Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one of them and wish to install a wood burner then you'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are designed to stop the fire from smouldering and reduce the amount of smoke that is produced. 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 device that has passed the tests laid out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only used for stoves that have been independently tested and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

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

There is little difference from the outside between a Defra approved appliance and one that doesn't have this status. There are a few ways stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that are not designed to starve the fires of oxygen. This can cause them to smoulder or create excessive amounts of smoke.

To stop this from happening manufacturers will adjust the top vent of a Defra-approved stove. This will prevent you from being able shut the vent completely, because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is often a small screw inside the top of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that have Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves that can be used to burn wood, as well as other fuels. This can be a great option for those who reside in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas, but who don't want to limit their usage to only authorised fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt will also be able to be fitted with a 5" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer does not insist on the larger size). This is a great benefit for those who wish to install woodburning stoves but are worried about local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?

Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages, including the ability to meet local regulations as well as provide an inviting and warm fire. For example, they tend to be more efficient in energy use than stoves that are not Defra approved and therefore reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when they are used. This can result in significant savings on heating costs. In addition, Defra approved stoves are typically more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and may be equipped with simple controls.

When you are looking to purchase a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are many various factors to take into account, including your heating requirements as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is crucial to take these factors into consideration when choosing the right stove, and opting for a stove that is exempt from defra is an excellent choice for those who live in smoke-free areas. They have been thoroughly tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines, and can reduce the impact your stove will have on the environment.

Defra-approved stoves do not just meet the environmental standards, but also provide better combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, meaning that they last longer and stand up to higher temperatures.

Most stoves that are Defra-approved are able to use a 5 " chimney liner, which is perfect for DEFRA approved traditional stoves homes located in smoke-controlled areas. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you plan to use your stove using damp wood or another wet fuel, it can create smoke that is not pleasant and could potentially lead to prosecution by the local authority.

In order to achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers must make changes to the appliance to limit how much air it will be deprived of during the burning process. The top air control is usually modified to stop the complete closure. If you shut off the air supply too much it could cause the stove to smoulder instead of properly burning. This will lead to an unpleasant smell of smoke.

What is the difference between a Defra Approved Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?

The most obvious difference is that a defra certified stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove will not be able to. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have passed tests to prove they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. If you live in an area that is smoke controlled you can use your new stove with no risk of penalties.

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

Stoves that have been Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also check whether the stove is Defra exempt by reading the specifications or looking on the website of the manufacturer for information about the stove.

When you are choosing a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style that you require because there are a variety of options available. Some are more traditionally styled and will look beautiful in an old fireplace or inglenook while others are more modern and will fit in a modern home.

Also, make sure that the stove you select is Defra exempt by ensuring that it is listed on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances, or by making sure whether it is stamped with the DEFRA Approved Traditional Stoves exemption logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra-exempt but they haven't been tested. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the cost of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that has been Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood used to power it is sustainable and properly dried, seasoned and before burning. This will reduce the amount of smoke produced which is healthier for the environment. It also helps keep chimneys clean for a longer time.

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

You'll have to take into consideration various factors when choosing the ideal stove for your home. These include style the heat output, style, and the type of fuel. You might have noticed that many of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves on our site are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon which, to an average homeowner, could appear to be a commercial phrase. However it is a significant issue for those who live in smoke-free areas.

To comply with the laws against the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. If you decrease the air flow to the fire in excess, it will cause the wood to smoulder and create smoke. This is against the law. To avoid this, make sure that your wood is dried prior to use in the stove.

You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas and steam coal with low volatile. If you install a stove that is not DEFRA-compliant in your house and 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 do not live in the Smoke Control Area and you are not in a Smoke Control Area, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is still an option to consider as they are typically more environmentally and neighbour friendly since they can be operated without producing nuisance smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer. It is important to remember that all new stoves must to meet the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations define minimum efficiency standards, as well as NOX and OGV ceilings and emissions limits that are more than the ones in place today for DEFRA recommended stoves-exempt appliances.