Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Smoke Control Areas are the most common classification for UK towns and cities. If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and want to install an appliance, you'll need a Defra approved stove. You can identify them by their Defra approved logo.
The stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are designed to stop the flame from burning which reduces the amount of smoke that is produced. They also burn fuel better.
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 only applied to stoves which have been independently tested, and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. Defra exempt stoves are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
You can't burn wood without a DEFRA approved stove when you live in an area where smoking is controlled. 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 no distinction between a Defra approved stove and one that has not been given this status. There are however a few things that stove makers do to make their products DEFRA Exempt. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are designed not to starve the flame of oxygen, because this could cause it to smoulder and produce excessive amounts of smoke.
To avoid this, stove manufacturers typically adjust the top air vent on an Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from being able to shut the vent completely down, as it would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually a small screw located inside the front top of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the back of the oven.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and may therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a fantastic option for those who reside in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas however do not want to limit themselves to using only authorised fuels. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be equipped with a 5" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a larger size). This is a wonderful benefit for those who wish to install wood burning stoves but are concerned about local regulations regarding smoke.
What are the benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?
Defra-approved stoves have many advantages they can provide, such as the ability to comply with local regulations and provide an inviting and warm fire. For example, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-Defra approved stoves and therefore reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can lead to significant savings on your heating costs. Stoves that are approved by Defra are also simpler to use and have more simple controls than stoves that are not approved.
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating needs and aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is essential to take these elements into consideration when choosing a stove. Choosing for a defra-exempt stove is a good option for those living in smoke controlled areas. They have been thoroughly tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines, and can aid in reducing the impact your stove can have on the environment.
Defra-approved stoves not only meet environmental standards but also offer superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly and creates a pleasant, consistent flame. In addition, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, meaning they last longer and are able to withstand more extreme temperatures.
Additionally is that the majority of Defra approved stoves are compatible with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes located in smoke-free areas. It is crucial to keep in mind that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels that are damp, it will still produce toxic fumes that could lead to prosecution from the local authorities.
To obtain Defra approval, stove manufacturers must make changes to the appliance to limit how much air it is deprived of during the burning process. The air control at the top is typically modified to prevent the complete closing. Closing the air supply to a stove too much can cause it to smoulder instead of properly burning, which in turn will cause smoke that is unpleasant.
What is the Difference Between an approved Defra Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?
A stove that is approved by defra will let burning wood legally within a Smoke Control Area. However, an exempt stove that is not defra-approved will not. Stoves that are approved by Defra have passed tests that prove they can safely burn wood and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you live in an area which is smoke-free, you can make use of your new stove without fear of fines.
A stove that is Defra-approved is more efficient in energy use than other stoves, producing more heat and emitting less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a great option for homeowners seeking to save money and care about the environment.
Stoves that have been approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also check whether a stove is Defra exempt by examining the specifications or checking on the manufacturers website for more details about it.
When you are choosing a Defra approved stove, it is essential to think about the style that you require as there are many different options available. Some of these are more traditional and will look stunning in an old fireplace, or inglenook. Others are more modern and would suit a more modern living space.
Verify that the stove is Defra exempt. It should appear on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will market their stoves as Defra exempt even though they have not been tested to prove that they are. This is because it is easier to sell a stove with the Clean Burn technology than to test it and spend the time and expense to complete the process of becoming Defra exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood used to fuel it is sustainable and properly dried prior to burning. fireplacesandstove.com will mean that it will not produce large amounts of smoke, which is good 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?
You'll have to consider several factors when choosing the ideal stove for you home. These include the style the heat output, style, and the type of fuel. You may be aware that a number of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves available on our website are described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, for the average homeowner, may seem to be nothing more than a marketing jargon however, it can have very important implications for people living in smoke-free areas.
To ensure compliance with the laws prohibiting the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are designed with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you cut down the air flow to the fire in excess, it will cause the wood to smoke and create smoke. This will be against the law. To prevent this from happening you must ensure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried prior to using it on the stove.
You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas and steam coal that is low volatile. If you install a stove that is not DEFRA-compliant in your house and burn wet wood, or other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to penalties of up to PS1000.
Even if you're not in a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is a great option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly since they can operate without producing polluting smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney system and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. It is important to note that all new stoves will have to comply with the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations establish minimum efficiency levels, OGV and NOX ceilings, and emissions limits that are significantly higher than the limits in place today for DEFRA-exempt appliances.