Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

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

The stoves that are exempt from DEFRA compliant stoves list have been designed to stop the fire from burning. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is what is a Defra Exempt Stove?

A DEFRA approved wood burning stoves 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 only applied to stoves which have been tested independently, and have met strict standards regarding emissions. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

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

There is little difference from the outside of an appliance that is Defra approved and one that does not have this status. There are a few things stove makers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that aren't designed to starve flames of oxygen. This can cause them to smoulder or emit excessive amounts of smoke.

To prevent this, manufacturers will adjust the air vent at the top of a stove that is Defra approved. This will prevent the possibility of shutting the vent completely, because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is typically located inside the top front of the stove, below the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and may therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a great option for those who you live in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Area but you don't want to be bound by the restrictions of only using approved fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be equipped with a 5" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer does not insist on a larger size). This is great news for those who plan on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes but are worried about the local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the benefits of a Defra-approved stove?

Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits they can provide, such as the ability to meet local regulations and provide a warm and cozy fire. For example, they tend to be more efficient in energy use than non-Defra approved stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bills. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are often easier to use than non-approved stoves and can be fitted with simple controls.

There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. These include your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences, and your long-term goals. It is important to take these factors into consideration when selecting a stove. Choosing for a defra-exempt stove is an excellent choice for homeowners living in smoke-free areas. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.

Aside from being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces an even and pleasant flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can stand up to higher temperatures and last longer.

As an added benefit is that the majority of Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes located in smoke-free areas. However, it is important to note that if you are planning to use your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, it can create smoke that is not pleasant and could potentially lead to prosecution by the local authority.

To obtain Defra approval, stove makers must make changes to the appliance to limit how much air it can be starved of during the burning process. The top air control is usually altered to prevent the complete closing. The air supply that is shut off to a stove for too long can cause it to smoulder rather than burning properly and, in turn, result in a nuisance smoke.

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

The most obvious distinction is that a defra-approved stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove would not. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed tests that show they can burn wood safely and effectively in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you live in an area that is smoke controlled, you can make use of your new stove without fear of penalties.

A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other types of wood-burning stoves which means it will generate more heat and release less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who are seeking to save money while caring about the environment.

Stoves that are approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also check whether a stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specifications or looking on the website of the manufacturer for more information on the stove.

There are many styles to choose from when choosing a Defra-approved stove. Some are more traditional and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook. Others are more modern and will look great in a modern living space.

You should also make sure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by making sure that it appears on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances or by checking that it has the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra-exempt however they haven't been tested. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood that is used as fuel for it is sustainable and properly dried before burning. This will reduce the amount of smoke generated which is healthier for the earth. It also helps keep chimneys clean for longer.

What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove and A Non-DEFRA permitted stoves Exempt Stove?

You'll have to take into consideration various aspects when selecting the best stove for your home. These include style the heat output, style, and fuel type. You may have noticed on our website that a lot of stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner could appear to be a commercial phrase. However it can have significant implications for those living in smoke-free areas.

To comply with the laws prohibiting the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you cut down the flow of air to the fire too much it can cause the wood to smoke and create smoke. This is against the law. To prevent this from happening, you will need to make sure that the wood in your stove is dried out before 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 listed on the defra stoves Ratings and reviews site. These include anthracite, semi-anthracite and gas 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 that are not on DEFRA's list, you could be subject to penalties of up to PS1000.

Even if you're not in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is a good option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly as they are able to operate without generating polluting smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer. It is important to know that all new stoves will have to meet the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations set minimum efficiencies and OGV and NOX ceilings, and emission limits that are more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.