Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Smoke Control Areas are the most popular classification for UK cities and towns. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and would like to install a stove, you will need a Defra approved stove. You can identify them by their Defra approved logo.
The stoves that are exempt from Defra are designed to stop the fire from smouldering. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.
What is a Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra Exempt Stove is a domestic heating appliance that burns wood and has passed the tests established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only applied to stoves which have been tested independently, and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
It is not possible to burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove when you live in an area where smoking is controlled. Installing an non DEFRA approved stove in the smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.
From Fireplaces And Stove , there's very little distinction between a Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been awarded this status. There are however a few things that stove manufacturers do to make their appliances DEFRA exempt. The most obvious difference is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are designed not to starve the fire of oxygen, as this can cause it to smolder and release excessive amounts of smoke.
To avoid this, stove makers will typically adjust the air vent at the top of the Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from closing the vent completely down, since this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually a small screw located inside the front of the stove, underneath the base of stove or on the rear of the oven.
Stoves that have Defra exemption tend to 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 and you don't want the restriction of only using fuels that are approved. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt will also be able to be equipped with a 5" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer does not insist on the use of a larger size). This is good news for people who are planning to install wood-burning stoves in their homes but are worried about their local smoke regulations.
What are the Benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?
Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages they can provide, such as the ability to meet local regulations as well as provide a warm and cozy fire. They tend to be more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves and reduce the amount carbon produced. This can lead to substantial savings on your heating bills. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have easier controls than non-approved ones.
When purchasing a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove, there are various factors to take into account, including your requirements for heating as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is essential to take these aspects into consideration when choosing a stove. Choosing for a defra-exempt stove is an excellent choice for those living in smoke-free areas. They are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.
In addition to meeting environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame distribution. 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 they can endure higher temperatures and last longer.
Most Defra-approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch liner for chimneys, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-controlled areas. It is essential to remember that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels with dampness the stove will still emit unpleasant fumes and may result in a prosecution from the local authorities.
To achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers have to modify their equipment to restrict the amount of air that could be lost during the burning process. The air control on the top is usually modified to prevent the complete closure. If you shut off the air supply too much it could cause the stove to smolder instead of burning properly. This can lead to an unpleasant smell of smoke.
What is the Difference Between an approved Defra Stove and a Non-Defra 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 safely burn wood and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive amounts of smoke. If you live in an area which is smoke-free, you can use your new stove with no risk of fines.
A stove that is Defra-approved is more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful carbon dioxide into the air. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who are seeking to save money and are concerned about the environment.
Stoves which have been approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also determine if a stove is Defra exempt by examining the specifications or checking on the manufacturers website for information about the stove.
When you are choosing a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style you want since there are a myriad of choices available. Some are more traditional and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook. Other stoves are more contemporary and will be ideal for a modern living space.
Check that the stove is Defra-exempt. It should appear on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will advertise their stoves as Defra exempt, even though they have not been tested to prove that they are. It is much easier to market a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.
A stove that has been Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood that is used to power it is sustainable and properly dried, seasoned and before being burned. This means that it is less likely to generate large amounts of smoke, which is better for the environment and also helps keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.
What is the Difference Between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?
When you are deciding on the right stove for your home, there's plenty of information you will need to be aware of, including the design, heat output, and fuel type. You might have noticed that a lot of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves on our site are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, for the average homeowner, may seem to be nothing more than a term used to sell products but it has very important implications for people living in smoke-free areas.
To ensure compliance with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have 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 too much the wood will begin to smolder and release excess smoke, which could be in violation of the law. To avoid this, make sure that your wood is dried thoroughly before you use it in the stove.
You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA site. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas and low volatile steam coal. However, if you choose to install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in your home and burn wet wood or any other fuels that aren't listed on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be punished up to PS1000.
Even if you don't live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is a good option. They are more eco friendly and neighbor-friendly since they can operate without producing polluting smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. It is important to remember that all new stoves will need to comply with the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations set minimum efficiency standards, as well as OGV and NOX ceilings, and emissions limits that are higher than those in place today for DEFRA-exempt appliances.