Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most popular classification for UK cities and towns. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and would like to install a stove, you will require a Defra approved stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

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

What is an 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 meet the strict criteria for emissions. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas.

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

From the outside, there is very little difference between the DEFRA stoves installation approved stove and one that has not been awarded this status. However, there are some ways that stove manufacturers can do in order to ensure that their appliances are DEFRA Exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that are not designed to deprive fires of oxygen. This can cause them to smoke or produce excessive amounts smoke.

To stop this from happening manufacturers will alter the air vent at the top of a stove that is Defra approved. This prevents you from closing the vent completely down, as this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically a small screw inside the top of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions are also able to be multifuel stoves that can be used to burn wood as well as other fuels. This is a fantastic option for Defra Compliant Stoves Uk people who reside in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas however do not want to restrict their usage to only authorised fuels. Certain stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions can be fitted with five" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand the larger size). This is a wonderful benefit for those who wish to install wood-burning stoves, but are worried about local smoke regulations.

What are the Benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?

In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and offering warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can also offer many other benefits. They are generally more efficient than non-Defra stoves and also reduce the amount of carbon produced. This can lead to substantial savings on your heating bills. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are often easier to use than non-approved stoves and may be equipped with simple controls.

When purchasing a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are many different factors to consider including your heating requirements as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is essential to consider these aspects. A stove that is defra-exempt is a great choice for homeowners who live in areas that are smoke-free. They are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.

Apart from meeting environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer better combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, producing an even and pleasant flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, meaning that they last longer and are able to endure higher temperatures.

The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow with a 5 inch liner for chimneys. This is perfect for homes located in areas that are smoke-free. However it is crucial to be aware that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or another wet fuel, this will still produce nuisance smoke and can potentially lead to prosecution by the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make modifications to the appliance to limit the amount of air it will be deprived of during the burning process. The top air control is typically modified to stop the complete closing. Closing the air supply to a stove in excess 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?

A defra-approved stove will allow you burn wood legally in a Smoke Control Area. However, an exempt stove that is not defra-approved will not. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have been tested 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 that is smoke controlled, you can make use of your new stove without the risk of penalties.

A Defra-approved stove is also more efficient in energy use than other stoves, producing more heat and emitting less harmful emissions in the atmosphere. This makes them a good option for homeowners looking to save money on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo which is well-known and is widely used by the stove industry. You can also determine if a stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specifications or checking on the manufacturers website for information about it.

There are many styles available when selecting a stove that is Defra-approved. Some of these are more traditional and look great in an old fireplace or inglenook while others are more contemporary and will be ideal for a modern living space.

Verify that the stove is Defra exempt. It should be 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 features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and then spend the time and money to complete the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that is Defra exempt will make sure that the wood that is used to fuel it is sustainably sourced, seasoned and dried properly before it is burned. This means that it is less likely to generate large quantities of smoke, which is beneficial to the environment and also helps keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.

What is the Difference Between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. the Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

When you are deciding on the ideal stove for your home, there's many factors you should consider, such as design, heat output and the type of fuel. You might have noticed that a lot of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves on our website are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner, could appear to be a commercial term. However it is a significant issue for those who live in smoke-controlled areas.

To comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs within Smoke Control Areas DEFRA Compliant stoves UK exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you reduce the air flow to the fire too much, the wood will start to smoulder and produce excess smoke, which could be in violation of the law. To avoid this, you will need to ensure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried prior to putting it on the stove.

You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas and steam coal that is 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 that you can be punished up to PS1000.

Even if you don't live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, the DEFRA exempt wood burner is still an excellent option since they are generally more eco-friendly and neighbor-friendly since they can be operated without creating harmful smoke. They are also more efficient, and will keep your chimney and flue clean for longer. However, it is to be noted that in 2022 all new stoves must meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiency OGV and NOX ceilings as well as emission limits that are much higher than those currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.