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 need a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their approved logo from the Defra.
The stoves that are exempt from Defra are designed to stop the fire from burning. This reduces the amount produced 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 conducted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only applied to stoves which have been independently tested, and that meet the strictest standards for emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
You can't burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove when you live in an area where smoking is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA authorised stove in a smoke-control area, you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could be charged.
From the outside there is no difference between a Defra approved stove and one that has not been given this status. However, there are 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 deprive fires of oxygen. This could cause them to smoke or create excessive amounts of smoke.
To prevent this, stove manufacturers usually adjust the air vent at the top of the Defra approved stove. This will prevent the possibility of shutting the vent completely because it would cut off the air supply 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 are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn different types of fuels alongside wood. This is a great option for those who you reside in an area that has been designated as a Smoke Control Area but you don't want to be bound by to be restricted to only using approved fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be equipped with five" chimney liner when burning wood (if the manufacturer does not insist on the use of a larger size). This is a wonderful benefit for those who wish to install wood burning stoves, but are worried about local smoke regulations.
What are the Benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?
Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits they can provide, such as the ability to comply with local regulations as well as provide warm and cozy fire. For instance, they tend to be more efficient in energy use than non-Defra approved stoves and therefore reduce the amount of carbon produced when they are used. This can lead to substantial savings on your heating bills. The stoves that are Defra-approved are also easier to use and have simpler controls than non-approved ones.
When you are looking to purchase a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, there are a variety of different factors to consider including your needs for heating, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. When choosing www.fireplacesandstove.com is crucial to take into consideration these factors. A stove that is defra-exempt is ideal for those who live in smoke-free areas. They have been thoroughly tested and are in compliance with strict environmental guidelines. They can help to minimise the impact that your stove has on the environment.
Aside from meeting environmental standards, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. In addition, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, meaning they last longer and withstand more extreme temperatures.
The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow to use a 5 " liner for chimneys, which is ideal for homes in areas with smoke control. However it is important to be aware that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or another wet fuel, it will create smoke that is not pleasant and could possibly result in a being prosecuted by the local authority.
To obtain Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make modifications to the appliance in order to limit how much air it is deprived of during the process of burning. The air control on the top is usually altered to prevent the entire closure. The air supply that is shut off to a stove too much can cause it to smoulder instead of properly burning, which in turn will result in a nuisance smoke.
What is the difference between a Defra-approved stove and a non-Defra-approved stove?
The most obvious difference is that a defra-approved stove can legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempted stove won't. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have passed tests to show they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke controlled areas without releasing excessive levels of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a zone that is smoke-free, you can use your new stove without the possibility of paying hefty fines.
A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other kinds of wood burning stoves, meaning that it will produce more heat and release less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who wish to cut down on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.
Stoves which have been Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also find out whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by looking up the specifications or the manufacturer's website.
There are a variety of styles to choose from when choosing a Defra-approved stove. Some of these are more traditionally styled and look stunning in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more modern and would fit in a modern home.
Make sure the stove is Defra-exempt. It should be listed on the DEFRA list of authorised appliances, or have the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will advertise their stoves as being Defra exempt even though they have not been tested to show that they are. It is much easier to market 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 used as fuel for it is sourced sustainably and properly dried prior to burning. This means it will not produce huge amounts of smoke which is good for the environment, and also helps keep chimneys and flue systems clean for longer.
What is the Difference Between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. a Non-Defra Exempt Stove?
You will need to take into consideration various aspects when selecting the best stove for you home. These include style, heat output, and the type of fuel. You might be aware that a number of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves available on our site are described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to an average homeowner, could appear to be a commercial term. However it can have significant implications for those living in areas that are smoke-free.
To ensure compliance with the laws that prohibit 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 reduce the flow of air to the fire the wood will begin to smolder and release excess smoke, which could be in breach of the law. To avoid this, you will need to ensure that the wood in your stove is dried to a certain degree prior to using it on the stove.
You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels listed on the DEFRA site. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas, and low volatile steam coal. If you install a stove that is not DEFRA-compliant in your house and burn wet wood, or other fuels not on the DEFRA's list, you could face penalties of up to PS1000.
Even if you don't live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is a good option. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly since they are able to operate without generating nuisance smoke. They also tend to be more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it must be noted that by 2022 all new stoves have to meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiency OGV and NOX ceilings, and have emission limits that are much higher than the limits currently in use for DEFRA exempt appliances.