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'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them by their Defra approved logo.

The stoves that are not subject to DEFRA approved low emission stoves are designed to prevent the fire from smouldering. This reduces the amount of smoke. They also make use of 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 conducted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been tested independently and meet the strict criteria for emissions. Defra exempt stoves can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you live in a smoke control zone, you must have an DEFRA approved stove, as it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. Installing an non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.

From the outside, there's no distinction between an Defra approved stove and one that has not been given this status. However, Defra certified stoves there are some ways that stove manufacturers can do in order to make their products DEFRA Exempt. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are designed not to starve the fire of oxygen, as this can cause it to smolder and create excessive quantities of smoke.

To avoid this, stove manufacturers typically adjust the top air vent on the Defra approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely since this could cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is often a small screw inside the top of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.

Stoves with Defra exemption tend to also be multifuel stoves and can be used to burn wood as well as other fuels. This is a great choice if you live in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by to be restricted to only using authorised 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 a larger size). This is a wonderful benefit for those who want to install wood-burning stoves but are worried about local smoke regulations.

What are the advantages of a Defra-Approved Stove?

In addition to complying with local regulations and offering warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For example, they tend to be more efficient than non-Defra certified stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon emissions when they are used. This can lead to significant savings on your heating bills. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have easier controls than non-approved stoves.

When purchasing a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are a variety of different factors to consider including your heating requirements as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is important to consider these factors. A defra-exempt stove is an excellent choice for homeowners who live in areas that are smoke-free. They are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.

Aside from complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, meaning that they last longer and can stand up to 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 located in smoke-free areas. It is essential to remember that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels with dampness however, it will still emit nuisance fumes and could result in a prosecution from the local authorities.

To achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their equipment to restrict the amount of air that will be lost during the burning process. Typically the air control on top will be altered to prevent it from being closed completely. If you shut off the air supply too tightly, it can cause the stove to smoke instead of properly burning. This can lead to an unpleasant smell of smoke.

What is the Difference Between an approved Defra 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, an exempt stove that is not defra-approved isn't. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have been tested to prove they can safely and effectively burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in an area that is smoke controlled you can make use of your new stove without the risk of fines.

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 an excellent choice for homeowners who want to cut down on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo, which has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also determine whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or on the website of the manufacturer.

There are many styles available when you choose a Defra-approved stove. Some of these are more traditional and look great in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more contemporary and will suit a contemporary living space.

Make sure the stove is Defra exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of authorised appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra-exempt, even though they haven't been tested. It is much easier to market a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the cost of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, which means that the wood that is used as fuel for it is sustainable and properly dried before burning. This will mean that it is less likely to produce large 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 and the Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

When it comes to selecting the best stove for your home, there is plenty of information you must be aware of, including the design, heat output and the type of fuel. You might have noticed that many of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves available on our site are described as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner may seem like a marketing term. However it is a significant issue for those who live in smoke-controlled areas.

To comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism that stops you from closing down 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 excessive smoke, which would be in violation of the law. To avoid this, you will need to ensure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried prior to using it on the stove.

You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels that are listed on the luxury DEFRA stoves site. These include gas, semi-anthracite and anthracite as well as low volatile steam coal. 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 fined up to PS1000.

Even if you don't reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is a good choice as they are generally more eco-friendly and neighbour friendly since they operate without producing polluting smoke. They are also more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it is to be noted that in 2022 all new stoves must meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiencies OGV and NOX ceilings as well as emission limits which are considerably higher than the limits currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.