Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Most UK cities and 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 by their Defra approved logo.
The stoves that are exempt from Defra have been designed to stop the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount of smoke. 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 laid out by the Department for eacco.ph 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 to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
You cannot burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove in an area where smoking is controlled. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove in the 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 eacco.ph one that has not been granted this status. There are a few things stove makers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that aren’t made to starve flames of oxygen. This can cause them to smoke or create excessive amounts of smoke.
To avoid this manufacturers will alter the top vent of a stove that is Defra-approved. This will prevent you from closing the vent completely because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is typically located inside the top of the stove, beneath the stove’s base or on the back of the stove.
Stoves that have Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves that can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This can be a great option for people who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas however do not want to limit their use to only authorized fuels. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be equipped with five» chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn’t insist on the use of a larger size). This is a great benefit for those looking to install wood-burning stoves but are worried about local regulations regarding smoke.
What are the benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?
Defra-approved stoves have many advantages that include the ability to conform to local regulations as well as provide a warm and cozy fire. They are typically more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves, and also reduce the amount of carbon produced. This can result in significant savings on heating costs. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have simpler controls than stoves that are not approved.
When purchasing an electric or wood-burning stove, there are different aspects to take into consideration, including your heating requirements as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is crucial to take these aspects into consideration when choosing a stove, and opting for a defra-exempt stove is a good option for homeowners living in smoke controlled areas. These stoves are environmentally friendly and have been tested rigorously.
Defra-approved stoves do not just meet environmental standards but also offer superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, meaning they last longer and can endure higher temperatures.
In addition to this, the majority of DEFRA stoves near me approved stoves can be used with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is perfect for homes that are located in smoke-free areas. However it is crucial to be aware 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 potentially lead to prosecution by the local authority.
To achieve Defra approval, stove makers have to modify their equipment to restrict the amount of air that will be lost during the burning process. Typically the air control at the top is modified to stop it from closing all the way. If you shut off the air supply too tightly it could cause the stove to smolder instead of burning properly. This could result in unpleasant smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra-approved stove and a non-Defra certified stove?
The most obvious difference is that a defra approved stove can legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove will not be able to. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed tests that show they can safely burn wood and effectively in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive amounts of smoke. This means that if you live in a smoke control area you can use your new stove without possibility of paying hefty fines.
A stove that is Defra-approved is more efficient in energy use than other stoves that produce more heat while emitting less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who wish to save money on heating bills and who are concerned 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 find out whether a stove is Defra exempt by looking up the specifications or visiting the website of the manufacturer.
There are a variety of styles to choose from when choosing a Defra-approved stove. Some of these are more traditional in design and will look beautiful in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook, while others are more modern and will be ideal for a modern living space.
Also, make sure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by ensuring it is listed on DEFRA’s list of authorised appliances or by checking that it’s got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will advertise their stoves as Defra exempt even if they haven’t been tested to prove it. This is because it is 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.
A stove that is Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood used to fuel it is sourced sustainably and properly dried, seasoned and before being burned. This reduces the amount of smoke produced which is healthier for the earth. It also helps keep chimneys clean for a longer time.
What is the difference between an exempt stove that is Defra-compliant and a non-Defra exempt stove?
You’ll need to take into consideration several factors when choosing the ideal stove for your home. These include style as well as heat output and the type of fuel. You may be aware that a number of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves available on our website are described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, to the average homeowner, may seem to be nothing more than a marketing term, however, it has significant implications for those who live in smoke-free areas.
To ensure compliance with the laws that prohibit 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 completely. This is because if you decrease the flow of air to the fire too much, the wood will start to smoulder and produce excess smoke, which will be in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening you should ensure that the wood you use in your stove is dried out prior to using it on the stove.
You can also make use of an DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only use approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas and steam coal that is low volatile. If you decide to install a non-DEFRA-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 do not reside in the Smoke Control Area and you are not in a Smoke Control Area, a DEFRA exempt wood burner is a good choice as they are generally more eco-friendly and friendly to neighbours since they operate without creating nuisance smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer. However, it must be noted that by 2022 all new stoves have to meet the stricter Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiency OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits which are considerably higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.