Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
The majority of UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one and would like to install a wood burner then you need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognize them by their Defra approved logo.
The stoves that are exempt from Defra are designed to stop the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.
What is a Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning domestic heating appliance which has passed the tests conducted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only used for stoves that have been tested independently, and that meet 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 zone, you must have a DEFRA approved stove since you cannot legally burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove within a smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.
There is little difference from the outside of an appliance that is Defra approved stove and one that doesn't have this status. There are a few ways stove makers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious difference is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are made not to deprive the flame of oxygen, since this could cause it to smoulder and create excessive quantities of smoke.
To avoid this, stove manufacturers will usually adjust the top air vent on the Defra approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely, as this would cut the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually an insignificant screw located inside the front top of the stove, below the stove's base or on the back of the oven.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a great option for those who live in areas which are designated as Smoke Control Areas and don't want to limit their use to only authorized fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemptions can also be fitted with five" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand a bigger size). This is great news for those who want to install wood burning stoves, but are worried about local smoke regulations.
What are the advantages of a Defra approved stove?
In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and offering a warm cosy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For example, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than stoves that are not Defra approved and therefore reduce the amount of carbon produced when used. This can lead to significant savings on your heating bills. In addition, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves, and can be equipped with simple controls.
There are many factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. These include your heating needs, aesthetic preferences, and your long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is crucial to take into consideration these aspects. A defra-exempt stove is ideal for those who live in smoke-free areas. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.
Defra-approved stoves not only meet environmental standards, but also provide better combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, producing a more pleasant and consistent flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, meaning they last longer and can withstand more extreme temperatures.
Most Defra-approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in areas with smoke control. However it is crucial to keep in mind that if you are planning on using your stove with damp wood or any other wet fuel, it can produce nuisance smoke and can possibly result in a prosecution by the local authority.
To get Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make adjustments to the stove in order to limit how much air it can be starved of during the burning process. Typically, the top air control is modified to stop it from being shut completely. If DEFRA stoves ratings shut off the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smolder instead of properly burning. This could result in unpleasant 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 burn wood legally in a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves won't. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have been tested to prove they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in a region which is smoke-free then you can use the new stove without the risk of fines.
A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other kinds of wood-burning stoves which means it will generate more heat and emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent option for homeowners seeking to save money and are concerned about the environment.
Stoves which have been approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also determine whether a stove is Defra exempt by examining the specifications or visiting the website of the manufacturer.
When choosing a Defra approved stove, it is essential to think about the style you want because there are a variety of choices available. Some are more traditional and look gorgeous in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook. Others are more modern in style and will look great in a modern living space.
You should also make sure that the stove you select is Defra exempt by making sure that it is on DEFRA's list authorised appliances, or by making sure that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will advertise their stoves as Defra exempt even if they haven't been tested to prove that they are. It is much easier to market a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.
A stove that has been Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood used to fuel it is sustainably sourced that has been properly seasoned, dried and seasoned before burning. This means it is less likely to produce large quantities of smoke, which is good for the environment and also helps keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.
What is the Difference Between a Defra Exempt Stove and the Non-Defra Exempt Stove?
When it comes to selecting the right stove for your home, there is a lot of information that you will need to consider, such as design, heat output and the type of fuel. You may be aware that a number 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, may seem like a marketing term. However, it has important implications for those who live in areas that are smoke-free.
To ensure compliance with the laws prohibiting the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are constructed with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you cut down the air flow to the fire to a significant degree it will cause the wood to smoke and create smoke. This will be against the law. To avoid this ensure that your wood is kiln-dried before you put it in the stove.
You can also use a DEFRA exempt wood burner in a Smoke Control Area if you only burn the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas, and low volatile steam coal. However, if you decide to fit a non-DEFRA approved stove in your home and burn wet wood or other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be penalized up to PS1000.
Even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is a good option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly since they are able to operate without generating nuisance smoke. They are also more efficient, and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it should be noted that by 2022, all new stoves must comply with the more stringent Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiencies OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits which are considerably higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.