Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you live in one and want to install a wood stove then you'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their logos that are Defra-approved.

The stoves which are exempt from Defra are designed to stop the fire from burning. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also burn fuel better.

What is 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 available to stoves that have been tested independently, and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

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

There is not much difference from the outside between an appliance that is Defra approved stove and one that does not have this status. However, there are some things that stove manufacturers do in order DEFRA stoves online to ensure that their appliances are DEFRA exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that aren't made to starve 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 Defra-approved stove. This will prevent you from closing the vent completely as this would cut the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is typically located inside the top front 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, and can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This is a great option for those who you reside in an area which has been designated as a Smoke Control Area but you don't want to be bound by to be restricted to only using authorised fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be equipped with a 5" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer does not insist on the use of a larger size). This is good news for those who are planning on installing woodburning stoves in their homes, but are concerned about the local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the Benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?

In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can also offer many other benefits. For instance, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-Defra certified stoves and consequently reduce the amount of carbon emissions when they are used. This can lead to substantial savings on heating costs. In addition, Defra approved stoves are typically more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and may be fitted with simple controls.

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. These include your heating requirements, aesthetic preferences, and your long-term goals. It is essential to take these aspects into consideration when choosing a stove. Choosing for a stove that is exempt from defra is a good option for those living in smoke controlled areas. These stoves are environmentally friendly and have been thoroughly tested.

Defra-approved stoves do not just meet the environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, resulting in an even and pleasant flame. In addition they are more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, meaning that they will last longer and can stand up to higher temperatures.

In addition, most Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes located in smoke-free areas. It is essential to remember that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels with dampness the stove will still emit toxic fumes that could cause a charge from the local authorities.

To obtain Defra approval stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their equipment to limit the amount of air that will be removed during the combustion process. Typically, the top DEFRA stoves air control is modified to stop it from closing completely. Shutting off the air supply to a stove for too long can cause it to smoulder instead of properly burning, which in turn will cause smoke that is unpleasant.

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

A stove that has been approved by the defra can let 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 passed tests to prove that they are able to effectively and safely burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. This means that if you live in a smoke-free zone, you will be able to use your new stove without risk of hefty fines.

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

Stoves that are approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by checking the specifications or the website of the manufacturer.

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

It is also important to ensure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by ensuring that it appears on DEFRA's list authorised appliances or by ensuring that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra exempt but they haven't been tested. This is because it is easier to sell a stove that features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and then spend 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 that is used as fuel for it is sourced sustainably and properly dried before burning. This will mean that it will not produce huge amounts of smoke which is beneficial to the environment and also helps keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.

What is the difference between an Exempt Stove that is Defra-compliant and A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You'll need to consider various factors when choosing the ideal stove for you home. These include the design as well as heat output and the type of fuel. You may have noticed that a lot of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves on our site are described as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This jargon, to the average homeowner, may seem to be nothing more than a marketing jargon, however, it has very important implications for people who live 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 stops you from closing the air supply valve all the way. If you reduce the flow of air to the fire to a significant degree it will cause the wood to smoulder and create smoke. This will be against the law. To prevent this from happening, you will need to ensure that the wood in your stove is dried to a certain degree before using it on the stove.

You can also use the DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only burn the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas and steam coal with low volatile. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your house and burn wet wood, or any other fuels not on the DEFRA's list, you could face a fine of up to PS1000.

Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is a great option. They are more eco friendly and neighbor-friendly as they are able to operate without generating polluting smoke. They are also more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system clean for a longer period of time. However, it should be noted that in 2022 all new stoves must comply with the stricter Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiency, OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits that are significantly higher than those currently in place for DEFRA approved sustainable stoves exempt appliances.