Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

The majority of UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you live in one and want to install a wood burning stove, then you'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their approved logo from the Defra.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra have been designed to stop the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is an Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt stove is a wood-burning domestic heating device that has passed the tests laid out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only applied to stoves which have been independently tested and that meet the strictest standards for emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

You can't burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove if you live in an area where smoke is controlled. Installing the use of a non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.

From the outside there is no distinction between an Defra approved stove and one that has not been given this status. There are however a few ways that stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their appliances are DEFRA exempt. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are made not to starve the fire of oxygen because this could cause it to smoulder and produce excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this manufacturers will adjust the air vent at the top of a stove that is Defra-approved. This prevents you from being able to shut the vent all the way down, since this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually located inside the top front of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels along with wood. This can be a great option for people who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas and do not want to limit themselves to using only authorised fuels. Some 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 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 advantages of a stove that is Defra certified?

Defra-approved stoves have many advantages, including the ability to comply with local regulations as well as provide an inviting and warm fire. For instance, they are likely to have higher energy efficiency than non-Defra certified stoves and therefore reduce the amount of carbon emissions when used. This can lead to significant savings on heating costs. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and can be equipped with simple controls.

There are many factors to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. These include your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences, as well as long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is crucial to take into consideration these factors. A defra-exempt stove can be ideal for those who live in smoke-free areas. They have been thoroughly tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines, and can aid in reducing the impact your stove will have on the environment.

Apart from meeting environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can endure higher temperatures and last longer.

Additionally to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5" chimney liner, which is ideal for homes that are located in smoke-free areas. However it is crucial to keep in mind that if you plan on using your stove with damp wood or another wet fuel, this will still produce nuisance smoke and Defra certified stoves can possibly result in a being prosecuted by the local authority.

To achieve Defra approval, stove makers must make modifications to their equipment to restrict the amount of air that can be removed during the combustion process. Typically, the top air control will be modified to prevent it from closing all the way. If you close the air supply too tightly it could cause the stove to smoke instead of burning properly. This could result in unpleasant smoke.

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

A defra-approved stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves isn't. 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 even if you reside in a zone that is smoke-free, you can use your new stove without risk of hefty fines.

A Defra-approved stove is also more energy efficient than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 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 are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo, which is very recognisable and is used by the stove industry. You can also find out whether a stove is Defra exempt by checking the specifications or the website of the manufacturer.

When you are choosing a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style you prefer because there are a variety of choices available. Some of these are more traditional and will look stunning when placed in an old fireplace or inglenook. Others are more modern and would be a great fit for a more modern living space.

Make sure the stove is Defra exempt. It should be listed on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will advertise their stoves as being Defra exempt even though they have not been tested to show that they are. This is due to the fact that it is much easier to sell a stove that has the Clean Burn technology than to test it and then spend the time and expense to go through the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that is Defra exempt will make sure that the wood that is used to power it is sustainable that has been properly seasoned, dried and seasoned before burning. This reduces the amount of smoke that is produced which is healthier for the earth. It also helps keep chimneys clean for a longer time.

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

When you are deciding on the right stove for your home, there is plenty of information you should take into consideration, including style, heat output and the type of fuel. You might have noticed that many of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves that are available on our site are described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon which, to an average homeowner, may seem like a marketing term. However it is a significant issue for those who live in smoke-free areas.

To comply with the laws prohibiting the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are designed with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you decrease the air flow to the fire, the wood will start to smoke and create excessive smoke, which would be in breach of the law. To prevent this from happening, you will need to make sure that the wood in your stove is dried out prior to using it on the stove.

You can also use the DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only use approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. 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 you burn wet wood, or other fuels that are not on DEFRA's list, you could be subject to penalties of up to PS1000.

Even if you're not in the Smoke Control Area a 5kw defra multifuel stove exempted wood burner is a good option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly as they can operate without producing polluting smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney system and flue clean for longer. It is important to know that all new stoves must to meet the more stringent Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations set minimum efficiency levels, NOX and OGV ceilings, and emissions limits that are significantly higher than the limits in place today for DEFRA-exempt appliances.