Why Is Defra Exempt Wood Burner So Famous?
Choosing DEFRA stoves reviews of UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one and would like to install a wood burner then you'll need a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them through their logos that are Defra-approved. Defra exempt stoves are built to prevent the fire from smouldering which reduces the amount of smoke generated. They also burn fuel more efficiently. What is an Defra exempt stove? A Defra Exempt Stove is a wood-burning heating appliance for domestic use that 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 tested independently and meet strict criteria on emissions. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable for use 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 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's no distinction between the Defra approved stove and one that has not been given this status. However, there are some things that stove manufacturers do in order to make their appliances DEFRA Exempt. The most obvious difference is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are made not to deprive the fire of oxygen because this could cause it to smoulder and create excessive quantities of smoke. To avoid this, stove makers will usually make an adjustment to the top air vent on the Defra approved stove. This will prevent the possibility of shutting the vent completely, since this could cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is often located inside the top of the stove, underneath the stove's base or on the back of the stove. Stoves that are Defra Exempt can be multifuel stoves and can therefore be used to burn other types of fuels alongside wood. This can be a great alternative for those who live in areas which are designated as Smoke Control Areas, but who do not want to restrict their usage to only authorised fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemptions can be fitted with five” liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand the larger size). This is a great benefit for those who are planning on installing woodburning stoves in their homes, but are concerned about the local regulations regarding smoke. What are the advantages of a Defra-approved stove? Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits that include the ability to comply with local regulations as well as provide an inviting and warm fire. They are typically more energy efficient than non-Defra stoves, and can reduce the amount of carbon that is produced. This can result in substantial savings on your heating bills. In addition, Defra approved stoves are often easier to use than non-approved stoves and can be equipped with simple controls. When purchasing an electric or wood-burning stove, there are a variety of different aspects to take into consideration, such as your heating requirements as well as your aesthetic preferences and long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is essential to consider these aspects. A stove that is defra-exempt is an excellent choice for homeowners who live in smoke-controlled areas. They have been thoroughly tested and are in compliance with strict environmental guidelines, and can aid in reducing the impact that your stove can have on the environment. Defra-approved stoves are not only compliant with environmental standards but also offer better combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and creates a pleasant, consistent flame. Additionally, they tend to be more durable than non-Defra-approved stoves, meaning that they will last longer and can withstand more extreme temperatures. As an added benefit to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves can be used with a 5” chimney liner, which is ideal for homes located in smoke-free areas. However, it is important to note that if you intend to use your stove using damp wood or another wet fuel, it can cause smoke nuisance and potentially lead to prosecution by the local authority. In order to achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make modifications to the appliance in order to limit how much air it will be deprived of during the combustion process. Typically the air control on top is modified to stop it from being closed all the way. If you shut off the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smolder instead of properly burning. This will lead to an unpleasant smell of smoke. What is the Difference Between a Defra Approved Stove and a Non-Defra Approved Stove? The most obvious distinction is that a defra-approved stove can legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove will not be able to. This is because stoves that have been Defra approved have passed tests to prove that they are able to effectively and safely burn wood in smoke controlled areas without generating excessive levels of smoke. If you live in an area that is smoke controlled, you can use your new stove without the risk of fines. A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other types of wood burning stoves, so it will generate more heat and release less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who are trying to save money while caring about the environment. Stoves that have been Defra-approved will be advertised with the Defra Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also determine if the stove is Defra exempt by reading the specifications or visiting the manufacturer's website for more details about it. 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 great in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook, while others are more modern and would be ideal for a modern living space. Make sure the stove is Defra exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will market their stoves as being Defra exempt, even though they haven't been tested to show it. This is due to the fact that it is much easier to sell a stove that has the Clean Burn technology than to test it and spend the time and money to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt. The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, making sure that the wood used to fuel it is sustainable and properly dried before burning. This will mean that it is less likely to generate large quantities of smoke, which is good for the environment and also helps keep chimneys and flue systems clean for longer. What is the difference between an exempt stove that is Defra-compliant and a non-Defra exempt stove? When you are deciding on the right stove for your home, there is plenty of information you should be aware of, including the design, heat output and fuel type. You may have noticed that a lot of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves available on our site are described as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that, for the average homeowner, might seem like nothing more than a term used to sell products, however, it has significant implications for those who live in smoke-free areas. To be in compliance with the laws that prohibit the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. This is because if you decrease the flow of air to the fire too much the wood will begin to smoulder and produce excess smoke, which will be in breach of the law. To avoid this you should make sure that the wood in your stove is kiln dried prior to using it on the stove. You can also make use of the DEFRA exempt wood burner in a Smoke Control Area if you only use approved fuels that are listed on the DEFRA website. These include gas, semi-anthracite, and anthracite as well as low volatile steam coal. If you install a non-DEFRA stove in your home and you burn wet wood or other fuels not on the DEFRA's list, you could be subject to a fine of up to PS1000. Even if you do not reside in the Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, a DEFRA exempt wood burner is still a good choice as they are generally more eco-friendly and neighbor-friendly because they can be operated without generating harmful smoke. They are also more efficient and will keep your chimney system and flue cleaner for longer. It is important to know that all new stoves must to meet the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations establish minimum efficiency standards, as well as NOX and OGV ceilings, and emissions limits that are more than the ones in place today for DEFRA-exempt appliances.