Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most common classification for UK towns and cities. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area and would like to install a stove, you'll require a Defra approved stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

The stoves which are exempt from Defra are designed to stop the fire from smouldering. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.

What is an Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt Portable 5KW Stove - MultiFuel Iron Fireplace NRG 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 independently tested, and have met strict standards regarding emissions. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you reside in a smoke control zone, you must have an DEFRA approved stove, as you are not legally allowed to burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. If you install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in a smoke control area you will be in breach of the Clean Air Act and could be charged.

There is little difference from the outside between a Defra approved appliance and one that doesn't have this status. There are however a few ways that stove manufacturers can do in order to ensure that their appliances are DEFRA exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that aren't designed to starve the fires of oxygen. This could cause them to smoke or produce excessive amounts smoke.

To prevent this, stove manufacturers will typically adjust the air vent at the top of the Defra approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent all the way down, since this could cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an insignificant screw located inside the front of the stove, underneath the stove's base, or on the back of the oven.

Stoves that are exempt from Defra exemption tend to also be multifuel stoves and can be used to burn wood as well as other fuels. This is a great option for those who you reside in an area which has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone, but don't want to be restricted to only using authorised fuels. Some stoves that have Defra exemptions can be fitted with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on larger dimensions). This is a wonderful benefit for those looking to install woodburning stoves but are concerned about local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the advantages of a stove that is Defra certified?

In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and offering warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For instance, they tend to be more efficient than non-Defra certified stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when they are used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bills. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have more simple controls than non-approved stoves.

When buying a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are different aspects to take into consideration, such as your needs for heating as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is essential to take these aspects into consideration when selecting the right stove, and opting for a stove that is exempt from defra is an excellent choice for homeowners living in smoke-free areas. They are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.

Defra-approved stoves are not only compliant with environmental standards, but also provide better combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces more pleasing and consistent flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, meaning that they last longer and can endure higher temperatures.

In addition, most Defra approved stoves work with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes in smoke controlled areas. However, it is important 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 be a cause for 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 process of burning. The air control at the top is usually altered to stop the complete closure. If you shut off the air supply too tightly it could cause the stove to smolder instead of properly burning. This can lead to an unpleasant smell of smoke.

What is the Difference Between an approved Defra Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?

The most obvious difference is that a defra-approved stove can legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove would not. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have passed tests to prove they can effectively and safely burn wood in smoke controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a smoke-free zone, you will be able to use your new stove without the possibility of paying hefty fines.

A stove that is approved by Defra is more energy efficient than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful carbon dioxide into the air. This makes them a great choice for homeowners looking to save money while caring about the environment.

Stoves that have been Defra approved will typically be advertised with the Defra Approved logo, which is very recognisable and has been adopted by the stove industry. You can also check whether a stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specifications or visiting the manufacturer's website for more information on it.

When you are choosing a Defra approved stove it is important to consider the style you prefer since there are a myriad of choices available. Some are more traditionally styled and will look beautiful in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more modern and would suit a contemporary living space.

It is also important to ensure that the stove you select is Defra exempt by making sure that it appears on DEFRA's list of approved appliances, or by making sure that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will market their stoves as Defra exempt, even though they have not been tested to prove that they are. This is due to the fact that it is much easier to sell a stove with the Clean Burn technology than to test it and take the time and money to go through the process of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood used as fuel for it has been sustainably sourced and properly dried before burning. This means it will not produce large quantities of smoke, which is beneficial to the environment and also helps to keep chimneys and flue systems clean for longer.

What is the Difference Between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You will need to consider several factors when choosing the ideal stove for you home. These include the style as well as heat output and fuel type. You might be aware that a number of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves available on our site are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner, might appear to be a marketing term. However it can have significant implications for those who live in areas that are smoke-free.

To ensure compliance with the laws that prohibit the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are designed with 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 in excess it will cause the wood to smolder and create smoke. This is in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening ensure that your wood is dried thoroughly before you put it in the stove.

You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels on the DEFRA site. This includes anthracites and semi-anthracites as well as gas, and steam coal that is low volatile. However, if you decide to fit a non-DEFRA approved stove in your home, and you burn wet wood or other fuels that aren't listed on the DEFRA list that you can be punished up to PS1000.

Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, a DEFRA exempt wood burner is a good choice as they are typically more environmentally and friendly to neighbours since they operate without producing harmful smoke. They are also more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it is to be noted that by 2022, all new stoves must meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiencies, OGV and NOX ceilings as well as emission limits which are considerably more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.