What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

If you live in a smoke controlled area, you'll require a DEFRA approved wood-burning stove. These stoves allow legal use of authorised fuels without violating the law or causing upset to your neighbours.

The most recent DEFRA compliant stoves UK-approved stoves utilize the latest technology for clean burning with secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions. They can be combined with a wide range of smokeless fuels.

Defra Approved

The term 'Defra-approved stove' might sound complicated, but it is simply wood-burning stove which is exempt from UK smoke control zones. To obtain Defra approval, a stove must undergo rigorous testing and, if successful, it will be given the official designation of a DEFRA Smoke Exempt appliance.

Stoves that are DEFRA stoves specifications approved can only burn authorised fuels and of course, wood - and they have to do it efficiently and with minimal smoke. This is because these stoves are able to make use of the latest combustion technology that stops any combustibles that are part-burned from going through the chimney, and consequently into the air. This is great for the environment and also reduces the chance of a blockage in the chimney.

We stock a variety of multi-fuel stoves, both modern and traditional. This includes the striking Portway Arundel XL, which boasts a huge glass panel that allows you to experience the captivating attraction of a burning fire, while enjoying an expansive view of the flames and the glow.

It comes with an A energy rating as well as overnight log burning capabilities and DEFRA compliant stoves UK a body made of steel to ensure excellent heat retention and is Defra approved and priced at PS1,499. Bohemia X60 Cube Multifuel Stove is another option worth taking into consideration. This multifuel DEFRA comes with a power output between 3 and 9kW and a heating efficiency of A +. It's a great option for those who live in smoke-controlled areas.

The ESSE Vista is a great choice for those who prefer something more traditional. It's an Defra approved stove that offers high-quality and style. It boasts an A+ rating and can be installed in a DEFRA Smoke Control Area thanks to its unique twin catalytics technology. This is a top quality stove and it is also compliant with the upcoming 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 introduced to limit harmful emissions from wood-burning stoves throughout the UK. It is now illegal to manufacture a new wood burning stove that does not comply with the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves already in the supply chain can continue to be sold, however from 2022 all new installations will need to be Eco Design compliant.

As a member of the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) we carry a selection of Eco Design approved wood burning stoves that have been independently tested and have been 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 testing process includes measuring particulate (PM), organic gases (OGC) and nitrogen oxides. You can be sure that an approved SIA Eco Design stove has been designed to reduce the production of these harmful chemical.

To be deemed Eco Design Ready, a stove has to achieve lower emissions levels across all of these tests - the higher level of fuel efficiency and a reduction in the quantity of harmful byproducts created are also key. Many of our Eco Design approved wood burners come with advanced combustion technologies such as secondary air supplies and catalytic converters to limit the production of harmful emissions during operation.

Not only are Eco Design approved stoves better for the environment, they're also more economical to run. This is because Eco Design stoves consume less fuel to generate the same amount of heat. You'll save money on your energy bills. A wood-burning stove can also help you to heat your home more efficiently. By relying on wood to power your stove, you're able to free yourself from the ever-increasing price of gas and electricity.

Exempt

The Defra exempted stoves have been tested and examined to ensure that they are legal to use in Smoke Control Areas. This means you can use them to burn wood, or authorised fuels in them (including many types smokeless fuels).

They are designed to provide the minimum amount combustion air required for a clean and efficient burn. They produce less smoke than older open fires or wood burning stoves. They are also energy efficient and can offer a cost-effective solution to heat your home.

These stoves are not only ideal for those who live in Smoke Control Areas but they also provide an excellent alternative to fossil fuels generally. They tend to be less expensive than traditional gas or electric stoves, and if you buy your logs locally, they are carbon neutral too.

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

You can contact your local authority if you're unsure whether you're located in a smoke-free zone. The areas are typically cities and towns that are large enough where the nuisance caused by smoke poses a major issue for the locals.

All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves that we have in stock have been independently tested and certified to meet strict EU standards. These include minimum efficiency as well as NOX and OGV ceilings, as well as emission limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further tighten these requirements, so it is worth contacting your stove manufacturer if you are thinking of purchasing one to ensure that they will comply.

Manufacturers are constantly improving the products they produce. Secondary and tertiary systems can be used to reduce the emissions from their stoves. With the introduction of these new technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming even more environmentally responsible and affordable for homeowners who need an 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 complied with the strict UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. This means that the stove is able to emit a minimal amount of smoke during every stage of normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on a stove or its packaging to identify it. In addition, most reputable stove retailers display the fact that their stove is DEFRA approved on their websites and in their showrooms at their stores.

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it is vital that you make use of a DEFRA approved wood burner or log burner. These areas are governed by local authorities and are generally urban areas with a high population density. The purpose of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to maintain healthy air quality standards by limiting the amount of particulate matter released into the atmosphere through the combustion of residential homes. If you are using a non-DEFRA stove within a Smoke Control Area, you could face hefty fines.

DEFRA approved stoves do not just meet the regulations of the government, but also provide other benefits. They offer a high degree of efficiency that results in a lower consumption of fuel and reduced carbon footprint. These stoves also come with advanced features that make them safer than open fires. They include auto ignition systems, thermocouple sensors and automatic venting.

Stove manufacturers have also developed secondary and tertiary combustion techniques to reduce their stoves' emissions. This is not just good for the environment, but can also save you money by reducing your heating bills. If you're buying a new stove for a Smoke Control Area, be sure to use only dry and seasoned firewood.

In addition to the potential legal consequences and insurance coverage, a failure to adhere to wood stove safety guidelines and emission guidelines may put your home in danger. In order to receive insurance coverage for fires most insurers require that homeowners adhere to regulatory standards. Moreover, if you're found to be violating these standards during an investigation or inspection the insurer may deny to cover any fire-related damages that result from your non-compliant stove.