Exempt will also be able to be equipped with a 5" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer does not insist on the larger size). This is a great benefit for those looking to install woodburning stoves but are concerned about local smoke regulations.

What are the benefits of a Defra-approved stove?

In addition to complying with local regulations and offering a warm cosy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient in energy use than non-Defra certified stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon produced when used. This can lead to substantial savings on heating costs. Stoves that are approved by Defra are also simpler to use and have easier controls than stoves that are not approved.

When purchasing a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are a variety of different factors to consider including your heating requirements as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is essential to consider these aspects. A defra-exempt stove can be ideal for those who live in smoke-controlled areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines and can aid in reducing the impact your stove can have on the environment.

DEFRA stoves reviews-approved stoves not only meet environmental standards but also offer better combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, resulting in more pleasing and consistent flame. In addition they are more durable than non-defra stoves certified stoves, which means they will last longer and endure higher temperatures.

As an added benefit, most Defra approved stoves are compatible with a 5" chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-free areas. It is crucial to keep in mind that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels with dampness, it will still produce toxic fumes that could cause a charge from the local authority.

To obtain Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make modifications to the stove in order to limit the amount of air it will be deprived of during the burning process. The top air control is usually modified to prevent the complete closing. Shutting off the air supply to a stove for too long could cause it to smolder rather than burning properly and, in turn, cause smoke that is unpleasant.

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

A defra-approved stove will allow you burn wood legally in a Smoke Control Area. However, an exempt stove that is not defra-approved will not. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have been tested to prove that they are able to effectively and safely burn wood in smoke controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a smoke control area you can use your new stove without the risk of hefty fines.

A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other types of wood burning stoves, so it will generate more heat and emit less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who want to save money on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been Defra approved will typically be advertised with the Defra Approved logo, which is very recognisable and is used by the stove industry. You can also find out if a stove is Defra-exempt by checking the specifications or visiting the manufacturer's website.

There are many styles available when choosing a Defra-approved stove. Some are more traditional and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook while others are more contemporary and will be ideal for a modern living space.

It is also important to ensure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by ensuring it is on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances, or by making sure whether it is stamped with the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra exempt, even though they haven't been tested. It is much easier to market a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the cost of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that is Defra exempt will ensure that the wood that is used to fuel it is sustainable and properly dried, seasoned and before being burned. This will decrease 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 a Defra Exempt Stove and a Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

When it comes to selecting the right stove for your home, there is a lot of information that you must be aware of, including the design, heat output and fuel type. You may have noticed that many of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves on our website are described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, to an average homeowner, may seem like a marketing term. However it can have significant implications for those who live in smoke-free areas.

To be in compliance with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. This is because if you decrease the air flow to the fire, the wood will start to smoke and create excess smoke, which will be in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening, you will need to ensure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried before 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 approved fuels that are 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 approved wood burning stoves-approved stove in your home and burn wet wood or any other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list that you can be penalized up to PS1000.

Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is a good option. They are more eco friendly and neighbor-friendly as they are able to operate without generating nuisance smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney system and flue cleaner for longer. It is important to note that all new stoves must to meet the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations define minimum efficiency standards, as well as OGV and NOX ceilings, and emission limits that are higher than those currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.