Its History Of Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
The majority of UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one and would like to install a wood stove then you'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their approved logo from the Defra.
The stoves that are exempt from Defra have been designed to stop the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also burn 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 laid out 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. The stoves that are Defra Exempt can be used in Smoke Control Areas.
It is not possible to burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove in a place where smoke is controlled. Installing a non DEFRA approved stove within a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.
There is no difference on the outside of a Defra approved stove and one that does not have this status. However, there are a few things that stove manufacturers do in order to ensure that their appliances are DEFRA Exempt. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are made not to deprive the fire of oxygen, as this can cause it to smoulder and release excessive amounts of smoke.
To stop this from happening manufacturers will adjust the air vent at the top of a stove that is Defra-approved. This will prevent the possibility of shutting the vent completely down because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is often located inside the top of the stove, underneath the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.
Stoves that have Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves, and can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This can be a great option for people who live in areas which are designated as Smoke Control Areas and don't want to limit their usage to only authorised fuels. Certain stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions can also be equipped with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on larger dimensions). This is good news for people who are planning on installing wood-burning stoves into their homes but are worried about local regulations on smoke.
What are the benefits of a Defra approved stove?
Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages, including the ability to comply with local regulations and provide warm and cozy fire. They are generally more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves and also reduce the amount of carbon that is produced. This can result in substantial savings on your heating costs. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have easier controls than stoves that are not approved.
When you are looking to purchase a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are a variety of different aspects to take into consideration, such as your heating requirements, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. When selecting a stove, it is essential to consider these factors. A defra-exempt stove can be an excellent choice for homeowners who live in smoke-controlled areas. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.

Aside from meeting environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, resulting in more pleasing and consistent flame. In addition, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, which means they will last longer and are able to withstand more extreme temperatures.
In addition is that the majority of Defra approved stoves work with a 5" chimney liner, which is perfect for homes located in smoke-free areas. However it is important to be aware that if you plan to use your stove using wet wood or other damp fuel, it can produce nuisance smoke and can be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.
To get Defra approval, stove makers have to modify their appliances to restrict the amount of air that could be removed during the combustion process. Typically the air control on top will be modified to prevent it from being closed completely. If you shut off the air supply too much it can cause the stove to smoulder instead of burning properly. This will lead to unpleasant smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra-approved stove and a non-Defra-approved stove?
A stove that has been approved by the defra can let burning wood legally within a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves isn't. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have been tested to prove that they are able to safely and effectively burn wood in smoke controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. This means that when you live in a smoke control area you will be able to use your new stove without possibility of costly fines.
A stove that is Defra-approved is more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who want to save money on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.
Stoves which have been approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out if a stove is Defra-exempt by looking up the specifications or the website of the manufacturer.
When selecting a Defra approved stove, it is important to consider the style you want because there are a variety of choices available. Some 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 contemporary living space.
Make sure defra stoves is Defra exempt. It should be listed on the DEFRA list of approved appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will market their stoves as being Defra exempt, even though they have not been tested to prove that they are. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood that is used as fuel for it is sourced sustainably and properly dried before burning. This will mean that it is less likely to generate large quantities of smoke, which is beneficial to the environment and also helps keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.
What is the difference between the Defra exempt stove and a non-Defra exempt stove?
You'll need to consider a number of aspects when selecting the best stove for you home. These include style as well as heat output and fuel type. You may be aware that a number of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves that are available on our site are described as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, to an average homeowner, may seem like a marketing phrase. However it is a significant issue for those living in areas that are smoke-free.
In order to comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners have an internal mechanism that prevents 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 can cause the wood to smoulder and emit smoke. This is against the law. To prevent this from happening make sure that the wood is dried thoroughly before you put it in the stove.
You can also use the 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 steam coal with low volatile. If you decide to fit a non-DEFRA approved 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 punished up to PS1000.
Even if you don't reside in the Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, the DEFRA exempt wood burner is still a good choice as they are usually more environmentally and neighbour friendly since they can be operated without producing nuisance smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney and flue clean for longer. However, it is to be noted that by 2022 all new stoves must meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiencies, OGV and NOX ceilings, and have emission limits that are significantly higher than those currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.