Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you live in one and want to install a wood burning stove, then you'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them by their Defra-approved logo.

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

What is what is a Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt stove is a wood burning domestic heating appliance that has passed the tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been independently tested and have met the strictest standards for emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you live 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 an non DEFRA approved stove within the smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.

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

To prevent this, stove manufacturers typically adjust the air vent at the top of an Defra approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely, as this would cut the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually an insignificant screw located inside the front of the stove, underneath the stove's base, or on the rear of the oven.

Stoves with Defra exemption tend to also be multifuel stoves and can be used to burn wood as well as other fuels. This can be a great option for those who reside in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas, but who don't want to limit their use to only authorized fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemptions can be equipped with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). This is good news for those who plan to install wood-burning stoves in their homes, but are concerned about their local smoke regulations.

What are the advantages of a Defra-approved stove?

In addition to being compliant with local regulations and supplying a warm cosy fire, Defra approved stoves can also offer many other benefits. They are generally more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves and can reduce the amount of carbon produced. This can lead to significant savings on heating costs. In addition, Defra approved stoves are often easier to use than non-approved stoves and can be equipped with simple controls.

When purchasing a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove, there are a variety of different factors to consider such as your requirements for heating, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. It is important to take these aspects into consideration when selecting a stove. Choosing for a defra-exempt stove is a good option for homeowners living in smoke-free areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines, and can aid in reducing the impact that your stove has on the environment.

Apart from complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, which means they last longer and can withstand more extreme temperatures.

Most stoves that are Defra-approved are able to use a 5 " liner for chimneys, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-controlled areas. It is important to remember that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other damp fuels the stove will still emit unpleasant fumes and may cause a charge by the local authority.

In order to achieve Defra approval, stove makers are required to make modifications to the appliance to limit how much air it can be starved of during the burning process. Typically, the top air control will be altered to prevent it from closing completely. The air supply that is shut off to a stove too much could cause it to smolder instead of properly burning, which in turn will cause smoke that is unpleasant.

What is the difference between a DEFRA stoves ratings-approved stove and a non-DEFRA recognized stoves-approved stove?

The most obvious distinction is that a defra certified stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove will not be able to. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have passed tests to prove that they are able to safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a zone that is smoke-free, you can use your new stove without the risk of hefty fines.

A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other kinds of wood burning stoves, which means it will generate more heat and will emit less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a great option for homeowners looking to cut down on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.

Stoves which have been Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Burning mdf Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also determine if a stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specification details or by visiting the manufacturer's website for more information on it.

There are many styles to choose from when choosing a affordable DEFRA stoves-approved stove. Some are more traditional in design and will look beautiful in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook while others are more modern and would suit a contemporary living space.

Check 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 claim that their stoves are Defra-exempt but they haven't been tested. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove that has the Clean Burn technology than to test it and take the time and money to complete the process 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 it is burned. This reduces the amount of smoke that is produced, which is healthier for the earth. It also helps to keep chimneys in good condition for longer.

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

You will need to take into consideration various factors when choosing the ideal stove for your home. These include the style the heat output, style, and fuel type. You might have noticed on our website that a lot of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner might appear to be a marketing phrase. However it is a significant issue for those who live in smoke-free areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws prohibiting the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism that stops you from closing down the air supply valve completely. If you decrease the flow of air to the fire to a significant degree it will cause the wood to smolder and create smoke. This is against the law. To prevent this from happening ensure that your wood is kiln-dried before you put it in the stove.

You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA site. These include anthracite, semi-anthracite and gas as well as low volatile steam coal. However, if you decide to install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in your home and you burn wet wood or any other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be fined up to PS1000.

Even if you're not in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is a great option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly since they operate without producing polluting smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer. However, it should be noted that by 2022, all new stoves have to meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiencies, OGV and NOX ceilings as well as emission limits which are considerably higher than the limits currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.