Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Smoke Control Areas are the most common classification for UK cities and towns. If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and would like to install a stove, you will require a Defra approved stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.
Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to stop the fire from smouldering which reduces the amount of smoke that is produced. They also burn fuel more efficiently.
What is an Defra exempt stove?
A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning domestic heating appliance which has passed the tests established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only used for stoves that have been independently tested, and have met strict standards regarding emissions. Defra exempt stoves can be used in Smoke Control Areas.
It is not possible to burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove if you live in a place where smoke is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone, you will be in breach of the Clean Air Act and could be charged.
From the outside, there is very little distinction between a Defra approved stove and one that hasn't 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 the DEFRA approved stove are made not to deprive the flame of oxygen, as this can cause it to smolder and release excessive amounts of smoke.
To avoid this manufacturers will alter the air vent at the top of a Defra-approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely down, since this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an insignificant screw located inside the front top of the stove, beneath 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 is a fantastic option for those who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas and don't want to limit their use to only authorized fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt will also be able to be fitted with a 5" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer does not insist on the larger size). This is good news for those who are planning on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes but are worried about the local regulations regarding smoke.
What are the advantages of a Defra-Approved Stove?
Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages, including the ability to comply with local regulations and provide an inviting and warm fire. They tend to be more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves, and can reduce the amount of carbon that is produced. This can lead to substantial savings on heating costs. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have more simple controls than stoves that are not approved.
There are many factors to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. These include your heating needs and aesthetic preferences and your long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is essential to consider these factors. A stove that is defra-exempt is a great choice for homeowners who live in areas that are smoke-free. They have been thoroughly tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines and can aid in reducing the impact your stove has on the environment.
Defra-approved stoves not only meet the environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, which means they last longer and are able to withstand more extreme temperatures.
In addition is that the majority of Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5" chimney liner, which is perfect for homes that are located in smoke-free areas. However, it is important to be aware that if you plan to use your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, it will cause smoke nuisance and possibly result in a prosecution by the local authority.
To obtain Defra approval stove manufacturers have to modify their equipment to restrict the amount of air that can be deprived during the burning process. The top air control is typically modified to prevent the complete closure. The air supply that is shut off to a stove for too long can cause it to smoulder instead of properly burning, which in turn will cause smoke that is unpleasant.
What is the difference between a Defra approved stove and a non-Defra approved stove?
A stove that is approved by defra will let you burn wood legally in a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves won't. Stoves that are Defra-approved have passed tests that show they are able to burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in a region that is smoke-free you can use the new stove with no risk of penalties.
A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other kinds of wood-burning stoves, so it will generate more heat and release less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a good option for homeowners seeking to save money and care 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 examining the specifications or visiting the manufacturer's website.
When you are choosing a Defra approved stove, it is essential to think about the style that you require since there are a myriad of options available. Some of these are more traditional in design and look stunning in an old fireplace or inglenook, while others are more contemporary and will suit a contemporary living space.
Also, make sure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by ensuring that it is on DEFRA's list of approved appliances or by ensuring that it has the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra-exempt, even though they haven't been tested. It is easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the expense of becoming Defra-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 before burning. This means that it is less likely to generate large amounts of smoke, which is beneficial to the environment, and also helps to keep chimneys and flue systems clean for longer.
What is the difference between the Defra exempt stove and a non-Defra exempt stove?
You will need to take into consideration various factors when choosing the right stove for your home. These include the design the heat output, style, and the type of fuel. You may have seen on our website that a lot of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner, may seem to be nothing more than a term used to sell products but it has extremely important implications for those living in smoke-free areas.
To ensure compliance with the laws against the sale of logs within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you cut down the flow of air to the fire to a significant degree, it will cause the wood to smoulder and create smoke. This is against the law. To prevent DEFRA stoves ratings from happening, make sure that your wood is dried thoroughly before you put it in the stove.
You can also make use of a DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only use approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. These include anthracite, semi-anthracite and gas as well as steam coal with low volatile. However, if you decide to install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in your home, and you burn wet wood or other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list that you can be punished up to PS1000.
Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is an option to consider as they are usually more environmentally and neighbor-friendly because they can be operated without producing polluting smoke. They are also more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system clean for a longer period of time. However, it must be noted that by 2022, all new stoves have to meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiencies OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits which are considerably higher than the limits currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.