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 stove then you'll need a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their logos that are Defra-approved.
Defra exempt stoves are built to prevent the flame from burning which reduces the amount of smoke generated. They also burn fuel more efficiently.
What is a Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra Exempt stove is a wood-burning domestic heating device that has passed the tests set out 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. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas.
If you reside in a smoke-control area, it is essential to have an DEFRA approved stove since it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. Installing DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews of a non DEFRA approved stove within a smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.
From the outside, there is very little difference between an Defra approved stove and one that has not been given this status. There are a few ways that stove manufacturers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that aren't designed to starve flames of oxygen. This can cause them to smoke or emit excessive amounts of smoke.
To prevent this, stove makers will typically adjust the top air vent on an Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from closing the vent all the way down, as it would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually a small screw located inside the front top of the stove, underneath the base of stove or on the back of the oven.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be multifuel stoves and may therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels in addition to wood. This can be 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 that have Defra exemptions can be fitted with 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on larger dimensions). This is great news for those who wish to install wood-burning stoves but are concerned about local smoke regulations.
What are the Benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?
In addition to being compliant with local regulations and providing an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can provide a variety of other advantages. For example, 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 substantial savings on your heating bill. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have more simple controls than non-approved ones.
There are many factors to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. These include your heating needs, aesthetic preferences, and your long-term goals. It is crucial to take these elements into consideration when selecting the right stove, and opting for a defra-exempt stove is a great option for those who live in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.
Aside from complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. In addition, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, meaning they last longer and can endure higher temperatures.
Most Defra-approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch liner for chimneys. This is perfect for homes located in smoke-controlled areas. However it is crucial to note that if you are planning on using your stove with damp wood or another wet fuel, it can create smoke that is not pleasant and could possibly result in a prosecution by the local authority.
To obtain Defra approval, stove makers have to modify their appliances to restrict the amount of air that can be lost during the burning process. The air control on the top is usually modified to prevent the entire closing. If you shut off the air supply too tightly, it can cause the stove to smoke 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 defra-approved stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area. However, an exempt stove that is not defra-approved isn't. Stoves that are approved by Defra have passed tests that prove they can safely burn wood and effectively in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. This means that if you live in a zone that is smoke-free, you can use your new stove without the possibility of costly fines.
A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other types of wood-burning stoves, which means it will generate more heat and will emit less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a great option for homeowners looking to save money on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.
Stoves that have been Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo, which has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out whether a stove is Defra exempt by checking the specifications or on the website of the manufacturer.
When selecting a Defra approved stove it is important to consider the style you want since there are a myriad of options available. Some are more traditional and look stunning in an old fireplace, or inglenook. Others are more modern in style and would suit a more contemporary living space.
You should also make sure that the stove you select is Defra exempt by ensuring it is listed on DEFRA's list of approved appliances, or by making sure that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as being Defra exempt even if they have not been tested to show that they are. It is much easier to market a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood that is used to fuel it is sustainable and properly dried before burning. This means that it will not produce huge amounts of smoke which is beneficial to the environment, and also helps to keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.
What is the difference between an exempt stove that is Defra-compliant and a non-Defra exempt stove?
When you are deciding on the best stove for your home, there's plenty of information you must be aware of, including the style, heat output and the type of fuel. You might be aware that a number of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves that are available on our website are described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, to the average homeowner, may seem like a marketing term. However it can have significant implications for those who live in smoke-controlled areas.
In order to comply with the laws that prohibit 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. 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, make sure that your wood is dried before you put it in the stove.
You can also make use of a DEFRA exempt wood burner in a Smoke Control Area if you only use approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites and semi-anthracites as well as gas and low volatile steam coal. However, if you choose 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, then you could be punished 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 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 system and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it must be noted that by 2022 all new stoves must comply with the more stringent Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiency OGV, NOX ceilings and have emissions limits that are much higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.