What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?
If you reside in a region that is smoke-controlled, you will need to make use of a wood-burning stove approved by DEFRA. These stoves allow you to legally use authorised fuels without violating the law and upsetting your neighbors.
The most recent Defra approved stoves offer the latest clean burn technology using secondary and tertiary combustion methods to reduce emissions. They can also be used with a wide range of smokeless fuels.
Defra Approved
The term "Defra-approved stove" may sound complicated however it's actually an open-fired stove that is exempt from UK smoke control zones. To achieve Defra approval, a stove has to undergo rigorous testing. If successful it is given the official title of DEFRA Smoke Exempt appliance.
Stoves that are Defra approved can only burn fuels that are approved and obviously wood, and they must do this efficiently and without much smoke. This is because these stoves can achieve the very latest technology for combustion that blocks any combustibles that are part-burned from going up the chimney and then into the air. This is beneficial for the environment and also means that these kinds of stoves are much less likely to block chimneys.
We carry a wide selection of multi-fuel stoves that are both traditional and modern. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL which has a large, panorama glass panel that gives a full view and enjoyment of a roaring fireplace.
It has an A energy rating as well as overnight log burning capability and a body made of steel for excellent heat retention, as well as being Defra approved and available for PS1,499. Bohemia X60 Cube Panorama Multifuel Stove is another option worth taking into consideration. This multifuel DEFRA features an output of between 3 and 9kW, and it has a heating efficiency of A +. It's a great choice for people who live in smoke-free areas.
For those looking for something more traditional, consider the ESSE 700 Vista. A Defra approved stove with lots of style and quality It has an overnight log burning capacity and an impressive A+ energy rating, as well as being suitable for use in a DEFRA smoke control zone thanks to the patented twin catalytic technology. This is a top-quality stove, and it also complies with the coming Eco Design 2022 regulations.
Eco Design Ready
Eco Design regulations are a crucial part of the UK government's clean air strategy. These regulations were put in place to reduce harmful emissions generated by wood burning stoves in the UK. It is now illegal to make any new wood burning stove that does not meet the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain may continue to be sold however after 2022 all new installations must be Eco Design compliant.
As a member of the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) we offer a variety of Eco Design approved wood burning stoves that have been independently tested and have been proven to provide lower levels of particulate matter in comparison to open fires. In addition, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been found to generate an 80% lower amount of CO2 emissions than an open fire.
The testing process consists of measuring particulate matter (PM) organic gaseous compounds (OGC) and carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). You can be sure that a SIA-approved Eco Design stove has been created to limit the production of these harmful chemical.
Eco Design Ready stoves must have lower emissions levels in all tests. They must also be more efficient in their fuel usage and produce less harmful by-products. Many of our Eco Design approved wood burners come with advanced combustion technologies including secondary air supplies and catalytic converters that help in limiting the production of harmful emissions in operation.
Eco Design stoves are not just better for the environment but also more economical to run. This is because Eco Design stoves consume less fuel to produce the exact same amount of heat. You'll reduce your energy bills. A wood-burning stove can also help you heat your home more efficiently. By relying on wood to power your stove, you're able to free yourself from the rising cost of electricity and gas.
DEFRA list stoves that are exempted from Defra were tested and inspected to ensure that they can be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you are able to use authorised fuels or wood (including various kinds of smokeless fuel) within them without violating the law or risking huge fines.
They are designed to deliver the least amount of air for combustion required to provide a clean and efficient burn, meaning that they produce a small amount of smoke when compared to older open fires and wood burning stoves. They are also energy efficient and can provide a cost-effective way to heat your home.
Additionally, they are an excellent choice for those who reside in Smoke Control Areas These stoves are a fantastic alternative to fossil fuel heating in general. They are often cheaper than traditional electric or gas fires, and if buy your logs locally, they are carbon neutral too.
If you live in Smoke-Control Area and you are in a Smoke-Control Area, only dry wood that has been seasoned may be used in your stove that is exempt from DEFRA. Burning damp or wet wood can cause excessive smoke which will be in violation of the law and could result in the levy of a fine.
You can contact your local authority if you're unsure whether you're in a smoke control area. These areas are usually large towns and cities where smoke pollution is a major issue for residents.
All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves that we offer have been independently tested and certified to meet the strict EU standards. These include minimum efficiencies, NOX and OGV ceilings as well as emissions limits. The new EU Ecodesign regulations 2022 will tighten up these requirements. Make sure to check with your stove provider if you're considering buying one to ensure that it is compliant with.
Manufacturers are always making improvements to the products they make. Secondary and tertiary systems are employed to further reduce the emissions of their stoves. With the introduction of these new technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming more eco-friendly and cost effective for homeowners who need a reliable alternative to their traditional open fire or inefficient electric stove.
Smoke Control Area
A DEFRA approved stove, also known as a Defra exempt stove is a wood burning multi fuel stove that has complied with the rigorous UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. The stove can only emit some amount of smoke during normal operation. You can easily identify a DEFRA stove by examining the logo or the label on the stove or on its packaging. Many reputable stove retailers advertise that an individual stove is DEFRA-approved on their websites as well as in their showrooms in stores.
If you live in an area that is subject to smoke control and smoke control, you must use a DEFRA approved wood burner or log stove. These areas are defined by local authorities and are usually urban areas with a high density. The purpose of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure healthy air quality standards by limiting the amount of particulate matter released into the air from residential homes due to combustion. You could be penalized if you use a non DEFRA stove within a Smoke Control Area.
DEFRA approved stoves are not only compliant with the regulations of the government, but also offer other benefits. These include a high level of efficiency, which will result in lower energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. They also come with advanced features that ensure their safety over open fires. They include auto ignition systems, thermocouple sensors and automated venting.
Stove manufacturers have also created secondary and tertiary combustion techniques to further reduce their stoves' emissions. This is not only good for the environment, but will also save you money on your heating bills. If you are buying the stove to be used in smoke control ensure that you use dry and properly prepared wood.
In addition to the potential legal repercussions, failing to follow wood stove safety and emission guidelines can also affect your home insurance coverage. In order to receive insurance coverage for fires most insurers require that homeowners adhere to regulatory standards. If you are found in violation of these standards during an investigation or inspection your insurer may refuse to pay for any damage caused by your non-compliant appliance.