Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Smoke Control Areas are the most commonly used classification for UK towns and cities. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and would like to install an appliance, you'll require a Defra approved stove. You can identify them by their logos that are Defra-approved.
Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to stop the fire from smouldering which reduces the amount of smoke produced. They also burn fuel more efficiently.
What is what is a Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning domestic heating appliance which has passed the tests set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only available to stoves that have been independently tested, and that meet the strictest standards for emissions. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
If you live in a smoke control zone, you must have an DEFRA approved stove, as you cannot legally burn wood (unless you are an authorized 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.
There is little difference from the outside between an appliance that is Defra approved stove and one that doesn't have this status. However, there are a few things that stove manufacturers do in order to ensure that their appliances are DEFRA Exempt. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are made not to deprive the fire of oxygen as this can cause it to smoulder and produce excessive amounts of smoke.
To prevent this, stove makers will typically adjust the top air vent on the Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from being able to shut the vent completely down, since this could cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is often located inside the top front of the stove, below the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and
Defra certified stoves can therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a great option for people who reside in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas, but who don't want to limit themselves to using only authorised fuels. Some stoves that have Defra exemption can also be fitted with five" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a bigger size). This is good news for those who are planning on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes, but are concerned about their local smoke regulations.
What are the Benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?
DEFRA compliant stoves UK-approved stoves provide many advantages, including the ability to conform to local regulations as well as provide a warm and cozy fire. For instance, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-
Defra certified stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon emissions when used. This can result in 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.
There are a variety of factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating needs and aesthetic preferences, and your long-term goals. When choosing 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 are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.
Defra-approved stoves not only meet the environmental standards, but also provide better combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and creates a pleasant, consistent flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, which means they will last longer and stand up to higher temperatures.
Most stoves that are Defra-approved are able to use a 5 " liner for chimneys, which is ideal for homes in smoke-controlled areas. However it is crucial to keep in mind that if you are planning to use your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, this will still cause smoke nuisance and be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.
To obtain Defra approval stove manufacturers must make modifications to their appliances to limit the amount of air that will be lost during the burning process. Typically the air control on top will be altered to prevent it from being closed completely. If you close the air supply too much it could cause the stove to smoke instead of properly burning. This will lead to an unpleasant smell of smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra approved stove and a non-Defra-approved stove?
A
DEFRA list stoves-approved stove will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves won't. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed tests that prove they can burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive amounts of smoke. This means that when you live in a smoke control area you can use your new stove without risk of hefty fines.
A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other types of wood burning stoves, which means it will generate more heat and emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who wish to save money on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.
Stoves that have been Defra approved will typically be advertised with the Defra Approved logo that is easily identifiable and has been adopted by the stove industry. You can also determine if a stove is Defra-exempt by checking the specifications or on the manufacturer's website.
There are a variety of styles to choose from when selecting a stove that is Defra-approved. Some of these are more traditional and will look gorgeous in an old fireplace, or inglenook. Others are more modern and will look great in a contemporary living space.
Verify that the stove is Defra exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of approved appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will claim that their stoves are Defra exempt however they haven't been tested. It is much easier to market a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the cost of becoming Defra exempt.
A stove that has been Defra exempt will make sure that the wood used to fuel it is sourced sustainably, seasoned and dried properly before it is burned. This means that it is less likely to generate large amounts of smoke, which is better for the environment, and also helps keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.
What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove and A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?
When you are deciding on the ideal stove for your home, there is a lot of information that you must be aware of, including the design, heat output and the type of fuel. You might have seen on our website that many stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This jargon, for the average homeowner, may appear to be nothing more than a marketing term but it has significant implications for those who live in smoke controlled areas.
To comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of wood within 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 decrease the flow of air to the fire, the wood will start to smoke and create excessive smoke, which would be in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening you must ensure that the wood in your stove is dried to a certain degree prior to putting it on the stove.
You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels listed on the DEFRA site.