Looking For Inspiration Try Looking Up 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'll need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognize them by their Defra-approved logo.
Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to prevent the flame from burning which reduces the amount of smoke control area stoves generated. 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 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been tested independently and meet the strict criteria for emissions. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas.
If you reside in a smoke control zone, you must have an DEFRA approved stove, as it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are authorised to burn fuel) without one. Installing an non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.
From the outside, there is very little distinction between an 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 most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are designed not to deprive the flame of oxygen, smoke control area stoves since this could cause it to smolder and create excessive quantities of smoke.
To stop this from happening, manufacturers will adjust the top vent of a stove that is Defra approved. This prevents you from being able to shut the vent all the way down, as this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically located inside the top of the stove, underneath the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a great choice if you live in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by the restrictions of only using authorised fuels. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be fitted with five" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer does not insist on a larger size). This is a great benefit for those looking to install woodburning stoves but are concerned about local smoke regulations.
What are the benefits of a Defra-approved stove?
In addition to complying with local regulations and providing an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can provide a variety of other advantages. They tend to be more efficient than non-Defra stoves and reduce the amount carbon that is produced. This can lead to significant savings on your heating bills. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and may be equipped with simple controls.
There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. These include your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. It is important to take these elements into consideration when selecting a stove. Choosing for a stove that is exempt from defra is a great option for homeowners living in smoke controlled areas. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.
Aside from meeting environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to offer better combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, resulting in more pleasing and consistent flame. They are also more durable than non DEFRA accredited stoves approved stoves. This means they can endure higher temperatures and last longer.
Additionally is that the majority of Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes located in smoke-free areas. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you are planning to use your stove using damp wood or any other wet fuel, it will create smoke that is not pleasant and could possibly result in a prosecution by the local authority.
To get Defra approval, stove manufacturers must make changes to the appliance in order to limit how much air it can be starved of during the process of burning. The air control at the top is usually altered to prevent the complete closing. If you shut off the air supply too much it could cause the stove to smoulder instead of burning properly. This will lead to nuisance smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra Approved Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?
The most obvious difference is that a defra certified stove can 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 passed tests to prove that they are able to effectively and safely burn wood in smoke controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. This means that when you live in a smoke control area you can use your new stove without the possibility of paying hefty fines.
A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other types of wood burning stoves, which means it will generate more heat and will emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent option for homeowners looking to save money on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.
Stoves that are approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo, which has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out if a stove is Defra-exempt by checking the specifications or on the website of the manufacturer.
There are many styles available when selecting a stove that is Defra-approved. Some are more traditionally styled and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook, while others are more modern and would be ideal for a modern living space.
You should also make sure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by ensuring it is on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances or by checking whether it is stamped with the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will advertise that their stoves are Defra-exempt however they haven't been tested. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove that has the Clean Burn technology than to test it and then spend the time and expense to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood that is used to fuel it has been sustainably sourced and properly dried prior to burning. This means that it is less likely to generate huge amounts of smoke which is beneficial to the environment and also helps to keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.
What is the difference between an exempt stove that is Defra-compliant and a non-DEFRA stoves comparison exempt stove?
When it comes to selecting the best stove for your home, there is many factors you must take into consideration, including style, heat output and fuel type. You might have seen on our website that a lot of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner, may appear to be nothing more than a term used to sell products but it has very important implications for people who live in smoke controlled areas.
To comply with the laws prohibiting the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. This is because if you decrease the air flow to the fire too much the wood will begin to smoulder and produce excess smoke, which will be in breach of the law. To avoid this you must make sure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried prior to using it on the stove.
You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA site. These include gas, semi-anthracite, and anthracite as well as low volatile steam coal. However, if you choose to fit a non-DEFRA approved stove in your home, and you burn wet wood or any other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be penalized up to PS1000.
Even if you don't live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is a great option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly since they are able to operate without generating nuisance smoke. They are also more efficient, and will keep your chimney system and flue 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 set minimum efficiencies and NOX and OGV ceilings and emissions limits that are significantly more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.