What is a Stove Defra?

Stove defra is a term that refers to a wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has been approved for use in smoke controlled areas. This is a legal requirement in some UK cities and towns.

They produce virtually no smoke since they use the smallest amount of air. They also come in a variety of styles and designs to match the aesthetics of your home.

Clean Burning

In the past homeowners and businesses were allowed to burn any type of fuel they wanted to, leading to a large amount of smoke pollution in the air. This caused a variety of health issues in affected regions. Nowadays in the UK, many cities and towns have been designated as Smoke Control Areas or Smokeless Zones and it is unlawful to use a wood burning stove without having a DEFRA approved or SE (Smoke Exempt) approved stove.

These DEFRA stoves are constructed and designed in accordance with specific regulations for use in these zones. They usually have air vents that are not fully closed which helps to stop the stove from becoming starved of oxygen during the combustion process. This helps reduce the amount of particulate matter released into the air. They also have advanced systems of combustion such as secondary and tertiary burning which helps to reduce emissions.

Stoves that have been certified by Defra can also be used for other fuels, like anthracite. This gives you more options for heating your home. If you live in an area that is under Smoke Control, it is advised to burn only "ready to burn", dry wood logs. This will not only decrease the amount of air pollution produced, but also keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer.

At The Stove Yard we have a large choice of both traditional and modern Defra approved wood burners or multi fuel stoves that start at just PS420. We have a variety of stoves to suit every budget, whether seeking a 5kW Defra-approved stove or a more powerful model with an 8kW.

There have been a lot of headlines that have been arousing concern in recent times regarding the impact that stoves can have on air quality. Some of these reports have lumped together the emissions from modern stoves with older stoves, open fires and other types of household fuels and equipment. The truth is that modern stoves including those that are Defra approved or Ecodesign have much lower emissions levels than any other type of stove or heating method and play an essential part in keeping our indoor air healthy.

Low Emissions

There are a myriad of common misconceptions about the use of wood burning stoves and their connection to air pollution. One of the most well-known myths is that wood-burning stoves are responsible for a large percentage of small particles in the UK, however this is not the case. The reality is that the domestic combustion of wood and other solid fuels contributes to less than 1/3 of PM.2.5 in the UK. The government relied on inaccurate data in its studies to estimate wood stoves' contribution. However, recent research by the SIA and others shows that the number is closer to 13 percent.

This is why it is important to install an DEFRA approved stove or smoke exempt log burner if you live in a Smoke Control Area, these appliances have been tested and certified to meet strict emission standards designed to minimise pollution levels in the air. The Defra exempted stove logo has been widely adopted in the industry. If you see it on a stove, or in its name or specifications you can be certain that it has very low emissions and is suitable for use within a smoke-free area.

A DEFRA-approved stove will also be in compliance with the EU Ecodesign Regulations that will be in force by 2022. These new regulations will dramatically reduce the amount of smoke that a stove produces when it is burning. Many Defra exempt stoves are now being manufactured to comply with these new standards and the SIA recommends installing an Ecodesign Ready stove rather than a DEFRA endorsed stoves Exempt appliance as the particulate emission limit is lower by 55% for Ecodesign Ready appliances.

In addition to reducing emissions, DEFRA approved stoves are generally more efficient than traditional open fires and help save money on heating costs. They are specifically designed to burn coal, wood and other solid fuels efficiently to produce maximum heat while minimising waste. This efficiency can also reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted as a result of the combustion process, meaning that you are helping to combat climate change and ensuring the environment by using the wood stove.

Suitable for Smoke Control Areas

If you reside in an area where the amount of smoke is controlled it is essential to use a DEFRA-approved cooking device. Otherwise, you could face fines. These stoves are designed to burn fuel that is smokeless which means they emit very little particulate matter and other harmful gases. They are also more energy efficient than standard stoves, and can help you save money on heating bills. Defra stoves are available in a variety of designs, so you'll be able to find the ideal fit for your home.

A DEFRA approved stove is typically called an SE (smoke exempt) stove, and it permits burning fuels that are normally prohibited in smoke control areas. These include logs, smokeless coal, briquettes and other readily available smokeless fuels. DEFRA approved stoves do not exempt you of other regulations imposed by your local authority. It is important to adhere to all regulations within the region.

Defra-approved stoves are subjected to rigorous tests to ensure they are safe and clean for use. They usually come with secondary and tertiary systems that improve efficiency and reduce emissions. They also have a big firebox, which allows the burning of larger amounts of fuel at a time. These attributes make them an excellent choice for homes located in smoke-free areas.

It's also important to ensure that your stove is in good working order to ensure that it is secure and efficient. This includes regular cleaning of the stove and ensuring there aren't any obstructions in the chimney. Routine maintenance of your stove can reduce the chance of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you use only approved fuels and have an insulated 6-inch liner, a Defra Multifuel stove could be used for smoke control areas. Bowland Stoves has a wide choice of Defra multifuel stoves that come in various styles to fit your home. Our stove experts are able to answer any questions you might have.

Buy Tickets on the internet

Defra approved wood burning stoves give homeowners an eco-friendly, low-emissions fireplace and an efficient method of heating their homes. These stoves are available in a variety of prices, ranging from budget log burners to top-of-the-range wood burning stoves. They also have many advantages such as being eco-friendly and being compatible with smoke control zones.

DEFRA approved multi-fuel and wood stoves can be used in areas with smoke control the UK. They are a practical, cost-effective alternative to open fires and gas stoves. They are designed to burn a variety of fuels which include solid fuels, peat, and logs. They are also compatible with wood pellets and smokeless briquettes, which are an excellent choice for the environmentally responsible homeowner.

These stoves are not just an attractive and affordable method to heat your house however, Defra Endorsed Stoves they are highly efficient and offer the most efficient levels of combustion. They also have features such as secondary and tertiary air systems that help to minimise emissions and ensure the highest performance.

A DEFRA stove can be equipped with a 5" chimney liner for burning dry wood (with the stove also having five" flue size); whereas if you purchase an appliance that is not DEFRA exempt, you will need to upgrade the chimney liner to a minimum of 6" which can be costly.

When purchasing a new stove, there are a variety of factors to take into account. These include the dimensions of the room, the heating demands and the kW output that the stove can provide. You should also be aware of the style of the stove and how it will fit into your interior design. If you're installing your stove into an existing fireplace chamber or inglenook, there are plenty of aesthetically-pleasing traditional and contemporary DEFRA stoves to choose from. There are also modern Defra stoves that will look great without the traditional fireplace surround or mantle.