Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Smoke Control Areas are the most commonly used classification for UK towns and cities. If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and want to install an appliance, you'll require a
defra stove approved stove. You can recognize them by their Defra approved logo.
Defra exempt stoves are built to stop the fire from smouldering which reduces the amount of smoke that is produced. They also burn fuel more efficiently.
What is what is a Defra exempt stove?
A Defra Exempt Stove is a domestic heating appliance that burns wood and has passed the tests set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only applied to stoves which have been independently tested and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
If you reside in a smoke-control area it is necessary to have a DEFRA approved stove as it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are an authorised fuel) without one. Installing an non DEFRA approved stove within the smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.
There is not much difference from the outside of the one that is Defra approved stove and one that doesn't have this status. There are a few things stove makers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that aren't designed to starve flames of oxygen. This could cause them to smoke or create excessive amounts of smoke.
To avoid this manufacturers will alter the top air vent of a Defra-approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely down since this could cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually a small screw located inside the front of the stove, below the stove's base or on the back of the oven.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn other types of fuels alongside wood. This is a great option for those who you reside in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by to be restricted to only using fuels that are approved. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be equipped with a 5" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a larger size). This is great news for those looking to install wood burning stoves, but are worried about local regulations regarding smoke.
What are the advantages of a Defra approved stove?
Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits that include the ability to meet local regulations as well as provide a warm and cozy fire. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient than non-Defra certified stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can lead to significant savings on heating costs. In addition, Defra approved stoves are typically more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and can be equipped with simple controls.
When purchasing a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are various factors to take into account, including your heating requirements, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. It is crucial to take these elements into consideration when choosing the right stove, and opting for a stove that is exempt from defra is a great option for homeowners living in smoke controlled areas. These stoves are environmentally friendly and have been tested rigorously.
Apart from being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide 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 approved stoves. This means that they can withstand higher temperatures and last longer.
In addition to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves work with a 5" chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-free areas. It is crucial to keep in mind that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels with dampness the stove will still emit toxic fumes that could result in a prosecution from the local authority.
To get Defra approval, stove makers must make modifications to their equipment to restrict the amount of air that will be removed during the combustion process. Typically the air control at the top is modified to stop it from closing all the way. Shutting off the air supply to a stove for too long can cause it to smoulder instead of burning properly and, in turn, result in a nuisance smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra-approved stove and a non-Defra-approved stove?
The most obvious distinction is that a defra certified stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-
DEFRA recognized stoves exempt stove would not. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have passed tests to prove they can effectively and safely burn wood in smoke controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in an area which is smoke-free then you can use your new stove without the risk of fines.
A Defra-approved stove is also more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types that produce more heat and emitting less harmful emissions in the air. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who are trying to save money and care about the environment.
Stoves that are approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo, which has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or the manufacturer's website.
When choosing a Defra approved stove it is important to consider the style you prefer as there are many different options available. Some are more traditional and look beautiful in an old fireplace chamber, or inglenook. Others are more modern and
DEFRA Approved stylish stoves will look great in 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 market their stoves as Defra exempt even though they haven't been tested to show it. 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 complete the process of becoming Defra exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, which means that the wood used as fuel for it has been sustainably sourced and properly dried prior to burning. This will decrease the amount of smoke that is produced which is better for the environment. It also helps to keep chimneys in good condition for longer.
What is the difference between a Defra exempt stove and a non-Defra exempt stove?
When it comes to selecting the right stove for your home, there is many factors you will need to consider, such as style, heat output and fuel type. You might be aware that a number of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves on our website are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, to the average homeowner, might appear to be a marketing phrase. However, it has important implications for those who live in areas that are smoke-free.
To ensure compliance with the laws that ban the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve all the way. This is because if you reduce the air flow to the fire too much, the wood will start to smoke and create excess smoke, which could be in breach of the law. To prevent this from happening ensure that your wood is kiln-dried prior to use in the stove.
You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels that are listed on the
DEFRA Approved Stylish Stoves website.