The Hidden Secrets Of Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Smoke Control Areas are the most common classification for UK towns and cities. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and are looking to install an appliance, you'll require a Defra approved stove. You can identify them by their Defra-approved logo.
The stoves which are exempt from Defra have been designed to stop the fire from burning. This reduces the amount of smoke. They also burn fuel better.
What is what is a Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning heating appliance for domestic use that has passed the tests set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. defra stove is applied to stoves that have been independently tested and have met the strictest standards for emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are safe 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 smoking is controlled. Installing the use of a non DEFRA approved stove in the smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.
From the outside there is no distinction between a Defra approved stove and one that has not been granted this status. However, there are some things that stove makers do to make their appliances DEFRA exempt. The most obvious difference is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are made not to starve the flame of oxygen, as this can cause it to smoulder and create excessive quantities of smoke.
To prevent this manufacturers will alter the top vent of a stove that is Defra-approved. This will prevent the possibility of shutting the vent completely as this would cut the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually a small screw located inside the front top of the stove, below the stove's base, or at the rear of the oven.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn other kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a great choice if you live in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Zone, but don't want the restriction of only using fuels that are approved. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be fitted with five" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the use of a larger size). This is great news for those who wish to install wood burning stoves but are concerned about local regulations regarding smoke.
What are the benefits of a stove that is Defra certified?
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 emissions when they are used. This can lead to substantial savings on your heating bill. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have easier controls than non-approved stoves.
When buying a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are different factors to consider including your requirements for heating as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is crucial to take these elements into consideration when choosing a stove. Choosing for a defra-exempt stove is a good option for homeowners living in smoke-free areas. They have been thoroughly tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines and can help to minimise the impact your stove can have on the environment.
In addition to complying with environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide superior combustion and flame distribution. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, resulting in an even and pleasant flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, meaning they will last longer and are able to withstand more extreme temperatures.
In addition to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5" chimney liner, which is ideal for homes that are located in smoke-free areas. However, it is important to note that if you intend to use your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, this will still create smoke that is not pleasant and could possibly result in a being prosecuted by the local authority.
To obtain Defra approval, stove manufacturers must make modifications to their appliances to limit the amount of air that could be deprived during the burning process. The air control on the top is typically modified to prevent the entire closure. If you shut off the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smoke instead of properly burning. This will lead to unpleasant smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra approved stove and a non-Defra certified stove?
The most obvious difference is that a defra certified stove can legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove will not be able to. 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 generating excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in a region that is smoke-free you can make use of your new stove with no risk of penalties.
A Defra approved stove is 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 an excellent choice for homeowners trying to save money and care about the environment.
Stoves that have been Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo, which has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also determine whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by checking the specifications or on the website of the manufacturer.
When selecting a Defra approved stove, it is essential to think about the style you want as there are many different choices to choose from. Some of these are more traditional and look stunning when placed in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook. Others are more modern and will look great in a contemporary living space.
Check that the stove is Defra exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of authorised appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will advertise that their stoves are Defra exempt, even though they haven't been tested. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood that is used to fuel it has been sustainably sourced and properly dried before burning. This means it is less likely to produce large amounts of smoke, which is good for the environment and helps keep chimneys and flue systems clean for longer.
What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?
When it comes to selecting the ideal stove for your home, there's many factors you must take into consideration, including design, heat output and the type of fuel. You may be aware that a number of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves on our website are described as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, for the average homeowner, may seem to be nothing more than a marketing term however, it can have extremely important implications for those who live in smoke controlled areas.
To comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are constructed with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve all the way. If you cut down the flow of air to the fire in excess, it will cause the wood to smoke and emit smoke. This is in violation of the law. To avoid this you should ensure that the wood you use in your stove is dried out prior to using it on the stove.
You can also use a DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only burn the approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. These include anthracite, semi-anthracite and gas as well as low volatile steam coal. If you decide to install a non-DEFRA certified stove in your home and you burn wet wood or other fuels that aren't listed on the DEFRA list, then you could be punished up to PS1000.
Even if you do not reside in the Smoke Control Area and you are not in a Smoke Control Area, the DEFRA exempt wood burner is still an option to consider as they are usually more environmentally and friendly to neighbours since they operate without generating polluting smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system clean for a longer period of time. It is important to know that all new stoves will have to meet the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations establish minimum efficiencies and NOX and OGV ceilings and emission limits that are significantly higher than those in place today for DEFRA-exempt appliances.