What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

If you live in a smoke controlled area you will need a DEFRA approved wood-burning stove. These stoves let you use fuels that are approved without breaking the law or upsetting your neighbors.

The latest Defra-approved stoves feature 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' may sound complicated but it's really an open-fired stove that is exempt from UK smoke control zones. To obtain Defra approval, a stove must undergo rigorous tests. If successful, it is awarded the official title of DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.

Stoves that are Defra approved are able to only burn approved fuels and of course, wood - and they have to do it efficiently and with very little smoke. This is because these stoves are able to make use of the latest combustion technology that prevents any part-burned combustibles from going up the chimney and then into the air. This is good for the environment, and also means that these types of stoves are less likely to block chimneys.

In addition to offering a selection of the top DEFRA approved wood burners, we also stock an array of traditional and contemporary 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved-fuel stoves. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL which has a large, panorama glass panel that allows for full enjoyment and view of a roaring fireplace.

It is Defra-approved, and has an estimated price of PS1,499. It also has an energy rating of A, overnight log burning capabilities and a steel frame for high heat retention. Bohemia X60 Cube Panoramic Multifuel Stove is a different option worth considering. This multifuel DEFRA features a power output between 3 and 9kW and a heating efficiency of A plus. It's a great choice for people who live in smoke-free areas.

If you're seeking something more traditional, consider the ESSE 700 Vista. A Defra approved stove that has plenty of quality and style It has the ability to burn logs overnight and a great A+ energy rating, in addition to being able to be used in a DEFRA smoke control area thanks to the twin catalytic technology. This is a top-quality stove, and it is also compliant with the new Eco Design 2022 regulations.

Eco Design Ready

Eco Design regulations are a crucial part of the UK Government's clean air policy. These regulations were introduced to limit harmful emissions from wood-burning stoves throughout the UK. It is now illegal to produce any new wood burning stove that doesn't conform to 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 we are 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 proven to provide lower levels of particulate matter in comparison to open fires. In addition to this, defra approved Contemporary stoves SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been shown to produce 80percent less CO2 emissions than an open fire.

The test involves the measurement of particulate matter (PM), organic gaseous compounds (OGC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). You can be assured that a SIA-approved Eco Design stove has been created to limit the production of these harmful chemicals.

Eco Design Ready stoves must be able to lower the emission levels in all tests. They also need to have higher efficiency in fuel use and produce less harmful by-products. Many of our Eco Design approved wood burners have advanced combustion technology, such as secondary air supplies and catalytic converters that help to restrict the emission of harmful gases during operation.

Not only are Eco Design approved stoves better for the environment, they're also more affordable to run. This is because Eco Design stoves require less fuel to produce the same amount of heat. You'll reduce your energy bills. A wood-burning stove will aid in heating 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.

Exempt

Exempt stoves from Defra have passed tests and exams to ensure they can be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means you can use them to burn wood, or authorised fuels inside them (including many types smokeless fuels).

They are designed to supply the smallest amount of air for combustion required for a clean, efficient burn. This means that they produce a small amount of smoke compared to traditional open fires and wood burning stoves. They are also very efficient in energy use and are an excellent way to heat your home at a lower cost.

These stoves are not only ideal for those living in Smoke Control Areas but they also provide an excellent alternative heating source to fossil fuels generally. These stoves are often cheaper than gas or electric fireplaces and, if you are using local wood, they are also carbon-neutral.

It is essential to keep in mind that if are in an area that has a Smoke Control Area then only dry, seasoned and dry wood can be used in your DEFRA exempt stove. The burning of wet or damp logs could result in excessive smoke which is illegal and can result in the levy of a fine.

If you are unsure whether you are in a Smoke Control Area or not, you can contact your local authority to find out more. These are typically large cities and towns where smoke pollution is a major issue for residents.

All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves we offer have been independently tested and certified to meet strict EU standards. They include minimum efficiencies, NOX and OGV ceilings, as well as emission limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further make these requirements more stringent which is why it's important to check with the stove manufacturer if are considering buying one to ensure that they are in compliance with.

Manufacturers are always improving the products they produce. Secondary and tertiary systems are used 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 open fireplace or inefficient electric stove.

Smoke Control Area

A DEFRA approved stove, also referred to a Defra exempt stove, is a wood burning multi fuel stove that has passed the rigorous UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. This means that the stove is allowed to produce a minimum amount of smoke at all stages of normal operation. You can easily identify a DEFRA stove by looking for the logo or the label on the stove or its packaging. Additionally, the majority of reliable stove retailers advertise the fact that a particular stove is DEFRA approved on their websites as well as in their showrooms at their stores.

If you live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, it is vital that you use a DEFRA approved log burner or wood burning. These areas are defined local and are usually urban areas with a high population density. The purpose of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure that air quality is maintained at healthy standards by restricting the amount of particle matter released into the atmosphere by combustion in residential homes. If you have an appliance that is not DEFRA approved contemporary Stoves-compliant in the Smoke Control Area you could be subject to hefty fines.

DEFRA approved stoves do not just meet the government's regulations but also offer other benefits. They are also extremely efficient, resulting in lower energy consumption and less carbon footprint. These stoves also have advanced features that make them more secure than open fires. These include auto ignition systems, thermocouple sensors and automatic venting.

Stove manufacturers have also developed third-generation and second-generation combustion techniques to further reduce the emissions from their stoves. This not only helps the environment, but can also save you money by cutting your heating bills. If you're buying a brand new stove for a Smoke Control Area, be sure to use only dry and seasoned firewood.

In addition to potential legal consequences, failing to adhere to wood stove safety and emission guidelines could jeopardize your home insurance coverage. Many insurance companies require homeowners to comply with standards of conduct to receive insurance coverage for fire related incidents. If you are found to be in violation of these standards during an investigation or inspection, your insurer could refuse to pay for any damage caused by your non-compliant appliance.