The Secret Life Of Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

The majority of UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one of them and wish to install a wood burning stove, then you need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

Defra exempt stoves are built to stop the fire from smouldering which reduces the amount of smoke produced. They also burn fuel better.

What is an Defra Exempt Stove?

DEFRA approved sustainable stoves is a wood-burning domestic heating device that has passed the tests laid 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 meet strict criteria regarding emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you live in a smoke control area it is necessary to have an DEFRA approved stove, as you cannot legally burn wood (unless you are an authorised fuel) without one. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove within a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.

From the outside there is very little difference between a Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been awarded this status. There are a few ways stove makers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that aren't designed to starve the flames of oxygen. This could cause them to smolder or produce excessive amounts smoke.

To prevent this, manufacturers will adjust the top air vent of a stove that is Defra approved. This will stop you from closing the vent all the way down, as this could cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an insignificant screw located inside the front of the stove, below the stove's base or on the back of the oven.

Stoves with Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves, and can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This is a great option if you reside in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Zone and you don't want to be restricted to only using approved fuels. Some stoves that have Defra exemptions can be fitted with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand larger dimensions). This is a wonderful benefit for those who want to install woodburning stoves, but are worried about local smoke regulations.

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 also offer many other benefits. For instance, they tend to be more efficient than stoves that are not Defra approved and consequently reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when they are used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bills. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have more simple controls than non-approved ones.

There are many factors to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. These include your heating needs and aesthetic preferences, as well as long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is essential to consider these aspects. A defra-exempt stove is an excellent choice for homeowners who live in smoke-controlled areas. They are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.

Defra-approved stoves do not just 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 certified stoves, meaning they will last longer and can stand up to higher temperatures.

The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow with a 5 inch liner for chimneys. This is perfect for homes located in smoke-controlled areas. However it is crucial to keep in mind that if you plan on using your stove with damp wood or any other wet fuel, it will create smoke that is not pleasant and could be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.

In order to achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make adjustments to the stove in order to limit the amount of air it will be deprived of during the combustion process. Typically, the top air control will be modified to prevent it from closing completely. The air supply that is shut off to a stove in excess could cause it to smolder instead of burning properly and, in turn, cause smoke that is unpleasant.

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

The most obvious distinction is that a defra-approved stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove will not be able to. Stoves that are approved by Defra have passed tests that prove they can safely burn wood and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive quantities of smoke. This means that when you live in a smoke-free zone, you will be able to use your new stove without the possibility of paying hefty fines.

A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other types of wood-burning stoves meaning that it will produce more heat and will emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent option for homeowners seeking to save money and care about the environment.

Stoves that have been Defra approved will typically be advertised with the Defra Approved logo, which is very recognisable and is widely used by the stove industry. You can also check whether the stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specification details or by looking on the website of the manufacturer for more details about the stove.

There are many styles to choose from when selecting a stove that is Defra-approved. Some of these are more traditional and look gorgeous when placed in an old fireplace chamber, or inglenook. Others are more modern in style and would suit a more modern living space.

Verify that the stove is Defra-exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of approved appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will advertise their stoves as being Defra exempt, even though they haven't been tested to show it. 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 that is used to power it is sourced sustainably, seasoned and dried properly before it is burned. This will reduce the amount of smoke generated, which is better for the environment. It also helps keep chimneys clean for a longer time.

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

When it comes to selecting the right stove for your home, there's many factors you will need to consider, such as design, heat output and fuel type. You might be aware that a number of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves on our site are described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner might appear to be a marketing term. However it can have significant implications for those living in areas that are smoke-free.

To ensure compliance with the laws prohibiting the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you decrease the air flow to the fire to a significant degree it will cause the wood to smoulder and create smoke. This will be against the law. To avoid this, you will need to make sure that the wood in your stove is dried out prior to putting it on the stove.

You can also use the DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only use approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. These include gas, semi-anthracite and anthracite as well as steam coal with low volatile. If you install a stove that is not DEFRA-compliant in your home and use wet wood or other fuels that are not on DEFRA's list, you could be subject to a fine of up to PS1000.

Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is still an excellent choice. They are more eco friendly and neighbor-friendly as they operate without producing nuisance smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer. It is important to note that all new stoves will need to comply with the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations define minimum efficiency levels, OGV and NOX ceilings, and emissions limits that are significantly higher than those currently in place for DEFRA-exempt appliances.

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Pub: 21 Mar 2024 19:47 UTC
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