Why Is Defra Exempt Wood Burner So Popular?
Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner Most UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one of them and wish to install a wood stove then you need a Defra exempt stove. You can recognize them by their Defra-approved logo. The stoves which are exempt from Defra have been designed to stop the fire from smouldering. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also burn fuel more efficiently. What is what is a Defra exempt stove? A Defra Exempt stove is a wood-burning domestic heating device that has passed the tests laid out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only available to stoves that have been independently tested, and have met strict standards regarding emissions. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas. It is not possible to burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove when you live in an area where smoke is controlled. Installing the use of a non DEFRA approved stove within the smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged. There is little difference from the outside of an appliance that is Defra approved stove and one that does not have this status. There are a few things stove makers can do to make their appliances exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are made not to deprive the fire of oxygen, since this could cause it to smolder and release excessive amounts of smoke. To prevent this, stove manufacturers usually make an adjustment to the top air vent on a Defra approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely, since this could cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually a small screw inside the top front of the stove, below the stove's base or on the back of the stove. Stoves that have Defra exemption tend to also be multifuel stoves and can be used to burn wood, as well as other fuels. This is a fantastic option for those who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas, but who don't want to limit their use to only authorized fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt can also be equipped with a 5” chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer does not insist on the use of a larger size). This is a great benefit for those who are planning to install wood-burning stoves in their homes but are worried about local regulations on smoke. What are the benefits of a Defra-Approved Stove? Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages that include the ability to meet local regulations as well as provide an inviting and warm fire. For example, they tend to have higher energy efficiency than non-Defra approved stoves and consequently reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can result in substantial savings on your heating bills. Defra-approved stoves are also easier to use and have more simple controls than non-approved stoves. There are many factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. This includes your heating requirements and aesthetic preferences as well as long-term goals. It is important to take these elements into consideration when selecting a stove. Choosing for a defra exempt stove is a great option for homeowners 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 a wider spread of flame. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. In addition, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, which means they will last longer and are able to endure higher temperatures. Most stoves that are Defra-approved are able to use a 5 “ liner for chimneys. This is ideal for homes in smoke-controlled areas. However it is crucial to keep in mind that if you intend on using your stove with damp wood or another wet fuel, this will still create smoke that is not pleasant and could possibly result in a prosecution by the local authority. To get Defra approval, stove makers are required to make adjustments to the stove in order to limit the amount of air it will be deprived of during the combustion process. The air control at the top is usually modified to prevent the entire closure. If you close the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smoulder instead of burning properly. This could result in an unpleasant smell of smoke. What is the Difference Between an approved Defra Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove? The most obvious difference is that a defra-approved stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove would not. Stoves that have been approved by Defra have passed tests that show they can burn wood safely and effectively in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. This means that if you live in a zone that is smoke-free, you can use your new stove without risk of hefty fines. A stove that is Defra-approved is more efficient in terms of energy consumption than other types that produce more heat while emitting less harmful emissions in the air. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who want to cut down on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo that has been adopted by stove manufacturers. You can also determine if a stove is Defra exempt by examining the specification details or by visiting the manufacturer's website for more details about it. When choosing a Defra approved stove, it is essential to think about the style you want as there are many different choices to choose from. Some are more traditional in design and will look beautiful in an old fireplace or inglenook, while others are more contemporary and will be ideal for a modern living space. It is also important to ensure that the stove you choose is Defra exempt by making sure that it is listed on DEFRA's list of approved appliances or by ensuring whether it is stamped with the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra exempt, even though they haven't been tested. This is because it is easier to sell a stove with the Clean Burn technology than to test it and spend the time and money to go through the process of becoming Defra exempt. A stove that is Defra exempt will make sure that the wood used to power it is sustainably sourced, seasoned and dried properly before it is burned. This will decrease the amount of smoke produced which is healthier for the environment. It also helps to keep chimneys clean for a longer time. What is the Difference Between an Exempt Stove that is Defra-compliant and a Non-Defra Exempt Stove? When it comes to choosing the best stove for your home, there is many factors you must consider, such as design, heat output, and fuel type. DEFRA guidelines stoves may have noticed on our website that many wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner, might seem like nothing more than a term used to sell products but it has extremely important implications for those who live in smoke controlled areas. To be in compliance with the laws against the sale of logs within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism that stops you from closing down the air supply valve completely. If you cut down the air flow to the fire in excess, it will cause the wood to smoulder and create smoke. This is against the law. To avoid this, you will need to make sure that the wood in your stove is dried out prior to using it on the stove. You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use the approved fuels listed on the DEFRA site. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites, gas, and steam coal with low volatile. However, if you decide to install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in your home and burn wet wood or any other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA list that you can be fined up to PS1000. Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, an DEFRA exempt wood burner is still an option to consider as they are generally more eco-friendly and neighbour friendly since they operate without producing harmful smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney and flue system clean for longer. However, it should be noted that by 2022, all new stoves must comply with the stricter Ecodesign regulations which set minimum efficiencies OGV and NOX ceilings, and have emission limits that are much higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.