Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Smoke Control Areas are the most popular classification for UK cities and towns. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and want to install a stove, you will need a Defra approved stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.
The stoves that are not subject to Defra have been designed to stop the fire from smouldering. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also burn fuel more efficiently.
What is what is a Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra Exempt stove is a wood-burning domestic heating appliance that has passed the tests laid out 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 are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas.
You cannot burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove if you live in an area where smoking is controlled. Installing the use of a non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.
From the outside, there is very little distinction between a Defra approved stove and one that has not been given this status. There are a few ways 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 fire of oxygen as this can cause it to smoulder and release excessive amounts of smoke.
To avoid this, stove manufacturers will usually make an adjustment to the air vent at the top of a Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from being able to shut the vent completely down, since this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an insignificant screw located inside the front of the stove, beneath the stove's base or on the back of the oven.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a fantastic alternative for those who reside in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas however 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 when burning wood (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a larger size). This is great news for people who are planning to install wood-burning stoves in their homes but are worried about the local regulations regarding smoke.
What are the Benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?
In addition to complying with local regulations and offering an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can provide a variety of other advantages. For instance, they tend to be more efficient than non-Defra approved stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when they are used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bills. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have easier controls than non-approved stoves.
There are many factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating needs and aesthetic preferences as well as long-term goals. It is crucial to take these factors into consideration when choosing a stove, and opting for a defra exempt stove is a great option for homeowners living in areas that are smoke-free. They are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.
Defra-approved stoves not only meet environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can withstand higher temperatures and last for longer.
In addition, most Defra approved stoves work with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes that are located in smoke-free areas. However it is crucial to note that if you plan to use your stove using 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 need to make adjustments to their appliances to limit the amount of air that can be deprived during the burning process. The top air control is usually modified to stop the complete closing. If you close the air supply too much it can cause the stove to smolder 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?
The most obvious distinction is that a defra certified stove can legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempted stove won't. Stoves that are approved by Defra have passed tests that prove they can burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive amounts of smoke. This means that if you live in a smoke-free zone, you will be able to use your new stove without possibility of costly fines.
A stove that is approved by Defra is more efficient in energy use than other stoves that produce more heat while emitting less harmful emissions in the atmosphere. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who wish to cut down on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.
Fireplaces And Stove that are Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo which is well-known and is widely used by the stove industry. You can also determine whether a stove is Defra exempt by checking the specifications or on the manufacturer's website.
There are many styles available when you choose a Defra-approved stove. Some are more traditional in design and will look beautiful in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook, while others are more modern and would suit a contemporary living space.
You should also make sure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by ensuring it is on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances or by checking that it has the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will advertise that their stoves are Defra-exempt, even though they haven't been tested. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove that has the Clean Burn technology than to test it and take the time and money to go through the process of becoming Defra exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood that is used as fuel for it is sourced sustainably and properly dried prior to burning. This means it is less likely to produce large amounts of smoke, which is better for the environment, and also helps to keep chimneys and flue systems clean for longer.
What is the Difference Between a Defra Exempt Stove and A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?
When you are deciding on the ideal stove for your home, there is many factors you must take into consideration, including style, heat output and the type of fuel. You may have seen on our website that a lot of stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner, may appear to be nothing more than a marketing term but it has extremely important implications for those living in smoke-free areas.
In order to comply with the laws that ban the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are designed with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve all the way. This is because if you cut the air flow to the fire, the wood will start to smoke and create excess smoke, which could be in violation of the law. To avoid this make sure that the wood is dried thoroughly prior to use in the stove.
You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA site. These include anthracite, semi-anthracite and gas as well as steam coal with low volatile. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your house and burn wet wood, or any other fuels not on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to an amount of fine up to PS1000.
Even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area, the DEFRA exempt wood burner is still a good choice as they are typically more environmentally and neighbor-friendly since they operate without generating nuisance smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system clean for a longer period of time. It is important to note that all new stoves will need to meet the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations set 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.