5 Qualities People Are Looking For In Every Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Most UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one of them and wish to install a wood burner then you'll need a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them by their logos that are Defra-approved.
The stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are designed to prevent the flame from burning and reduce the amount of smoke that is produced. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.
What is a 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 only used for stoves that have been tested independently, and that meet the strictest standards for emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
It is not possible to burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove if you live in an area where smoke is controlled. Installing the use of a non DEFRA approved stove within the smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.
There is little difference from the outside of a Defra approved appliance and one that doesn't have this status. There are a few ways that stove manufacturers can do to make their stoves exempt from DEFRA. www.fireplacesandstove.com approved stoves come with burners that aren't designed to deprive flames of oxygen. This can cause them to smoulder or emit excessive amounts of smoke.
To prevent this, manufacturers will adjust the top vent of a stove that is Defra approved. This will prevent you from being able shut the vent completely, as this would cut the air supply 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 Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn other types of fuels alongside wood. This is a great option for those who you reside in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by the restriction of only using approved fuels. Certain stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions can be equipped with five" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand larger dimensions). This is great news for those who wish to install wood burning stoves but are concerned about local regulations regarding smoke.
What are the advantages of a Defra-approved stove?
In addition to complying with local regulations and offering an inviting fire for the winter months, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For instance, they are likely to have higher energy efficiency than stoves that are not Defra approved and consequently reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when they are used. This can lead to significant savings on your heating bills. In addition, Defra approved stoves are typically more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and can be equipped with simple controls.
When you are looking to purchase an electric or wood-burning stove, there are many different aspects to take into consideration, including your needs for heating as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is crucial to take into consideration these aspects. A stove that is defra-exempt is ideal for those who live in smoke-controlled areas. They are eco-friendly and have been thoroughly tested.
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 is burned evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can endure higher temperatures and last for longer.
Most stoves that are Defra-approved are able to use a 5 inch liner for chimneys. This is ideal for homes in smoke-controlled areas. It is crucial to keep in mind that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other damp fuels the stove will still emit unpleasant fumes and may cause a charge by the local authority.
To obtain Defra approval, stove makers must make changes to the stove in order to limit the amount of air it can be starved of during the combustion process. Typically, the top air control will be altered to prevent it from being closed completely. The air supply that is shut off to a stove in excess can cause it to smoulder instead of burning properly and, in turn, result in a nuisance smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra approved stove and a non-Defra certified stove?
The most obvious distinction is that a defra certified stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempted stove won't. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed tests that show they are able to burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive amounts of smoke. If you reside in an area that is smoke controlled then you can make use of your new stove without fear of fines.
A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other types of wood burning stoves, which means it will generate more heat and release less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a great option for homeowners looking to save money on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.
Stoves that are Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo, which is very recognisable and is widely used by the stove industry. You can also determine if a stove is Defra exempt by examining the specification details or by checking on the manufacturers website for more details about the stove.
When selecting a Defra approved stove, it is important to consider the style you prefer as there are many different choices available. Some of these are more traditional and will look gorgeous 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.
Make sure the stove is Defra-exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of approved appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will advertise their stoves as Defra exempt even though they haven't been tested to demonstrate it. It is easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the cost of becoming Defra exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood that is used to fuel it has been sustainably sourced and properly dried before burning. This means that it is less likely to produce large amounts of smoke, which is beneficial to the environment and also helps to 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 aspects when selecting the best stove for your home. These include the design, heat output, and the type of fuel. You might have noticed on our site that many wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, to an average homeowner, might appear to be a marketing term. However it is a significant issue for those who live in smoke-controlled areas.
To comply with the laws that prohibit 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 to a significant degree, it will cause the wood to smoulder and emit smoke. This will be against the law. To prevent this from happening you should ensure that the wood you use in your stove is dried to a certain degree before using it on the stove.
You can also use a DEFRA exempt wood burner in a Smoke Control Area if you only use approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas and low volatile steam coal. If you decide to fit a non-DEFRA approved stove in your home, and you burn wet wood or any other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be punished up to PS1000.
Even if you're not in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is a great option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly as they can operate without producing nuisance smoke. They are also more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer. However, it should be noted that in 2022 all new stoves must meet the stricter Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiency OGV and NOX ceilings, and have emission limits that are significantly more than the ones currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.