What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

If you live in an area that is smoke-free, DEFRA stove you will need to use a wood burning stove approved by DEFRA. These stoves allow legal use of authorised fuels without breaking the law or causing upset to your neighbours.

The latest Defra-approved stoves use the latest clean burning technology with secondary and tertiary system to reduce emissions. They can be combined with a wide range of smokeless fuels.

Defra Approved

The term "Defra approved stove' may seem like a complex phrase, but in reality it's just wood-burning stove that has been granted an exemption from UK smoke control zones. To achieve Defra approval a stove must undergo rigorous tests. If it passes it will be awarded the official title of DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.

Stoves that are Defra-approved can only burn approved fuels and, of course, wood - they must also be able to do it effectively and with minimal smoke. This is because these stoves can make use of the latest combustion technology that prevents any part-burned combustibles from going up the chimney, and thus into the air. This is beneficial for the environment, and also means that these kinds of stoves are far less likely to block chimneys.

As well as providing a range of best DEFRA approved wood burners, we also stock a variety of contemporary and traditional multi-fuel stoves. This includes the striking Portway Arundel XL, which features a large glass panel that lets you to experience the captivating attraction of a burning fire, while enjoying an expansive view of the flames and glow.

It is Defra-approved and has the price of just PS1,499. It also has an energy rating of A as well as overnight log burning capabilities and a steel frame for high heat retention. The Bohemia X60 Cube Multifuel stove is a different alternative to consider. This multifuel DEFRA stove has a power output of between 3 and 9kW and an impressive A plus heating efficiency which makes it an excellent choice for those living in smoke controlled areas.

The ESSE Vista is a great option for those looking for something more traditional. It's an Defra approved stove that has plenty of style and quality. It has a great A+ rating and can be installed in the DEFRA Smoke Control Area thanks to its exclusive twin catalytics technology. This is a high-quality stove that is also compliant with the new Eco Design 2022 regulation.

Eco Design Ready

Eco Design regulations are a crucial component of the UK government's clean air policy. These regulations were put in place to reduce harmful emissions from wood-burning stoves across the UK. It is now illegal to make an entirely new wood burning stove that doesn't conform to the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain may continue to be sold however, from 2022 the new installations must be Eco Design compliant.

As we are 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 proven to have lower levels of particulate matter in comparison to open fires. SIA Eco Design stoves also produce 80% less CO2 emissions than open fire.

The test involves the measurement of particulate matter (PM) organic gaseous compounds (OGC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). When you purchase a SIA approved Eco Design stove, you can be confident that it has been constructed to minimize the production of these harmful chemicals.

To be deemed Eco Design Ready, a stove must achieve lower emission levels in all of these tests. the higher level of fuel efficiency and a reduction in the amount of harmful by-products that are produced are also crucial. Many of our Eco Design approved wood burners come with advanced combustion technologies such as secondary air supplies and catalytic converters to restrict the production of harmful emissions in operation.

Not only are Eco Design approved stoves better for the environment, but they're also more economical to run. This is because Eco Design stoves use less fuel to generate the same amount of heat. You'll save money on your energy bills. In addition the fact that a wood-burning stove is a great option to be more self-sufficient in heating your home. By using wood to power your stove, you're able to free yourself from the ever-increasing price of electricity and gas.

Exempt

Exempt stoves from Defra have passed tests and exams to ensure that they are able to be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means you can burn wood, or authorised fuels in these stoves (including various types of smokeless fuel).

These stoves are designed for the smallest amount of air required for a clean and efficient burn. They produce less smoke than older open fires or wood burning stoves. They are also extremely efficient in energy use and are ideal for heating your home for less.

They are not just a great option for those living in Smoke Control Areas but they also make a fantastic alternative heating source to fossil fuels in general. They are usually less expensive than gas or electric fireplaces and, if you use local logs, they're also carbon-neutral.

If you reside in a Smoke-Control Area where only dry wood that has been seasoned can be used in your stove that is exempt from DEFRA. The burning of damp or wet logs could result in excessive smoke, which is illegal and will result in the levy of a fine.

You can contact your local authority if you're not sure if you live in a smoke-free zone. These areas are typically large cities and towns in which the annoyance triggered by smoke is a big problem for local residents.

All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves we stock have been independently tested and certified to meet strict EU standards. These include minimum efficiency OGV, NOX and EVV ceilings, as well as emission limits. The new EU Ecodesign regulations 2022 will tighten up these requirements. Check with your stove provider if you're contemplating buying a stove to ensure that it will comply.

Stove manufacturers are constantly improving their products by adding secondary and third-party combustion systems being utilized to reduce the emissions of their stoves further. With the introduction of these new technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming more eco-friendly and affordable for homeowners who require an effective alternative to their 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 met the rigorous UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. The stove can only emit some amount of smoke at all times in normal operation. You can quickly identify the DEFRA stove by looking for the logo or label on the stove or on its packaging. In addition, most reliable stove retailers advertise the fact that their stove is DEFRA approved on their websites and in their showrooms at their stores.

If you reside in an area subject to smoke control or smoke detection, you must use a DEFRA compliant stoves-approved wood burner or log stove. These areas are governed by local authorities and are typically urban areas with a high density. The Smoke Control Area regulations are designed to maintain healthy air standards by limiting particulate matter that escapes into the atmosphere from homes. If you use a non-DEFRA stove within an area designated as a Smoke Control Area you could be subject to hefty fines.

DEFRA approved stoves are not only compliant with the regulations of the government but also provide additional benefits. The stoves are also extremely efficient, which results in lower fuel consumption as well as an enviable carbon footprint. These stoves also come with advanced features which make them safer than open fires. These include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensor and automatic venting.

The stove manufacturers have developed third-generation and secondary combustion techniques to further reduce emissions from their stoves. This not only benefits the environment, but also saves you money by reducing the cost of heating. If you are purchasing an appliance for a smoke control area be sure to make use of dry and properly prepared wood.

In addition to potential legal repercussions and insurance coverage, failing to follow wood stove safety guidelines and emission guidelines can expose your home to risk. In order to obtain insurance coverage for fires, most insurers require that homeowners adhere to the regulations. Moreover, if you're found to be violating these standards during an inspection or investigation, your insurer may refuse to pay for any fire-related damage caused by your stove that isn't in compliance.