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Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one of them and wish to install a wood stove then you’ll require a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them by their Defra approved logo.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra are designed to prevent the fire from burning. This reduces the amount produced 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 set out by the Department for DEFRA Stoves Ratings Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only used for stoves that have been independently tested, and have met strict standards regarding emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt can be used in Smoke Control Areas.

You can’t burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove when you live in an area where smoke is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control area you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could be charged.

From the outside there is no difference between a Defra approved stove and one that has not been awarded this status. There are a few ways that stove manufacturers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are made not to starve the flame of oxygen, as this can cause it to smoulder and produce excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this manufacturers will alter the air vent at the top of a stove that is Defra-approved. This will prevent you from closing the vent completely down, as this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an insignificant screw located inside the front of the stove, below the base of stove or on the rear of the oven.

Stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves and can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This is a great option if you reside in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Area, but don’t want the restriction of only using approved fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemption can also be equipped with a 5″ liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn’t insist on larger dimensions). This is a great benefit for those who plan on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes, but are concerned about local regulations on smoke.

What are the Benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?

In addition to being compliant with local regulations and supplying warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide a variety of other advantages. For instance, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-DEFRA stoves ratings certified stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon produced when used. This can result in substantial savings on your heating bill. In addition, Defra approved stoves are typically more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and may be equipped with simple controls.

There are many factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. These include your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences as well as long-term goals. It is crucial to take these aspects into consideration when choosing the right stove, and opting for a defra exempt stove is a great option for those who live in smoke-free areas. These stoves are environmentally friendly and have been tested rigorously.

Aside from meeting environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, producing a more pleasant and consistent flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, meaning that they last longer and are able to endure higher temperatures.

In addition to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves work with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes in smoke controlled areas. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you plan to use your stove using wet wood or other damp fuel, it will cause smoke nuisance and be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.

In order to achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make modifications to the appliance to limit how much air it can be starved of during the burning process. The air control at the top is usually modified to prevent the entire closing. If you close the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smoulder instead of properly burning. This will lead to nuisance smoke.

What is the difference between a Defra approved stove and a non-Defra approved stove?

A defra-approved stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves will not. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have passed tests to prove they can safely and effectively burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in a region that is smoke-free you can make use of your new stove without fear of fines.

A stove that is approved by Defra is more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful emissions in the air. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who want to save money on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that are Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also check whether the stove is Defra exempt by examining the specification details or by checking on the manufacturers website for information about it.

When choosing a Defra approved stove, it is important to consider the style that you require as there are many different choices to choose from. Some are more traditionally styled and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook. Other stoves are more modern and would fit in a modern home.

Make sure the stove is Defra-exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of authorised appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as DEFRA Stoves ratings exempt, even though they have not been tested to show that they are. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove that features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and then spend the time and money to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, which means that the wood that is used to fuel it is sourced sustainably and properly dried before burning. This will mean that it will not produce large quantities of smoke, which is better for the environment, and also helps to keep chimneys and flue systems clean for longer.

What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove and a Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You’ll need to consider a number of aspects when selecting the best stove for your home. These include style as well as 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 an average homeowner, may seem like a marketing term. However it is a significant issue for those living in smoke-free areas.

To comply with the laws against the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. This is because if you reduce the air flow to the fire too much, the wood will start to smolder and release excessive smoke, which would be in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening you should ensure that the wood in your stove is dried to a certain degree prior to putting it on the stove.

You can also use a DEFRA exempt wood burner within 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 with low volatile. If you decide to install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in your home and you burn wet wood or any other fuels that aren’t listed on the DEFRA list that you can be penalized up to PS1000.

Even if you’re not in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is a good option. They are more eco friendly and neighbor-friendly as they can operate without producing harmful smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney system and flue clean for longer. However, it should be noted that in 2022 all new stoves must comply with the more stringent Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiencies, OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits that are significantly more than the ones currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.