Choosing a
DEFRA recognized stoves Exempt Wood Burner
Smoke Control Areas are the most common classification for
Defra certified stoves UK cities and towns. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and are looking to install a stove, you will require a Defra approved stove. You can identify them by their logos that are Defra-approved.
The stoves which are exempt from Defra have been designed to stop the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount of smoke. They also burn fuel more efficiently.
What is an Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra Exempt Stove is a domestic heating appliance that burns wood and has passed the tests conducted 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. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
If you live in a smoke control area it is necessary to have a
DEFRA guidelines stoves approved stove since you cannot legally burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. Installing the use of a non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.
There is little difference from the outside between the one that is Defra approved appliance and one that doesn't have this status. There are a few things stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious difference is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are made not to starve the fire of oxygen since this could cause it to smoulder and produce excessive amounts of smoke.
To avoid this manufacturers will alter the air vent at the top of a Defra-approved stove. This will prevent you from being able to shut the vent all the way down, since this could cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an incredibly small screw that is located on the front top of the stove, below the stove's base, or on the rear of the oven.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves that can therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels in addition to wood. This is a great option if you reside in an area which has been designated as a Smoke Control Area but you don't want to be bound by to be restricted to only using approved fuels. Some stoves that have Defra exemptions can be equipped with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). This is a wonderful benefit for those who wish to install wood burning stoves but are worried about local smoke regulations.
What are the Benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?
In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and offering a warm cosy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient than non-Defra certified stoves and therefore reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when they are used. This can result in substantial savings on your heating bill. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have more simple controls than non-approved ones.
When you are looking to purchase a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are different factors to consider such as your needs for heating as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is essential to take these factors into consideration when choosing the right stove, and opting for a defra-exempt stove is a good option for those living in smoke-free areas. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.
Defra-approved stoves do not just meet environmental standards but also offer superior combustion and a wider spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-
Defra certified stoves, which means they will last longer and withstand more extreme temperatures.
Most stoves that are Defra-approved are able to use a 5 " liner for chimneys. This is ideal for homes in smoke-controlled areas. However, it is important to note that if you are planning to use your stove using damp wood or any other wet fuel, it will cause smoke nuisance and be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.
To get Defra approval, stove manufacturers must make modifications to their appliances to limit the amount of air that can be removed during the combustion process. The air control on the top is usually altered to stop the complete closure. If you close the air supply too much it can cause the stove to smoke instead of burning properly. This could result in an unpleasant smell of smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra-approved stove and a non-Defra-approved stove?
The most obvious distinction is that a defra approved stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempted stove won't. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have passed tests to prove they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in an area which is smoke-free then you can use your new stove without fear of penalties.
A Defra-approved stove is also more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful emissions in the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners seeking to save money and are concerned about the environment.
Stoves that are Defra approved will usually be advertised with the Defra Approved logo, which is very recognisable and is widely used by the stove industry. You can also determine if the stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specification details or by checking on the manufacturers website for information about the stove.
There are many styles to choose from when selecting a stove that is Defra-approved. Some of these are more traditional and look great in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook, while others are more modern and will fit in a modern home.
You should also make sure that the stove you select is Defra exempt by ensuring it appears on DEFRA's list of approved appliances or by ensuring whether it is stamped with the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will advertise their stoves as Defra exempt even if they haven't been tested to demonstrate that they are. It is easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the cost of becoming Defra exempt.
A stove that is Defra exempt will ensure that the wood that is used to power it is sustainably sourced, seasoned and dried properly before burning. This means that it will not produce huge amounts of smoke which is better for the environment and 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 it comes to selecting the ideal stove for your home, there's plenty of information you will need to be aware of, including the design, heat output, and fuel type. You might have noticed on our website that a lot of stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, for the average homeowner could appear to be a commercial phrase. However, it has important implications for those who live in areas that are smoke-free.
To comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. If you decrease the flow of air to the fire to a significant degree, it will cause the wood to smoulder and emit smoke. This will be against the law. To avoid this ensure that your wood is dried thoroughly before you put it in the stove.