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 are looking to install a stove, you'll need a Defra approved stove. You can identify them through their logos that are Defra-approved.
Defra exempt stoves are built to stop the fire from smouldering,
Defra Stoves Specifications which reduces the amount of smoke that is produced. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.
What is what is a 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 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 are safe for use in Smoke Control Areas.
If you live in a smoke control zone, you must have an DEFRA approved stove as it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove within a smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.
There is not much difference from the outside of an appliance that is Defra approved stove and one that does not have this status. There are a few things that stove manufacturers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that are not designed to starve the flames of oxygen. This can cause them to smoulder or produce excessive amounts smoke.
To prevent this, manufacturers will adjust the air vent at the top of a Defra-approved stove. This will prevent you from being able to shut the vent completely down, as it could cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually an insignificant screw located inside the front top of the stove, beneath the stove's base, or at the rear of the oven.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn different types of fuels alongside wood. This is a great choice if you reside in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone, but don't want the restrictions of only using authorised fuels. Some stoves that have Defra exemption can also be equipped with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand the larger size). This is great news for those who plan on installing woodburning stoves in their homes but are worried about local regulations on smoke.
What are the advantages of a
DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews-approved stove?
Defra-approved stoves have many advantages that include the ability to conform to local regulations as well as provide an inviting and warm fire. For example, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-Defra approved stoves and consequently reduce the amount of carbon emissions when used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bills. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have simpler controls than non-approved ones.
There are a variety of factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating needs, aesthetic preferences, as well as long-term goals. It is important to take these elements into consideration when selecting a stove. Choosing for a defra exempt stove is a great option for homeowners living in smoke-free areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines, and can aid in reducing the impact that your stove can have on the environment.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. In addition, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, which means they will last longer and can endure higher temperatures.
Most Defra-approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes in smoke-controlled areas. However, it is important to be aware that if you are planning to use your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, it can create smoke that is not pleasant and could be a cause for being prosecuted by the local authority.
To get Defra approval stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their appliances to limit the amount of air that can be deprived during the burning process. Typically the air control on top will be altered to prevent it from closing completely. The air supply that is shut off to a stove too much can cause it to smoulder instead of burning properly and cause smoke that is unpleasant.
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. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have been tested to show they can effectively and safely burn wood in smoke controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a smoke control area you will be able to use your new stove without possibility of paying hefty fines.
A Defra-approved stove is also more energy efficient than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them an excellent option for homeowners looking to save money on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.
Stoves that have been Defra approved are usually 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 has been Defra-exempt by looking up the specifications or on the manufacturer's website.
When you are choosing a Defra approved stove, it is important to consider the style you prefer since there are a myriad of options available. Some are more traditionally styled and will look beautiful in an old fireplace or inglenook while others are more modern and will be ideal for a modern living space.
Check that the stove is Defra-exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra exempt but they haven't been tested. 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 expense to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.
The stove will be exempt from
DEFRA stoves Specifications regulations, making sure that the wood used to fuel it has been sustainably sourced and properly dried prior to burning. This reduces the amount of smoke generated which is healthier for the environment. It also helps to keep chimneys in good condition for longer.
What is the difference between an exempt stove that is Defra-compliant and a non-Defra exempt stove?
You'll need to consider several factors when choosing the right stove for you home. These include style as well as heat output and fuel type. You might have seen on our website that a lot of stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel 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 who live in smoke-controlled areas.
In order to comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are constructed with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you reduce the flow of air to the fire, the wood will start to smoulder and produce excess smoke, which could be in violation of the law. To avoid this, you will need to ensure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried before using it on the stove.