Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
The majority of UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you live in one and want to install a wood burning stove, then you need a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them by their Defra-approved logo.
The stoves which are exempt from Defra are designed to stop the fire from burning. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also burn fuel more efficiently.
What is a 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 tested independently and have met the strictest standards for emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are safe for use in Smoke Control Areas.
It is not possible to burn wood without a
DEFRA requirements stoves-approved stove in an area where smoking is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA authorised stove in a smoke-control area, you'll be in violation of the Clean Air Act and
DEFRA recognized Stoves could be prosecuted.
From the outside, there is very little difference between an Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been awarded this status. There are a few things that stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious difference is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are designed not to starve the flame of oxygen, since this could cause it to smolder and create excessive quantities of smoke.
To prevent this, manufacturers will adjust the air vent at the top of a stove that is Defra approved. This prevents you from closing the vent completely down, since this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an incredibly small screw located on the top of the stove, below the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.
Stoves with Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves, and can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This is a great option for those who you live in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Area, but don't want the restrictions of only using approved fuels. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be equipped with five" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a larger size). This is great news for those who plan to install wood-burning stoves in their homes, but are concerned about the local regulations regarding smoke.
What are the benefits of a stove that is Defra certified?
In addition to being compliant with local regulations and supplying a warm cosy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For example, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-Defra approved stoves and therefore reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when they are used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bills. Stoves that are approved by Defra are also simpler to use and have more simple controls than stoves that are not approved.
When buying an electric or wood-burning stove, there are a variety of different factors to consider including your heating requirements, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. It is essential to take these factors into consideration when selecting a stove, and opting for a defra-exempt stove is a good option for homeowners living in smoke-free areas. They have been thoroughly tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines. They can reduce the impact your stove has on the environment.
Apart from complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means that they can stand up to higher temperatures and last longer.
The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow with a 5 inch liner for chimneys. This is ideal for homes in smoke-controlled areas. However it is important to note that if you are planning on using your stove with damp wood or any other wet fuel, it will create smoke that is not pleasant and could potentially lead to prosecution by the local authority.
To obtain Defra approval stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their appliances to restrict the amount of air that can be deprived during the burning process. Typically the air control at the top will be modified to prevent it from closing all the way. Closing the air supply to a stove for too long can cause it to smoulder instead of properly burning and, in turn, result in a nuisance smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra-approved stove and a non-Defra approved stove?
The most obvious difference is that a defra certified stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove would not. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed tests that show they can burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive levels of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a smoke control area you can use your new stove with no possibility of costly fines.
A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other kinds of wood-burning stoves, meaning that it will produce more heat and will emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a great option for homeowners looking to save money while caring about the environment.
Stoves that have been Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out if the stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specification details or by looking on the website of the manufacturer for information about the stove.
When selecting a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style you prefer since there are a myriad of options available. Some of these are more traditional and will look gorgeous when placed in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook. Others are more modern in style and will look great in a modern living space.
Also, make sure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by ensuring it appears on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances or by checking that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as being Defra exempt even if they haven't been tested to show it. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the expense of becoming
Defra Recognized Stoves-exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood used to fuel it has been sustainably sourced and properly dried prior to burning. This will reduce the amount of smoke produced, which is healthier for the environment. It also helps keep chimneys 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 is many factors you will need to consider, such as design, heat output and the type of fuel. You might have noticed on our website that many stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This jargon, for the average homeowner, might seem like nothing more than a marketing term but it has extremely important implications for those who live in smoke controlled areas.
To comply with the laws prohibiting the sale of logs within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you decrease the flow of air to the fire to a significant degree it will cause the wood to smoke and emit smoke. This will be against the law. To prevent this from happening ensure that your wood is kiln-dried before you put it in the stove.
You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. These include anthracite, semi-anthracite and gas as well as low volatile steam coal. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your home and you burn wet wood, or any other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to penalties of up to PS1000.
Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is still a good choice as they are generally more eco-friendly and friendly to neighbours since they can be operated without creating harmful smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it must be noted that in 2022 all new stoves must comply with the more stringent Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiencies, OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits that are much higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.