Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one and would like to install a wood burner then you'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their logos that are Defra-approved.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra are designed to prevent the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount of smoke. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

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 only used for stoves that have been independently tested and have met strict standards regarding emissions. Defra exempt stoves can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

You cannot burn wood without a buy DEFRA stoves approved stove if you live in an area where smoking is controlled. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.

There is little difference from the outside of a Defra approved stove and one that doesn't have this status. There are a few ways that stove manufacturers 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 fire of oxygen because this could cause it to smolder and release excessive amounts of smoke.

To prevent this, stove manufacturers will usually adjust the air vent at the top of a recommended DEFRA stoves approved stove. This will stop you from being able shut the vent completely down as this would cut the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually an incredibly small screw located on the top of the stove, beneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

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

What are the benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?

In addition to complying with local regulations and supplying a warm cosy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. They are typically more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves, and can reduce the amount of carbon that is produced. This can lead to substantial savings on heating costs. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves, and can be equipped with simple controls.

There are a variety of factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi fuel stove defra approved-fuel. These include your heating requirements, aesthetic preferences, and your long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is crucial to take into consideration these aspects. A defra-exempt stove is an excellent choice for homeowners who live in smoke-free areas. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.

Aside from being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are also designed to offer better combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces more pleasing and consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can endure higher temperatures and last longer.

Additionally, most Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-free areas. However, it is important to note that if you are planning on using your stove with damp wood or any other wet fuel, it will cause smoke nuisance and possibly result in a being prosecuted by the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove makers must make modifications to their equipment to limit the amount of air that could be lost during the burning process. Typically the air control on top will be altered to prevent it from closing all the way. If you shut off the air supply too tightly, it can cause the stove to smoke instead of burning properly. This could result in unpleasant smoke.

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

A defra-approved stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves won't. Stoves that are Defra-approved have passed tests that show they can burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you live in an area which is smoke-free then you can make use of your new stove without the risk of fines.

A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other types of wood burning stoves, meaning that it will produce more heat and release less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a good choice for homeowners looking to save money and care about the environment.

Stoves that are Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo that is easily identifiable and is used by the stove industry. You can also determine whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or the manufacturer's website.

There are a variety of styles to choose from when you choose a Defra-approved stove. Some of these are more traditional and look beautiful 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 authorized 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 it and incur the cost of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood used as fuel for it has been sustainably sourced and properly dried before burning. This will decrease the amount of smoke generated, which is healthier for the earth. It also helps keep chimneys in good condition for longer.

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

When it comes to selecting the best stove for your home, there is plenty of information you will need to take into consideration, including design, heat output, and fuel type. You may have noticed on our website that many stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, to the average homeowner, could appear to be a commercial term. However it can have significant implications for those living in smoke-free areas.

In order DEFRA stoves online to comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you reduce the air flow to the fire the wood will begin to smolder and release excess smoke, which could be in breach of the law. To avoid this, you will need to ensure that the wood in your stove is dried to a certain degree prior to putting it on the stove.

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

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