Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
The majority of 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 need a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their approved logo from the Defra.
Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to prevent the fire from burning which reduces the amount of smoke generated. They also burn fuel better.
What is what is a Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning heating appliance for domestic use that has passed the tests set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only used for stoves that have been tested independently, and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt can 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 the use of a non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.
From the outside, there's very little difference between an Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been given this status. There are a few ways stove makers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are made not to starve the fire of oxygen since this could cause it to smolder and create excessive quantities of smoke.
To stop this from happening manufacturers will alter the top vent of a Defra-approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely, as this would cut the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually an incredibly small screw that is located on the front top of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the back of the oven.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels in addition to wood. This is a great option for those who you reside in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by the restriction of only using approved fuels. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be equipped with a 5" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). 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?
Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits that include the ability to conform to local regulations as well as provide warm and cozy fire. For instance, they tend to be more efficient in energy use than non-Defra certified stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon produced when used. This can lead to significant savings on your heating bill. Stoves that are approved by Defra are also simpler to use and have simpler controls than stoves that are not approved.
When buying a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are a variety of different factors to consider such as your heating requirements as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is crucial to take into consideration these factors. A defra-exempt stove can be ideal for those who live in areas that are smoke-free. They have been thoroughly tested and are in compliance with strict environmental guidelines and can help to minimise the impact that your stove has on the environment.
Defra-approved stoves are not only compliant with the environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and a wider spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, producing more pleasing and consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can endure higher temperatures and last longer.
Most stoves that are Defra-approved are able to use a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in areas with smoke control. It is important to remember that if you decide to use your stove with damp wood or other damp fuels the stove will still emit nuisance fumes and could lead to prosecution from the local authorities.
To achieve Defra approval, stove makers have to modify their equipment to restrict the amount of air that can be lost during the burning process. The top air control is typically modified to prevent the complete closing. The air supply that is shut off to a stove too much can cause it to smoulder instead of properly burning, which in turn will cause smoke that is unpleasant.
What is the Difference Between an approved Defra Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?
The most obvious difference is that a defra certified stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempted stove won't. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have been tested to prove they can effectively and safely burn wood in smoke controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. This means that when you live in a zone that is smoke-free, you can use your new stove without possibility of costly fines.
A Defra-approved stove is also more efficient in energy use than other stoves that produce more heat while emitting less harmful emissions in the air. This makes them a good choice for homeowners looking to save money and care about the environment.
Stoves that are Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo, which has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also check whether a stove is Defra exempt by reading the specification details or by visiting the manufacturer's website for information about it.
There are many styles to choose from when you choose a Defra-approved stove. Some of these are more traditional and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook. Others are more modern and would be a great fit for a more modern living space.
You should also make sure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by ensuring that it is listed on DEFRA's list of approved appliances or by checking whether it is stamped with the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as being Defra exempt even though they haven't been tested to demonstrate it. This is due to the fact that it is much easier to sell a stove that has the Clean Burn technology than to test it and spend the time and money to go through the process of becoming Defra exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood that is used to fuel it is sourced sustainably and properly dried before burning. This reduces the amount of smoke generated which is healthier 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 best stove for your home, there is plenty of information you must be aware of, including the style, heat output and fuel type. You might have seen on our website that many stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, for the average homeowner, may seem to be nothing more than a marketing term, however, it has extremely important implications for those living in smoke-free areas.
To comply with the laws against the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. Fireplaces And Stove is because if you reduce the air flow to the fire too much the wood will begin to smoke and create excessive smoke, which would be in violation of the law. To avoid this, make sure that your wood is dried before you put it in the stove.
You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA site. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas, and low volatile steam coal. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your house and burn wet wood, or other fuels that are not on DEFRA's list, you could face a fine of up to PS1000.
Even if you don't reside in a Smoke Control Area, the DEFRA exempt wood burner is still an excellent option since they are typically more environmentally and friendly to neighbours because they can be operated without creating nuisance smoke. They also have higher efficiency and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. It is important to note that all new stoves must to comply with the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations establish minimum efficiency levels, NOX and OGV ceilings and emissions limits that are much higher than those in place today for DEFRA-exempt appliances.