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 of them and wish to install a wood stove then you need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.
The stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are designed to prevent the fire from smouldering, which reduces the amount of smoke generated. They also burn fuel more efficiently.
What is an Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra Exempt Stove is a domestic heating appliance that burns wood and has passed the tests set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been independently tested and meet strict criteria on emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are safe for use in Smoke Control Areas.
If you reside in a smoke control area it is necessary to have an DEFRA approved stove since you cannot legally burn wood (unless you are authorised to burn fuel) without one. If you install a non-DEFRA authorised stove in a smoke control zone, you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could be charged.
From the outside, there's no distinction between an Defra approved stove and one that has not been given this status. There are a few things stove manufacturers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are designed not to deprive the flame of oxygen, since this could cause it to smoulder and release excessive amounts of smoke.
To stop this from happening manufacturers will alter the top vent of a stove that is Defra approved. This will prevent you from being able shut the vent completely as this would cut the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is often an incredibly small screw located on the top front of the stove, below the stove's base or on the back of the stove.
Stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves, and can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This is a great choice if you live in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Area and you don't want the restriction of only using approved fuels. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be equipped with five" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). This is a wonderful benefit for those who want to install woodburning stoves but are worried about local regulations regarding smoke.
What are the benefits of a Defra-approved stove?
In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and offering a warm cosy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide a variety of other advantages. For example, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-Defra approved stoves and therefore reduce the amount of carbon emissions when used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bills. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have easier controls than stoves that are not approved.
When purchasing a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are different factors to consider including your needs for heating as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is essential to take these factors into consideration when choosing a stove. Choosing for a defra-exempt stove is a great option for those living in smoke-free areas. They have been thoroughly tested and are in compliance with strict environmental guidelines and can reduce the impact your stove has on the environment.
Defra-approved stoves do not just meet environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, producing an even and pleasant flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, meaning they last longer and are able to endure higher temperatures.
As an added benefit to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes in smoke controlled areas. It is crucial to keep in mind that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or other damp fuels, it will still produce unpleasant fumes and may lead to prosecution by the local authority.
To achieve Defra approval, stove makers have to modify their appliances to limit the amount of air that will be lost during the burning process. Typically, the top air control is modified to stop it from closing completely. If you close the air supply too much it could cause the stove to smoulder instead of burning properly. This will lead to nuisance smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra-approved stove and a non-Defra approved stove?
A stove that is approved by defra will let burning wood legally within a Smoke Control Area. However, a nondefra-exempt stove won't. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed tests that prove they can safely burn wood and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive quantities of smoke. This means that if you live in a smoke-free zone, you will be able to use your new stove with no possibility of costly 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 an excellent option for homeowners seeking to save money while caring about the environment.
Stoves that are Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also determine if a stove is Defra exempt by reading the specifications or checking on the manufacturers website for information about it.
When choosing a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style you prefer because there are a variety of options available. Some are more traditional and look stunning when placed in an old fireplace, or inglenook. Others are more modern and would be a great fit for a more contemporary living space.
Also, make sure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by making sure that it is listed on DEFRA's list authorised appliances, or by making sure that it has the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will market their stoves as Defra exempt, even though they haven't been tested to demonstrate that they are. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove that features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and spend the time and expense to complete the process 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 prior to burning. This means that it will not produce large quantities of smoke, which is better for the environment and 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 choosing the right stove for your home, there's many factors you should be aware of, including the design, heat output and the type of fuel. You may be aware that a number of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves available on our website are described as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. DEFRA lawful stoves is jargon that for the average homeowner, may appear to be nothing more than a marketing term however, it can have significant implications for those living in smoke-free areas.
To comply with the laws that ban the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you cut the air flow to the fire the wood will begin to smolder and release excess smoke, which will be in violation of the law. To avoid this ensure that your wood is dried thoroughly before you use it in the stove.
You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels on the DEFRA site. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas, and steam coal that is low volatile. If you install a stove that is not DEFRA-compliant in your home and use wet wood, or any other fuels that are not on DEFRA's list, you could face penalties of up to PS1000.
Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is still an excellent choice. They are more eco friendly and neighbor-friendly since they can operate without producing nuisance smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer. However, it is to be noted that in 2022 all new stoves must meet the stricter Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiency OGV, NOX ceilings, and have emission limits that are much higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.