Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one and would like to install a wood stove then you'll need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognize them by their approved logo from the Defra.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are designed to stop the fire from burning, Defra certified stoves which reduces the amount of smoke generated. They also burn fuel better.

What is an Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt Stove is a domestic heating appliance that burns wood and has passed the tests established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only applied to stoves which have been independently tested and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

It is not possible to burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove in an area where smoking is controlled. Installing the use of a non DEFRA approved stove within the smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.

There is not much difference from the outside of an appliance that is Defra approved and one that does not have this status. However, there are a few ways that stove manufacturers can use to make their products DEFRA exempt. The most obvious difference is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are made not to deprive the flame of oxygen, as this can cause it to smoulder and release excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this manufacturers will adjust the top vent of a stove that is Defra approved. 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 often located inside the top of the stove, underneath the base of the NRG 4.5KW Eco Design Stove Portable Fireplace or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that have Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves that 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 is designated as a Smoke Control Area but you don't want to be bound by the restrictions of only using approved fuels. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be fitted with five" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a larger size). This is good news for people who are planning on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes, but are concerned about local regulations on smoke.

What are the benefits of a Defra-approved stove?

In addition to being compliant with local regulations and providing a warm cosy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient in energy use than non-DEFRA certified stoves (fireplacesandstove.com) and consequently reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can lead to substantial savings on your heating bill. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have more simple controls than non-approved stoves.

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. These include your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is essential to consider these factors. A stove that is defra-exempt is a great choice for homeowners who live in smoke-controlled areas. They have been thoroughly tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines, and can help to minimise the impact your stove has on the environment.

Defra-approved stoves do not just meet the environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and spread of flame. 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 they can stand up to higher temperatures and last for longer.

The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow to use a 5 inch liner for chimneys. This is ideal for homes in areas that are smoke-free. However it is crucial to keep in mind that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or any other wet fuel, it will produce nuisance smoke and can possibly result in a prosecution by the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove makers are required to make modifications to the appliance in order to limit how much air it can be starved of during the process of burning. Typically the air control on top will be modified to prevent it from closing completely. Closing the air supply to a stove in excess can cause it to smoulder rather than burning properly and, in turn, result in nuisance smoke.

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

A stove that has been approved by the defra can let burning wood legally within a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves isn't. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have been tested to prove they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. If you live in an area that is smoke controlled then you can make use of your new stove with no risk of penalties.

A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other kinds of wood-burning stoves meaning that it will produce more heat and release less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a great option for homeowners looking to cut down on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo, which has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out whether a stove is Defra exempt by looking up the specifications or on the website of the manufacturer.

When you are choosing 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 beautiful in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more contemporary and will be ideal for a modern living space.

Make sure the stove is Defra-exempt. It should appear on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers advertise 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 then spend the time and money to complete the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that is Defra exempt will ensure that the wood used to fuel it is sourced sustainably and properly dried, seasoned and before burning. This means it is less likely to generate huge amounts of smoke which is good for the environment, and also helps to keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.

What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You'll have to take into consideration various factors when choosing the ideal stove for you home. These include the style the heat output, style, and the type of fuel. You may be aware that a number of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves that are available on our website are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, to an average homeowner, may seem like a marketing term. However, it has important 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 stoves exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you cut the flow of air to the fire too much, the wood will start to smoulder and produce excessive smoke, which would be in breach of the law. To prevent this from happening you should make sure that the wood in your stove is dried out prior to using it on the stove.

You can also use a DEFRA exempt wood burner in a Smoke Control Area if you only burn approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas and steam coal with 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 be subject to an amount of fine up to PS1000.

Even if you're not in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is still an excellent choice. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly as they are able to operate without generating harmful smoke. They are also more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer. It is important to note that all new stoves will have to comply with the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations set minimum efficiency standards, as well as NOX and OGV ceilings and emission limits that are higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA-exempt appliances.