Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Smoke Control Areas are the most popular classification for UK cities and towns. If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and want to install a stove, you'll need a Defra approved stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.
Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to stop the fire from smouldering which reduces the amount of smoke generated. They also burn fuel more efficiently.
What is a Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra 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 only available to stoves that have been tested independently, and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are safe for use in Smoke Control Areas.
If you reside 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 a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.
There is little difference from the outside of a Defra approved stove and one that does not have this status. There are a few things stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are designed not to deprive the fire of oxygen because this could cause it to smoulder and produce excessive amounts of smoke.
To stop this from happening manufacturers will alter the top vent of a stove that is Defra approved. This will stop you from closing the vent completely down as this would cut the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually a small screw located inside the front of the stove, below the base of stove or on the back of the oven.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and may therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a fantastic option for people who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas, but who do not want to limit their use to only authorized fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be fitted with five" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). This is great news for those looking to install wood-burning stoves but are worried about local smoke regulations.
What are the advantages of a Defra-approved stove?
In addition to being compliant with local regulations and supplying a warm cosy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For instance, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-Defra approved stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when they are used. This can lead to significant savings on your heating bill. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have simpler controls than stoves that are not approved.
When you are looking to purchase a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are many different aspects to take into consideration, such as your heating requirements as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is essential to take these factors into consideration when selecting a stove. Choosing for a defra exempt stove is a great option for those living in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves have been rigorously tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines, and can reduce the impact your stove has on the environment.
Aside from complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide better combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces more pleasing and consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means that they can endure higher temperatures and last longer.
Most Defra-approved stoves are compatible to use a 5 inch liner for chimneys. This is perfect for homes located in areas with smoke control. It is important to remember that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other damp fuels the stove will still emit nuisance fumes and could cause a charge from the local authority.
To get Defra approval, stove makers are required to make modifications to the appliance to limit the amount of air it will be deprived of during the process of burning. The air control at the top is usually altered to stop the complete closure. The air supply that is shut off to a stove in excess could cause it to smolder 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 Approved Stove?
A defra-approved stove will allow burning wood legally within a Smoke Control Area. However, an exempt stove that is not defra-approved isn't. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have passed tests to prove they can safely and effectively burn wood in smoke controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. If you live in an area which is smoke-free you can make use of your new stove with no risk of fines.
A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other types of wood-burning stoves meaning that it will produce more heat and release less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners seeking to save money and are concerned about the environment.
Stoves that are approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also determine whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by checking the specifications or the manufacturer's website.
When choosing a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style that you require since there are a myriad of choices available. Some of these are more traditional and look beautiful in an old fireplace, or inglenook. Others are more modern in style and would suit a more contemporary living space.
It is also important to ensure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by ensuring it appears on DEFRA's list authorised appliances or by ensuring that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. DEFRA regulations stoves will claim that their stoves are Defra-exempt, even though they haven't been tested. It is easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the cost of becoming Defra exempt.
A stove that has been Defra exempt will ensure that the wood that is used to power it is sourced sustainably, seasoned and dried properly before burning. This means that it is less likely to generate large amounts of smoke, which is good for the environment and helps keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.
What is the difference between an exempt stove that is Defra-compliant and a non-Defra exempt stove?
You will need to take into consideration several factors when choosing the right stove for you home. These include style, heat output, and the type of fuel. You may have noticed that many of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves on our website are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This jargon, to the average homeowner, may seem to be nothing more than a marketing jargon however, it can have extremely important implications for those who live in smoke-free areas.
To ensure compliance with the laws that ban the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve all the way. This is because if you reduce the flow of air to the fire the wood will begin to smoke and create excess smoke, which will be in breach of the law. To avoid this, make sure that your wood is dried before you put it in the stove.
You can also make use of an DEFRA exempt wood burner in a Smoke Control Area if you only burn the approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas, and steam coal that is low volatile. If you install a stove that is not DEFRA-compliant in your house and burn wet wood, or any other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA's list, you could face a fine of up to PS1000.
Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is a good option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly as they are able to operate without generating polluting smoke. They are also more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system clean for a longer period of time. It is important to note that all new stoves must to meet the more stringent Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations establish minimum efficiency levels, NOX and OGV ceilings, and emission limits that are more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA-exempt appliances.