Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Most 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'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their Defra-approved logo.
Defra exempt stoves are built to stop the flame from burning and reduce 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 that has passed the tests set 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. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas.
If you live in a smoke control area, it is essential to have an DEFRA approved stove, as you cannot legally burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. Installing the use of a non DEFRA approved stove in the smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.
From the outside there is very little difference between the Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been granted this status. There are a few things stove manufacturers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that aren't made to starve the fires of oxygen. This could cause them to smolder or create excessive amounts of smoke.
To prevent this, stove manufacturers will usually make an adjustment to the air vent at the top of a Defra approved stove. This will stop you from being able to shut the vent all the way down, since this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is often located inside the top of the stove, below the stove's base or on the back of the stove.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a great option for those who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas and don't want to limit themselves to using only authorised fuels. Some stoves that have Defra exemptions can be fitted with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on larger dimensions). This is a great benefit for those who wish to install woodburning stoves but are worried about local smoke regulations.
What are the advantages of a Defra-approved stove?
Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages that include the ability to conform to local regulations and provide warm and cozy fire. For instance, they tend to be more efficient in energy use than stoves that are not Defra approved and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon produced when they are used. This can lead to significant savings on your heating costs. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are typically more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and may be fitted with simple controls.
When buying an electric or wood-burning stove, there are many different factors to consider such as your heating requirements as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is essential to consider these aspects. A defra-exempt stove can be a great choice for homeowners who live in smoke-controlled areas. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.
In addition to complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to offer superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and creates a pleasant, consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means that they can endure higher temperatures and last longer.
Additionally to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes that are located in smoke-free areas. It is essential to remember that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels with dampness the stove will still emit unpleasant fumes and may lead to prosecution from the local authorities.
To get Defra approval stove manufacturers have to modify their appliances to limit the amount of air that can be deprived during the burning process. The air control at the top is typically modified to prevent the complete closure. If you shut off the air supply too tightly, it can cause the stove to smoke instead of properly burning. This will lead to nuisance smoke.
What is the difference between an approved Defra 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 won't. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have been tested to prove they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in an area that is smoke-free you can use the new stove without fear of penalties.
A stove that is Defra-approved is more efficient in energy use than other stoves, producing more heat and emitting less harmful emissions in the atmosphere. This makes them a great choice for homeowners looking to save money and care about the environment.
Stoves that have been approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or on the website of the manufacturer.
There are a variety of styles to choose from when you choose a Defra-approved stove. Some of these are more traditional in design and will look beautiful in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more modern and will be ideal for a modern living space.
It is also important to ensure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by making sure that it is on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances or by checking whether it is stamped with the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra-exempt, even though they haven't been tested. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.
A stove that is Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood used to power it is sustainable, seasoned and dried properly before being burned. This means it is less likely to produce huge amounts of smoke which is better for the environment and helps keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.
What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?
You'll need to take into consideration various factors when choosing the ideal stove for your home. These include the style the heat output, style, and fuel type. You may have noticed on our website that a lot of multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This jargon, to the average homeowner might seem like nothing more than a marketing jargon, however, it has very important implications for people who live in smoke-free areas.
To ensure compliance with the laws that prohibit 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 cut down the flow of air to the fire in excess it will cause the wood to smolder, and produce excess smoke. This will be against the law. To avoid this, make sure that your wood is dried thoroughly before you use it in the stove.
You can also make use of a DEFRA exempt wood burner in a Smoke Control Area if you only burn the approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas, and steam coal with low volatile. However, if you decide to fit a non-DEFRA approved stove in your home, and you burn wet wood or other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be punished up to PS1000.
Even if you do not reside in the Smoke Control Area, the DEFRA exempt wood burner is still an option to consider as they are generally more eco-friendly and neighbour friendly since they can be operated without generating harmful smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney system and flue clean for longer. It is important to note that all new stoves will need to meet the more stringent Ecodesign standards by 2022. DEFRA regulations stoves establish minimum efficiency standards, as well as NOX and OGV ceilings, and emissions limits that are more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA-exempt appliances.