Need Inspiration? Check Out 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 need a Defra approved stove. You can identify them by their Defra approved logo. The stoves that are exempt from Defra are designed to prevent the fire from smoldering. This reduces the amount of smoke. They also burn fuel better. What is an 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. DEFRA approved contemporary stoves is only applied to stoves which have been independently tested and have met strict standards regarding emissions. Exempt stoves from Defra are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas. You can't burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove in a place where smoke 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 very little difference between an Defra approved stove and one that hasn't been awarded this status. There are however a few things that stove manufacturers use to make their products DEFRA exempt. The most obvious difference is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are designed not to starve the fire of oxygen, as this can cause it to smoulder and create excessive quantities of smoke. To avoid this, stove manufacturers usually adjust the top air vent on the Defra approved stove. This will stop the possibility of shutting the vent completely because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually an incredibly small screw located on the top front of the stove, beneath the base of the stove or on the back of the stove. Stoves that are exempt from Defra exemption tend to also be multifuel stoves, and can be used to burn wood as well as other fuels. This is a fantastic alternative for those who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas however do not want to limit their usage to only authorised fuels. Some stoves that are Defra Exempt are also able to be equipped with a 5” chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer does not insist on the larger size). This is a great benefit for people who are planning to install wood-burning stoves in their homes but are worried about their local smoke regulations. What are the advantages 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. They are generally more efficient than non-Defra stoves, and reduce the amount carbon produced. This can lead to significant savings on your heating bills. 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 various factors to take into account, including your heating requirements as well as aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. It is crucial to take these factors into consideration when choosing a stove. Choosing for a defra-exempt stove is a great option for homeowners living in smoke controlled areas. They have been thoroughly tested and are in compliance with strict environmental guidelines. They can help to minimise the impact that your stove will have on the environment. Apart from being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are made to offer superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, producing a more pleasant and consistent flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-Defra certified stoves, which means they will last longer and can withstand more extreme temperatures. Most Defra-approved stoves are compatible to use a 5 “ chimney liner, which is ideal for homes in smoke-controlled areas. It is important to remember that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or other damp fuels the stove will still emit nuisance fumes and could lead to prosecution from the local authority. To achieve Defra approval stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their appliances to restrict the amount of air that could be removed during the combustion process. The air control on the top is usually modified to prevent the entire closure. Shutting off the air supply to a stove for too long can cause it to smoulder instead of burning properly and, in turn, result in a nuisance smoke. What is the Difference Between an approved Defra Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove? A stove that is approved by defra will let burning wood legally within a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves won't. Stoves that are Defra-approved have passed tests that prove they can safely burn wood and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive amounts of smoke. This means that when you live in a zone that is smoke-free, you can use your new stove without the risk of hefty fines. A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other kinds of wood burning stoves, meaning that it will produce more heat and release less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a great 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 determine if a stove is Defra-exempt by checking the specifications or on the manufacturer's website. There are many styles to choose from when selecting a stove that is Defra-approved. Some are more traditionally styled and look stunning in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more modern and will suit a contemporary living space. Check that the stove is Defra exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of authorized 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 market a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the cost of becoming Defra exempt. A stove that is Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood that is used to power it is sustainably sourced, seasoned and dried properly before being burned. This will decrease the amount of smoke generated which is better for the environment. It also helps keep chimneys clean for a longer time. What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove and the Non-Defra Exempt Stove? You will need to consider a number of factors when choosing the ideal stove for your home. These include the style as well as heat output and fuel type. You may have seen on our website that a lot of multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This jargon, for the average homeowner, might seem like nothing more than a marketing term but it has extremely important implications for those who live in smoke-free areas. To comply with the laws that prohibit the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas, Defra exempt wood burners are designed with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing the air supply valve completely. If you reduce the air flow to the fire in excess, it will cause the wood to smoulder, and produce excess smoke. This is in violation of the law. To avoid this you must make sure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried before using it on the stove. You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas, and steam coal that is low volatile. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your house and burn wet wood, or other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to penalties of up to PS1000. Even if you're not in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is still an excellent choice. They are more eco friendly and neighbor-friendly since they are able to operate without generating nuisance smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney system and flue cleaner for longer. However, it is to be noted that by 2022, all new stoves must meet the stricter Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiencies, OGV and NOX ceilings as well as emission limits that are much more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.