Ten Defra Exempt Wood Burner That Will Actually Change Your Life

Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Most UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you live in one and want to install a wood burning stove, then you need a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their Defra-approved logo.

Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to prevent the fire from smouldering 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 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 available to stoves that have been independently tested, and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you live in a smoke control area, it is essential to have an DEFRA approved stove, as you are not legally allowed to burn wood (unless you are authorised to burn fuel) without one. If you install a non-DEFRA authorised stove in a smoke control zone, you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could face prosecution.

There is little difference from the outside of the one that is Defra approved and one that doesn't have this status. However, there are some ways that stove manufacturers can do to make their products DEFRA Exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that aren't made to starve the flames of oxygen. This could cause them to smoke or create excessive amounts of smoke.

To prevent this manufacturers will alter the air vent at the top of a Defra-approved stove. 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 typically an incredibly small screw that is located on the front top of the stove, below the stove's base, or at the rear of the oven.

Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a great option if you reside in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by to be restricted to only using authorised fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemptions can also be fitted with 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a bigger size). This is a great benefit for those who plan on installing woodburning stoves in their homes, but are concerned about their local smoke regulations.

What are the advantages of a Defra-Approved Stove?

Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits, including the ability to conform to local regulations as well as provide a warm and cozy fire. For instance, they tend to be more efficient in energy use than stoves that are not Defra approved and therefore reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can result in significant savings on heating costs. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have easier controls than non-approved ones.

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. These include your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is crucial to take into consideration these aspects. A defra-exempt stove can be a great choice for homeowners who live in areas that are smoke-free. They are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.

Apart from complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and creates a pleasant, consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can endure higher temperatures and last for longer.

The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow to use a 5 " liner for chimneys. This is perfect for homes located in areas that are smoke-free. It is essential to remember that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or other fuels that are damp however, it will still emit nuisance fumes and could result in a prosecution from the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove makers must make changes to the appliance in order to limit how much air it is deprived of during the burning process. The air control on the top is typically modified to prevent the entire closing. If you close the air supply too much, it can cause the stove to smoulder 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 will allow you 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 been tested to prove they can safely and effectively burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in a region that is smoke controlled you can use your new stove without fear of fines.

A stove that is approved by Defra is more energy efficient than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners trying to save money while caring about the environment.

Stoves which have been approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out if a stove is Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or visiting the website of the manufacturer.

There are many styles available when you choose a Defra-approved stove. Some of these are more traditional and look beautiful when placed in an old fireplace or inglenook. Others are more modern in style and would be a great fit for a more modern living space.

Also, make sure that the stove you select is Defra exempt by ensuring that it is on DEFRA's list of authorised appliances or by checking whether it is stamped with the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as being Defra exempt even though they haven't been tested to demonstrate it. It is much easier to market a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the cost of becoming Defra exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood used to fuel it is sustainable and properly dried prior to burning. This means it is less likely to generate large amounts of smoke, which is better for the environment, and also helps to keep chimneys and flue systems clean for longer.

What is the Difference Between an Exempt Stove that is DEFRA approved clean burning stoves-compliant and the Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

When you are deciding on the right stove for your home, there's a lot of information that you should consider, such as style, heat output and the type of fuel. You might have noticed that a lot of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves that are available on our website are described as Defra Stoves Ratings exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon which, to the average homeowner, could appear to be a commercial term. However it can have significant implications for those living in smoke-controlled areas.

To comply with the laws prohibiting the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas DEFRA stoves comparison exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you cut down the flow of air to the fire in excess it can cause the wood to smoke, and produce excess smoke. This is in violation of the law. To avoid this you should make sure that the wood in your stove is dried out prior to putting it on the stove.

You can also use an DEFRA exempt wood burner in a Smoke Control Area if you only use approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites and semi-anthracites as well as gas, and steam coal that is low volatile. However, if you choose to install a non-DEFRA certified stove in your home and you burn wet wood or other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be fined up to PS1000.

Even if you do not reside in a Smoke Control Area and you are not in a Smoke Control Area, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is a good choice as they are typically more environmentally and friendly to neighbours because they can be operated without creating polluting smoke. They are also more efficient, and will keep your chimney and flue clean for longer. However, it is to be noted that by 2022 all new stoves must comply with the more stringent Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiencies OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits which are considerably higher than those currently in place for DEFRA stoves benefits exempt appliances.