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 burner then you need a DEFRA accredited stoves exempt stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.
The stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are designed to prevent the fire from smouldering which reduces the amount of smoke generated. They also burn fuel better.
What is an Defra exempt stove?
A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning domestic heating appliance which has passed the tests established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been independently tested and meet the strict criteria for emissions. Defra exempt stoves can be used in Smoke Control Areas.
If you reside in a smoke-control zone, you must 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 will be in breach of the Clean Air Act and could face prosecution.
From the outside, there is no distinction between a Defra approved stove and one that has not been given this status. However, there are a few things that stove makers do in order to make their appliances DEFRA exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that aren’t designed to starve flames of oxygen. This can cause them to smoke or produce excessive amounts smoke.
To avoid this manufacturers will adjust the top vent of a stove that is Defra approved. This will prevent you from being able to shut the vent completely down, as this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically an incredibly small screw located on the top of the stove, underneath the stove’s base or on the back of the stove.
Stoves that are Defra Exempt also tend to be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn different kinds of fuels along with wood. This is a great option if you reside in an area which is designated as a Smoke Control Zone and you don’t want to be restricted to only using approved fuels. Some stoves with DEFRA stoves ratings – just click the following web site, exemptions can be fitted with a 5″ liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn’t insist on larger dimensions). This is a great benefit for those who plan on installing woodburning stoves in their homes but are worried about local regulations on smoke.
What are the Benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove?
In addition to being compliant with local regulations and offering warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can also offer many other benefits. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient in energy use than stoves that are not Defra approved and consequently reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when they are used. This can result in significant savings on your heating bill. In addition, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and can be fitted with simple controls.
When purchasing a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are many different factors to consider including your heating requirements as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is essential to take these factors into consideration when choosing a stove. Choosing for a stove that is exempt from defra is a good option for those living in smoke controlled areas. They are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.
Defra-approved stoves do not just meet environmental standards but also offer superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. In addition they are more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, meaning they last longer and withstand more extreme temperatures.
As an added benefit is that the majority of Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5″ chimney liner, which is ideal for homes in smoke controlled areas. However it is important to note that if you plan to use your stove using wet wood or other damp fuel, this will still cause smoke nuisance and possibly result in a prosecution by the local authority.
To achieve Defra approval, stove makers need to make adjustments to their appliances to limit the amount of air that could be deprived during the burning process. Typically the air control on top will be modified to prevent it from closing completely. If you close the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smoulder instead of burning properly. This could result in nuisance smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra-approved stove and a non-Defra approved 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. This is because stoves that have been premium DEFRA stoves approved have passed tests to show they can safely and effectively burn wood in smoke controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. This means that if you live in a zone that is smoke-free, you will be able to use your new stove with no possibility of costly fines.
A stove that is Defra-approved is more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types, producing more heat and emitting less harmful carbon dioxide into the air. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who want to cut down on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.
Stoves that are approved by Defra will be marketed with the Defra Approved Logo, which has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also determine whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or visiting the website of the manufacturer.
There are a variety of styles to choose from when selecting a stove that is Defra-approved. Some of these are more traditional and look stunning in an old fireplace or inglenook. Others are more modern and would be a great fit for a more contemporary living space.
It is also important to ensure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by making sure that it appears on DEFRA’s list of authorised appliances or by checking that it’s got the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will advertise their stoves as being Defra exempt, even though they haven’t been tested to demonstrate that they are. It is much easier to market a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.
The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood used as fuel for it is sustainable and properly dried prior to burning. This will reduce the amount of smoke that is produced, DEFRA stoves ratings which is healthier for Defra Stoves Ratings the earth. It also helps to keep chimneys clean for a longer time.
What is the difference between the Defra exempt stove and a non-Defra exempt stove?
You will need to consider several factors when choosing the ideal stove for your home. These include the style as well as heat output and fuel type. You might have noticed that a lot of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves available on our site are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner might appear to be a marketing term. However it can have significant implications for those living in areas that are smoke-free.
To comply with the laws prohibiting the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are designed with an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you cut the air flow to the fire, the wood will start to smoulder and produce excessive smoke, which would be in breach of the law. To avoid this you must ensure that the wood you use in your stove is dried to a certain degree prior to putting it on the stove.
You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas and steam coal with low volatile. However, if you decide to install a non-DEFRA certified stove in your home, and you burn wet wood or any other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list that you can be penalized up to PS1000.
Even if you’re not in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood burner is a good option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly since they are able to operate without generating harmful smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney and flue clean for longer. However, it should be noted that by 2022, all new stoves must comply with the stricter Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiencies, OGV and NOX ceilings and have emissions limits that are much higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.