Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

The majority of UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you live in one and want to install a wood stove then you need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to stop the flame from burning and reduce the amount of smoke generated. They also burn fuel better.

What is an 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 Defra Approved Traditional Stoves have met the strictest standards for emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you reside in a smoke control area, it is essential to have a DEFRA approved stove since it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. If you install a non-DEFRA approved stove in a smoke-control area, you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could face prosecution.

There is little difference from the outside between a Defra approved appliance and one that does not have this status. There are however a few ways that stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their appliances are DEFRA exempt. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are made not to starve the fire of oxygen as this can cause it to smoulder and produce excessive amounts of smoke.

To prevent this, stove manufacturers typically adjust the top air vent on an Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from closing the vent completely, because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is typically a small screw inside the top of the stove, underneath the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn other types of fuels alongside wood. This is a great option for people who live in areas which are designated as Smoke Control Areas and DEFRA approved traditional stoves don't want to limit their usage to only authorised fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemptions can also be equipped with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand a bigger size). This is great news for those who plan on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes, but are concerned about the local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the advantages of a Defra-approved stove?

Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits they can provide, such as the ability to comply with local regulations and provide warm and cozy fire. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient than non-Defra certified stoves and therefore reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bill. In addition, Defra approved stoves are typically more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and can be fitted with simple controls.

When you are looking to purchase a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove, there are different aspects to take into consideration, including your heating requirements as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is important to consider these factors. A stove that is defra-exempt is a great choice for homeowners who live in smoke-free areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and are in compliance with strict environmental guidelines. They can help to minimise the impact that your stove will have on the environment.

Defra-approved stoves are not only compliant with environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces an even and pleasant flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, which means they last longer and are able to stand up to higher temperatures.

Most Defra-approved stoves are compatible to use a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-controlled areas. It is essential to remember that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels with dampness however, it will still emit nuisance fumes and could cause a charge from the local authority.

To obtain Defra approval stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their equipment to restrict the amount of air that could be lost during the burning process. Typically the air control on top will be modified to prevent it from closing completely. If you shut off the air supply too much, it can cause the stove to smoulder 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?

A stove that has been approved by the defra can let you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves won't. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have passed tests to prove they can effectively and safely burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. If you live in an area which is smoke-free, you can use your new stove without fear of penalties.

A stove that is Defra-approved is more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful emissions in the air. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who are seeking to save money and care about the environment.

Stoves that have been DEFRA regulations stoves approved will typically be 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 is Defra exempt by checking the specifications or on the website of the manufacturer.

There are a variety of styles to choose from when choosing a Defra-approved stove. Some are more traditional and look stunning when placed in an old fireplace, or inglenook. Others are more modern and would be a great fit for a more contemporary living space.

You should also make sure that the stove you select is Defra exempt by ensuring it is on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances or by ensuring that it has the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will market their stoves as defra approved traditional stoves exempt, even though they haven't been tested to prove it. 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 undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood used as fuel for it has been sustainably sourced and properly dried prior to burning. This reduces the amount of smoke that is produced which is healthier 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 you are deciding on the right stove for your home, there is many factors you will need to consider, such as design, heat output, and the type of fuel. You might have seen on our site that many multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon which, to an average homeowner, may seem like a marketing term. However, it has important implications for those who live in smoke-free areas.

To comply with the laws against the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you cut the flow of air to the fire too much the wood will begin to smoke and create excessive smoke, which would be in violation of the law. To avoid this you should make sure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried prior to using it on the stove.

You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use 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 install a non-DEFRA stove in your home and you burn wet wood or other fuels not on the DEFRA's list, you could face penalties of up to PS1000.

Even if you do not reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area and you are not in a Smoke Control Area, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is an excellent option since they are usually more environmentally and neighbour friendly because they can be operated without generating harmful smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue clean for longer. It is important to remember that all new stoves must to meet the more stringent Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations set minimum efficiencies and NOX and OGV ceilings and emissions limits that are much more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA-exempt appliances.