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 recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

The stoves which are exempt from Defra are designed to prevent the fire from smouldering. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also make use of 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. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

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

From the outside there is no distinction between a Defra approved stove and one that has not been given this status. However, DEFRA Certified Stoves there are some ways that stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their appliances are DEFRA exempt. The most obvious difference is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are made not to deprive the flame of oxygen, as this can cause it to smolder and create excessive quantities of smoke.

To avoid this, manufacturers will adjust the air vent at the top of a stove that is Defra-approved. This will stop you from being able to shut the vent all the way down, as this could cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually a small screw located inside the front top of the stove, below the stove's base, or at the rear of the oven.

Stoves that are exempt from Defra exemption tend to also be multifuel stoves that can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This can be a great alternative for those who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas however don't want to limit their use to only authorized fuels. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be equipped with five" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). This is good news for those who are planning on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes but are worried about their local smoke regulations.

What are the advantages of a Defra-approved stove?

In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can provide a variety of other advantages. For example, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-Defra certified stoves and consequently reduce the amount of carbon produced when used. This can lead to substantial savings on your heating bill. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are typically more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and can be fitted with simple controls.

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. These include your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences and your long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is crucial to take into consideration these aspects. A defra-exempt stove can be ideal for those who live in smoke-free areas. They are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.

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

As an added benefit to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves can be used 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 plan to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels with dampness, it will still produce unpleasant fumes and may cause a charge from the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove makers are required to make modifications to the appliance in order to limit how much air it will be deprived of during the combustion process. The air control at the top is usually altered to prevent the entire closing. Closing the air supply to a stove too much could cause it to smolder instead of properly burning, which in turn will result in a nuisance 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 is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempted stove won't. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have passed tests to show they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in a region which is smoke-free you can use the new stove without the risk of penalties.

A stove that is Defra-approved is more energy efficient than other types, producing more heat and emitting less harmful carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who want to cut down on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves which have been approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also determine whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by looking up the specifications or visiting the manufacturer's website.

When you are choosing a Defra approved stove it is important to consider the style you want because there are a variety of choices available. Some are more traditionally styled and will look beautiful in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook, while others are more contemporary and will fit in a modern home.

Make sure the stove is Defra-exempt. It should appear on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will advertise that their stoves are Defra exempt but they haven't been tested. It is easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood used to fuel it is sourced sustainably and properly dried prior to burning. This reduces the amount of smoke generated, which is better for the environment. It also helps to keep chimneys clean for a longer time.

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

You will need to consider several aspects when selecting the best stove for you home. These include style, heat output, and fuel type. You might have seen on our website that a lot of stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner, may seem like a marketing phrase. However it is a significant issue for those living in smoke-controlled areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws against the sale of logs within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you decrease the air flow to the fire in excess it can cause the wood to smoke and create smoke. This will be against the law. To avoid this, make sure 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 approved fuels on the DEFRA approved low emission stoves website. This includes anthracites and semi-anthracites as well as gas, and steam coal that is low volatile. If you install a stove that is not DEFRA-compliant in your house and burn wet wood, or other fuels not on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to a fine of up to PS1000.

Even if you don't live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is an excellent option since they are usually more environmentally and neighbour friendly since they can be operated without generating harmful smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for a longer period of time. It is important to know that all new stoves will have to comply with the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations establish minimum efficiencies and NOX and OGV ceilings and emission limits that are significantly more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA-exempt appliances.