Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Most UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you live in one and want to install a wood stove then you'll need a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them by their Defra approved logo.
The stoves that are not subject to Defra are designed to stop the fire from burning. This reduces the amount of smoke. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.
What is what is a 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 only applied to stoves which have been independently tested, and that meet the strictest standards for emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt can be used in Smoke Control Areas.
If you reside in a smoke control area it is necessary to have an DEFRA approved stove since it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are an authorised fuel) without one. Installing the use of a non DEFRA approved stove in the smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.
From the outside there is no difference between a Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been awarded this status. There are a few ways that stove manufacturers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that aren't made to starve fires of oxygen. This could cause them to smoke or produce excessive amounts smoke.
To prevent this, stove manufacturers typically adjust the top air vent on the Defra approved stove. This will stop you from being able to shut the vent all the way down, as this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually located inside the top front of the stove, beneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn different types of fuels alongside wood. This is a great choice if you reside in an area which is designated as a Smoke Control Area but you don't want to be bound by the restriction of only using fuels that are approved. Certain stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions can be equipped with 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on larger dimensions). This is great news for those looking to install woodburning stoves but are concerned about local regulations regarding smoke.
What are the advantages of a stove that is Defra certified?
In addition to being compliant with local regulations and providing an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can also offer many other benefits. For example, they tend to be more efficient in energy use than stoves that are not Defra approved and consequently reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can lead to significant savings on your heating costs. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are often easier to use than non-approved stoves and can be fitted with simple controls.
When you are looking to purchase an electric or wood-burning stove, there are a variety of different factors to consider including your needs for heating 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 an excellent choice for homeowners who live in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves have been rigorously tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines, and can aid in reducing the impact your stove can have on the environment.
Defra-approved stoves not only meet the environmental standards, but also provide better combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. In addition they are more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, meaning they will last longer and are able to withstand more extreme temperatures.
The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow to use a 5 " liner for chimneys. This is ideal for homes in areas that are smoke-free. It is important to remember that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels that are damp however, it will still emit toxic fumes that could cause a charge from the local authority.
To achieve Defra approval stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their appliances to restrict the amount of air that can be lost during the burning process. The air control on the top is typically modified to stop the complete closure. Closing the air supply to a stove in excess could cause it to smolder instead of burning properly and cause smoke that is unpleasant.
What is the difference between a Defra-approved stove and a non-Defra approved stove?
A stove that is approved by defra will let you burn wood legally in a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves won't. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed tests that show they are able to burn wood safely and effectively in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive quantities of smoke. This means that when you live in a zone that is smoke-free, you can use your new stove without the possibility of costly fines.
A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other kinds of wood burning stoves, meaning that it will produce more heat and release less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a great option for homeowners looking to cut down on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.
Stoves that are approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also determine if a stove is Defra exempt by reading the specification details or by looking on the website of the manufacturer for information about it.
There are many styles available when choosing a Defra-approved stove. Some of these are more traditionally styled and will look beautiful in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more contemporary and will suit a contemporary living space.
You should also make sure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by ensuring it is listed on DEFRA's list of approved appliances or by ensuring that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will advertise that their stoves are Defra-exempt but they haven't been tested. This is due to the fact that it is much easier to sell a stove that features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and spend the time and expense to complete the process of becoming Defra exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood used as fuel for it is sourced sustainably and properly dried prior to burning. This means that it is less likely to generate large amounts of smoke, which is better for the environment, and also helps to keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.
What is the difference between the Defra exempt stove and a non-Defra exempt stove?
You'll have to consider several factors when choosing the right stove for your home. These include the design as well as heat output and the type of fuel. You may have noticed on our website that many wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This jargon, to the average homeowner may seem to be nothing more than a term used to sell products however, it can have very important implications for people who live in smoke controlled areas.
To comply with the laws against the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you cut the flow of air to the fire, the wood will start to smolder and release excess smoke, which could be in breach of the law. To avoid you could try this out must make sure that the wood in your stove is dried out prior to using it on the stove.
You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA site. These include gas, semi-anthracite, and anthracite as well as low volatile steam coal. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your home and use wet wood, or any other fuels not on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to penalties of up to PS1000.
Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is still an excellent choice. 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 and flue system cleaner for longer. It is important to know that all new stoves will need to meet the more stringent Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations establish minimum efficiencies and NOX and OGV ceilings and emission limits that are higher than those in place today for DEFRA-exempt appliances.