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 Defra approved logo.
The stoves that are exempt from
DEFRA list stoves 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 an 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 applied to stoves that have been tested independently and have met the strictest standards for emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are safe for use in Smoke Control Areas.
If you reside in a smoke-control zone, you must have a DEFRA approved stove since you cannot legally burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. Installing an non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.
From the outside, there's very little distinction between the Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been given this status. There are a few things that stove manufacturers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that aren't made to starve flames of oxygen. This can cause them to smoke or create excessive amounts of smoke.
To stop this from happening, manufacturers will adjust the top air vent of a stove that is Defra approved. This prevents you from being able to shut the vent completely down, as this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is often located inside the top of the stove, beneath the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.
Stoves that are exempt from 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 if you reside in an area which is designated as a Smoke Control Area and
Defra list stoves you don't want the restrictions of only using fuels that are approved. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt will also be able to be equipped with a 5" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a larger size). This is good news for people who are planning on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes, but are concerned about the local regulations regarding smoke.
What are the benefits of a Defra-approved stove?
In addition to being compliant with local regulations and supplying an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient in energy use than non-Defra certified stoves and, consequently, reduce the amount of carbon produced 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 may be fitted with simple controls.
There are a lot of things to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating requirements, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. It is important to take these factors into consideration when selecting a stove, and opting for a stove that is exempt from defra is a great option for those living in smoke controlled areas. They have been thoroughly tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines and can reduce the impact your stove will have on the environment.
Defra-approved stoves are not only compliant with the environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, producing an even and pleasant flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can withstand higher temperatures and last longer.
As an added benefit to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes located in smoke-free areas. However it is crucial to be aware that if you plan on using your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, this will still create smoke that is not pleasant and could be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.
To achieve Defra approval, stove makers need to make adjustments to their equipment to restrict the amount of air that could be lost during the burning 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 could cause it to smolder instead of properly burning, which in turn will result in nuisance smoke.
What is the difference between an approved
DEFRA approved energy-efficient stoves Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?
A defra-approved stove will allow you burn wood legally in a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves isn't. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have passed tests to show they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. This means that if you live in a zone that is smoke-free, you can use your new stove without possibility of paying hefty fines.
A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other types of wood burning stoves, meaning that it will produce more heat and emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who want to cut down on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.
Stoves that have been Defra approved will usually be advertised with the Defra Approved logo which is well-known and has been adopted by the stove industry. You can also find out whether a stove is Defra exempt by examining the specifications or the website of the manufacturer.
When choosing a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style that you require since there are a myriad of options available. Some of these are more traditional and will look beautiful when placed in an old fireplace or inglenook. Others are more modern and would suit a more contemporary living space.
Also, make sure that the stove you select is Defra exempt by ensuring that it is listed on DEFRA's list authorised appliances or by ensuring that it's got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as Defra exempt even if they have not been tested to show it. This is because it is easier to sell a stove with the Clean Burn technology than to test it and then spend the time and money to complete the process of becoming Defra exempt.
A stove that has been Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood that is used to fuel it is sourced sustainably that has been properly seasoned, dried and seasoned before being burned. This means that it is less likely to produce large amounts of smoke, which is good for the environment, and also helps keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.
What is the Difference Between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?
You'll need to consider various factors when choosing the ideal stove for you home. These include the design the heat output, style, and the type of fuel. You may have noticed that a lot of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves on our site are described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner could appear to be a commercial term. However it can have significant implications for those living in smoke-controlled areas.
In order to comply with the laws that ban the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve all the way. If you cut down the air flow to the fire too much, it will cause the wood to smoke, and produce excess smoke. This is against the law.
