Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most common classification for UK cities and towns. If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and are looking to install a stove, you will need a Defra approved stove. You can identify them by their logos that are DEFRA stoves advantages-approved.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are designed to stop the fire from burning, which reduces the amount of smoke produced. They also burn fuel better.

What is a Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt Stove is a domestic heating appliance that burns wood and 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 strict criteria on emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are safe for use in Smoke Control Areas.

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

There is little difference from the outside between the one that is Defra approved stove and one that does not have this status. However, there are a few things that stove manufacturers do to make their appliances DEFRA exempt. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on the DEFRA regulations stoves approved stove are designed not to deprive the fire of oxygen since this could cause it to smolder and create excessive quantities of smoke.

To avoid this, stove manufacturers typically adjust the air vent at the top of the Defra approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely since this could cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is often a small screw inside the top of the stove, below the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that have Defra exemptions are also able to be multifuel stoves that can be used to burn wood, as well as other fuels. This is a great option if you reside in an area which is designated as a Smoke Control Area, but don't want the restrictions of only using approved fuels. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be equipped with five" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer does not insist on a larger 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 advantages of a Defra Approved Stove?

Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages, including the ability to meet local regulations and provide an inviting and warm fire. For example, they tend to be more efficient than non-DEFRA Compliant Stoves approved stoves and therefore reduce the amount of carbon produced when used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bill. In addition, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves, and can be fitted with simple controls.

When buying a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove, there are many various factors to take into account, including your requirements for heating as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is crucial to take these factors into consideration when choosing the right stove, and opting for a stove that is exempt from defra is a great option for those living in smoke controlled areas. They are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.

Defra-approved stoves are not only compliant with the environmental standards, but also provide better combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, resulting in a more pleasant and consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means that they can withstand higher temperatures and last for longer.

Most Defra-approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch liner for chimneys, which is ideal for homes in areas that are smoke-free. It is crucial to keep in mind that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or other damp fuels however, it will still emit nuisance fumes and could lead to prosecution from the local authorities.

To obtain Defra approval, stove makers are required to make adjustments to the appliance to limit how much air it can be starved of during the combustion process. Typically, the top air control will be altered to prevent it from being closed completely. If you close the air supply too much it can cause the stove to smolder instead of burning properly. This can lead to an unpleasant smell of smoke.

What is the Difference Between a Defra Approved Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?

The most obvious difference is that a defra approved stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove will not be able to. 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 quantities of smoke. This means that when you live in a zone that is smoke-free, you can use your new stove with no possibility of paying hefty fines.

A Defra-approved stove is also more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types that produce more heat and emitting less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a great option for homeowners looking to save money on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that are Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo, which is very recognisable and has been adopted by the stove industry. You can also find out whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by checking the specifications or the manufacturer's website.

When choosing a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style you prefer as there are many different choices available. Some are more traditional and will look gorgeous in an old fireplace chamber, or inglenook. Others are more modern and would suit a more modern living space.

Verify that the stove is Defra-exempt. It should be listed on the DEFRA list of authorised appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra exempt, even though they haven't been tested. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the expense of becoming DEFRA approved British stoves-exempt.

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

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

When it comes to selecting the right stove for your home, there's many factors you must consider, such as design, heat output, and fuel type. You may have seen on our website that a lot of multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon which, to the average homeowner, may seem like a marketing term. However, it has important implications for those living in smoke-controlled areas.

To comply with the laws prohibiting the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are constructed with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve all the way. If you decrease the flow of air to the fire too much it can cause the wood to smolder and create smoke. This will be against the law. To avoid this ensure that your wood is dried thoroughly before you put 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 website. This includes anthracites and semi-anthracites as well as gas and steam coal with low volatile. If you install a stove that is not DEFRA-compliant in your house and burn wet wood, or other fuels that are not on DEFRA's list, you could face a fine of up to PS1000.

Even if you don't live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is a great option. They are more environmentally friendly and friendly to neighbors since they operate without producing harmful smoke. They are also more efficient, and will keep your chimney system and flue clean for longer. However, it is to be noted that by 2022 all new stoves have to meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiency, OGV and NOX ceilings, and have emission limits which are considerably higher than those currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.