Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

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

Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to prevent the flame from burning, which reduces the amount of smoke produced. 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 that has passed the tests set out 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. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you reside in a smoke control area it is necessary to have a 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 approved stove in a smoke-control area, you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could be charged.

From the outside there is very little distinction between an Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been granted this status. There are a few things stove manufacturers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that are not designed to starve flames of oxygen. This can cause them to smoulder or produce excessive amounts smoke.

To stop this from happening manufacturers will adjust the top vent of a stove that is Defra-approved. This will prevent 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 of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the rear of the oven.

Stoves that have Defra exemptions are also able to be multifuel stoves that can be used to burn wood, as well as other fuels. This is a great choice if you reside in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by to be restricted to only using approved fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be equipped with five" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer does not insist on a larger size). This is a great benefit for those who are planning on installing woodburning stoves in their homes but are worried about local regulations on smoke.

What are the Benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?

In addition to being compliant with local regulations and supplying an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can provide a variety of other advantages. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient than non-Defra certified stoves and consequently reduce the amount of carbon produced when they are used. This can lead to significant savings on heating costs. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have simpler controls than non-approved stoves.

When you are looking to purchase an electric or wood-burning stove, there are many different factors to consider including your heating requirements as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is essential to take these elements into consideration when choosing a stove. Choosing for a stove that is exempt from defra is an excellent choice for homeowners living in smoke-free areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines. They can help to minimise the impact that your stove will have on the environment.

In addition to complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, meaning that they will last longer and are able to endure higher temperatures.

In addition is that the majority of Defra approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes that are located in smoke-free areas. However it is crucial to note that if you intend to use your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, it can produce nuisance smoke and can potentially lead to being prosecuted by the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove makers are required to make adjustments to the stove in order to limit the amount of air it will be deprived of during the burning process. Typically, the top air control is modified to stop it from closing completely. The air supply that is shut off to a stove too much could cause it to smolder rather than burning properly and result in a nuisance smoke.

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

The most obvious distinction is that a defra certified stove can legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempted stove won't. Stoves that are Defra-approved have passed tests that show they are able to burn wood safely and effectively in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive amounts of smoke. If you reside in a region which is smoke-free you can use your new stove without the risk of penalties.

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

Stoves that are Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo that is easily identifiable and is used by the stove industry. You can also find out if a stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specification details or by looking on the website of the manufacturer for more information on the stove.

When choosing a Defra approved stove, it is essential to think about the style you prefer since there are a myriad of choices available. Some are more traditionally styled and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook, while others are more contemporary and will suit a contemporary living space.

It is also important to ensure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by making sure that it appears on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances, or by making sure whether it is stamped with 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 cost of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, which means that the wood used as fuel for it is sourced sustainably and properly dried prior to burning. This reduces the amount of smoke produced, which is healthier for the environment. It also helps to keep chimneys clean for longer.

What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. the 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 fuel type. You might have seen on our site that many multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for 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.

In order to comply with the laws that ban 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 completely. This is because if you reduce the flow of air to the fire too much, the wood will start to smolder and release excess smoke, which could be in violation of the law. To avoid this you must ensure that the wood in your stove is dried out before using it on the stove.

You can also use the DEFRA exempt wood burner in a Smoke Control Area if you only burn the approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. These include gas, semi-anthracite and anthracite 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 not on the DEFRA's list, you could face penalties of up to PS1000.

Even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is a great option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly since they can operate without producing nuisance smoke. They also tend to be more Efficient Eco Design: Portable 5KW Stove and will keep your chimney and flue system 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 that set minimum efficiency, OGV and NOX ceilings, and have emission limits that are much higher than those currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.