Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most commonly used classification for UK towns and cities. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and want to install a stove, you'll require a Defra approved stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to stop the flame from burning and reduce the amount of smoke produced. They also burn fuel better.

What is an 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 have met strict standards regarding emissions. Stoves with the Defra Exempt label are suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas.

You can't burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove if you live in an area where smoke is controlled. Installing an non DEFRA approved stove in a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.

From the outside there is no distinction between an Defra approved stove and one that has not been granted this status. There are however a few ways that stove manufacturers can use to ensure that their appliances are DEFRA exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that are not designed to starve fires of oxygen. This can cause them to smoke or create excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this, stove makers will usually make an adjustment to the top air vent on the Defra approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely down, as this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is typically located inside the top of the stove, below the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that have Defra exemptions are also able to be multifuel stoves and can be used to burn wood, as well as other fuels. This is a great option for those who you live in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Zone but you don't want to be bound by the restrictions of only using fuels that are approved. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be fitted with five" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on a larger size). This is great news for those who wish to install woodburning stoves but are worried about local regulations regarding smoke.

What are the benefits of a Defra approved stove?

Defra-approved stoves have many advantages that include the ability to comply with local regulations and provide a warm and cozy fire. For example, they tend to be more efficient than stoves that are not Defra approved and consequently reduce the amount of carbon produced when they are used. This can result in significant savings on heating costs. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves, and can be fitted with simple controls.

There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. This includes your heating needs, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is important to consider these aspects. A defra-exempt stove can be a great choice for homeowners who live in smoke-free areas. They have been thoroughly tested and conform to strict environmental guidelines, and can help to minimise the impact that your stove has on the environment.

Defra-approved stoves not only meet environmental standards but also offer superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and produces a consistent, pleasant flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, meaning they will last longer and can stand up to higher temperatures.

The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow with a 5 inch liner for chimneys. This is ideal for homes in smoke-controlled areas. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you are planning to use your stove using damp wood or any other wet fuel, this will still create smoke that is not pleasant and could be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.

To obtain Defra approval, stove makers need to make adjustments to their appliances to restrict the amount of air that could be lost during the burning process. The air control on the top is usually modified to prevent the complete closure. Closing the air supply to a stove in excess could cause it to smolder instead of properly burning and, in turn, cause smoke that is unpleasant.

What is the Difference Between an approved Defra Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove?

A stove that is approved by defra will let you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area. However, a nondefra-exempt stove won't. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have been tested to show they can effectively and safely burn wood in smoke controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a smoke-free zone, you will be able to use your new stove with no possibility of costly fines.

A stove that is approved by Defra is more energy efficient than other types, producing more heat and emitting less harmful carbon dioxide into the air. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who are trying to save money while caring about the environment.

Stoves that are Defra approved will usually be advertised with the Defra Approved logo that is easily identifiable and has been adopted by the stove industry. You can also check whether a stove is Defra exempt by reading the specification details or by checking on the manufacturers website for more details about the stove.

When you are choosing a Defra approved stove it is important to consider the style that you require as there are many different choices available. Some of these are more traditional in design and look stunning in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook while others are more contemporary and will suit a contemporary living space.

Verify that the stove is Defra exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of approved appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will claim that their stoves are Defra-exempt however they haven't been tested. This is due to the fact that it is much easier to sell a stove with the Clean Burn technology than to test it and spend the time and money to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that is Defra exempt will ensure that the wood used to fuel it is sourced sustainably, seasoned and dried properly before being burned. This means it is less likely to produce huge amounts of smoke which is good for the environment and helps keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.

What is the difference between the Defra exempt stove and a non-Defra exempt stove?

When it comes to choosing the best stove for your home, there's many factors you must be aware of, including the style, 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 the average homeowner, might seem like nothing more than a marketing term however, it can have significant implications for those living in smoke-free areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws prohibiting the sale of wood in Smoke Control Areas, DEFRA approved wood burning stoves exempt wood burners are designed with an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve all the way. If you reduce the air flow to the fire to a significant degree it can cause the wood to smolder, and produce excess smoke. This is in violation of the law. To avoid this, you will need to make sure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried prior to using it on the stove.

You can also make use of an exempt DEFRA 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 install a non-DEFRA stove in your home and use wet wood or other fuels that are not on DEFRA's list, you could be subject to a fine of up to PS1000.

Even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is still an excellent choice. They are more eco friendly and neighbor-friendly as they are able to operate without generating harmful smoke. They are also more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer. However, it should be noted that by 2022 all new stoves must meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiencies OGV and NOX ceilings, and have emission limits that are much more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA Stoves Ratings exempt appliances.