Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Smoke Control Areas are the most common classification for UK towns and cities. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and would like to install a stove, you will need a Defra approved stove. You can recognize them by their Defra approved logo.
The stoves that are exempt from Defra are designed to prevent the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount of smoke. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.
What is an Defra Exempt Stove?
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DEFRA compliant stoves UK Exempt Stove is a wood-burning domestic heating appliance which has passed the tests established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been tested independently and meet strict criteria on emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra can be used in Smoke Control Areas.
It is not possible to burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove if you live in a place where smoke is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in a smoke-control area, you'll be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could be prosecuted.
There is not much difference from the outside of an appliance that is Defra approved appliance and one that does not have this status. However, there are a few things that stove manufacturers use to make their appliances DEFRA Exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that are not designed to starve fires of oxygen. This can cause them to smoke or produce excessive amounts smoke.
To avoid this, stove manufacturers will typically adjust the air vent at the top of an Defra approved stove. This will stop the possibility of shutting the vent completely because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually an incredibly small screw located on the top front of the stove, below the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.
Stoves with Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves, and can be used to burn wood as well as other fuels. This is a great option for those who you live in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Area but you don't want to be bound by to be restricted to only using approved fuels. Some stoves that have Defra exemption can also be fitted with 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand the larger size). This is a great benefit for those who plan on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes, but are concerned about their local smoke regulations.
What are the benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?
Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits that include the ability to meet local regulations and provide an inviting and warm fire. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient than stoves that are not Defra approved and therefore reduce the amount of carbon emissions when they are used. This can result in significant savings on your heating costs. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are often easier to use than non-approved stoves, and can be equipped with simple controls.
When you are looking to purchase a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove, there are a variety of different factors to consider including your heating requirements, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is important to consider these aspects. A stove that is defra-exempt is ideal for those who live in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves have been rigorously tested and are in compliance with strict environmental guidelines, and can help to minimise the impact that your stove has on the environment.
In addition to complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means that they can withstand higher temperatures and last for longer.
Most stoves that are Defra-approved are able with a 5 inch liner for chimneys, which is perfect for homes located in areas with smoke control. However it is crucial to keep in mind that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or another wet fuel, this will still create smoke that is not pleasant and could possibly result in a being prosecuted by the local authority.
To obtain Defra approval, stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their appliances to restrict the amount of air that will be lost during the burning process. The top air control is usually altered to prevent the entire closure. The air supply that is shut off to a stove in excess can cause it to smoulder rather than burning properly, which in turn will cause smoke that is unpleasant.
What is the difference between a Defra Approved Stove and a Non-
DEFRA permitted stoves Approved Stove?
The most obvious distinction is that a defra approved stove can legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempted stove won't. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed the tests to prove that they can burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive quantities 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 stove that is Defra-approved is more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types that produce more heat and emitting less harmful carbon dioxide into the air. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who want to save money on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.
Stoves that are Defra approved will typically be advertised with the Defra Approved logo, which is very recognisable and is used by the stove industry. You can also find out whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or on the manufacturer's website.
There are a variety of styles to choose from when selecting a stove that is Defra-approved. Some are more traditionally styled and will look beautiful in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook while others are more modern and will fit in a modern home.
It is also important to ensure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by ensuring that it is on DEFRA's list of approved appliances, or by making sure whether it is stamped with the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will market their stoves as being Defra exempt even if they have not been tested to demonstrate it. This is because it is easier to sell a stove that features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and take the time and money to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.
A stove that is Defra exempt will make sure that the wood used to power it is sustainably sourced, seasoned and dried properly before it is burned. This will decrease the amount of smoke that is produced, which is healthier for the earth. It also helps to keep chimneys in good condition for longer.
What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. the Non-Defra Exempt Stove?
When it comes to choosing the best stove for your home, there's a lot of information that you should take into consideration, including design, heat output, and the type of fuel. You may have noticed on our website that many stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner, may seem to be nothing more than a term used to sell products, however, it has extremely important implications for those who live in smoke controlled areas.
To comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you decrease the flow of air to the fire too much the wood will begin to smolder and release excessive smoke, which would be in breach of the law. To avoid this you should ensure that the wood you use in your stove is dried to a certain degree before using it on the stove.
You can also use an exempt
DEFRA approved clean burning stoves wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas, and steam coal with low volatile. However, if you decide to install a non-DEFRA approved low emission stoves (
look at this website)-approved stove in your home and you burn wet wood or other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list that you can be punished up to PS1000.
Even if you don't live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is a good option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly as they are able to operate without generating nuisance smoke. They are also more efficient, and will keep your chimney system and flue clean for longer. However, it should be noted that by 2022, all new stoves have to meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiencies OGV, NOX ceilings as well as emission limits that are much more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.
