What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?

If you reside in an area where smoke is regulated and you're looking to purchase wood-burning stoves, it's important that you choose the DEFRA approved or exempt stove. Stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt can cause starvation to the log burner, resulting in excess emissions and smouldering fuel.

Clean Burn Technology

If you select a DEFRA-approved stove you will be able to reduce air pollution. These wood burning stoves are made to meet the strict smoke emission standards set by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The DEFRA stoves we sell have clean burn technology that ensures that any solid or wood fuel you use will be completely burned before it escapes up the chimney. The way they achieve this is through secondary and sometimes tertiary air intakes that ensure that every last particle of smoke is burned before it can leave the stove. This will keep your chimney clean for longer and your stove will consume less fuel.

DEFRA stoves are available in both modern and DEFRA regulations stoves traditional styles. This is because not everyone needs an appliance that draws the most the attention of their room. You might prefer something more discrete to blend into your decor. We offer a variety of freestanding and inglenook stoves that are compliant with DEFRA approval standards, so you can find the perfect stove for your fireplace chamber.

You will also be able to pick from a variety of DEFRA Regulations Stoves stoves that can be multi-fuel so you can enjoy the flexibility of being able to burn a wide range of authorised fuels. Find the perfect DEFRA multi-fuel or wood burner for your home if you combine these features with a variety of finishes and colours.

We are pleased to offer a wide selection of DefrA wood burners that have been independently checked by HETAS to meet the strict DEFRA emission standards and to be legally allowed for use in Smoke Control Areas. If you live in an area that is classified as a Smoke Control Area and you are a resident, it is essential to purchase an approved DEFRA stove. Making use of an appliance that is not approved can result in a fine. If you'd like to know whether you live in a Smoke Control Area, visit the DEFRA website or contact your local authority.

Smoke Exempt

Stoves that are DEFRA wood-burning stoves that are approved have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they are able to be used in smoke-free areas. You can find a wide variety of DEFRA stoves at Bowland Stoves that offer clean combustion, reduced emissions, and the possibility of cost savings. You can pick from a variety of designs to complement your home's design.

Local authorities establish Smoke Control Areas to lower smog levels in UK cities and towns. Traditionally people would burn any kind of fuel they liked at home and this resulted in heavy smog in several areas, which led to health problems for the residents. In the past, there was no law governing this, but today we must follow the regulations.

To ensure the safety of the public, Defra has created regulations that specify which stoves are allowed to be used in certain areas and DEFRA regulations stoves which kinds of fuel that can be burned in the stoves. If you live in a place that is smoke-free you are only allowed to use an DEFRA approved stove and burn only authorised fuels such as logs, coal or pellets. If you purchase a non-DEFRA stove and burn disallowed fuels then you could be fined up to PS1000.

A Defra approved stove delivers the smallest amount of air needed for combustion which in turn results in low smoke emissions. This is the only way to be sure that you can legally burn wood and other authorised fuels in a Smoke Control Area.

In order to be DEFRA approved wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves have to have an average moisture content of less than 20% to avoid excessive smoke. To attain this the wood has to be well-seasoned and most importantly, sourced from the Forestry Commission's 'Woodsure Ready to Burn' program.

If you are buying an appliance for use in a Smoke Control Area, make sure that it has a Defra logo or a slash after its name. This means that the stove is smoke-free. The Defra logo is easily identifiable and is widely accepted by the industry.

In compliance with Building Regulations

If a stove has been DEFRA lawful stoves wood burning stoves approved, it means that it has undergone rigorous testing and complies with the building regulations. This ensures that the stove is safe to operate and has a properly installed flue system. This reduces the air pollution in the home and also prevents fire hazards. This is particularly important for those living in areas of smoke control where it is unlawful to burn fuels that are not authorised.

DEFRA stoves are available in a range of styles, sizes and finishes. This lets you find the perfect fit for your home. We offer models that are modern and traditional in freestanding, inglenook, and inset designs to fit any decor. Depending on your requirements you can select one with a wood burner, or a multi-fuel model. All DEFRA stoves are equipped with clean-burn technology, which means you can be confident that they'll burn your fuels effectively and safely.

DEFRA stoves also adhere to strict regulations for the emissions of smoke in smoke-controlled areas. These regulations are designed to reduce the amount of particulate matter that escapes into the air during combustion.

The most modern DEFRA wood-burning stoves are designed for this purpose, using advanced combustion systems that don't restrict airflow in the firebox. This allows the timber to be burned more efficiently and quickly which decreases the release of particulate matter into the air. In addition, DEFRA stoves are equipped with a secondary combustion system that reduces emissions by re-burning any combustibles that were not burned from the previous combustion process.

It is possible to install an appliance that does not conform to DEFRA regulations, but this will require major modifications to your chimney and flue. This will require a structural modification that could require planning permission. To avoid this, we recommend using a DEFRA approved stove when buying a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.

A DEFRA-approved stove will typically also have a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This means you can use 5" vitreous enamel flue liner which will help you save money on installation costs. This is a great solution for those who are on a tight budget or whose chimney stack has several difficult bends.

Reduced Emissions

When you are looking for a wood burning stove you will come across various terms that could confuse you. The term DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt stoves means that it can be used in smoke-free areas of the UK.

The stoves have passed an array of tests to ensure that they are in compliance with the laws of the UK regarding smoking. This is achieved by incorporating the latest clean burn technology that uses secondary and third-level combustion to create cleaner air inside your home. This also helps reduce your consumption of fuel as the fuel is burned more efficiently, which reduces the carbon footprint of your home.

Because of the advancement in technology, DEFRA wood burning stoves approved are more environmentally friendly than older open fires as well as stoves. If used properly an appliance that burns wood is carbon neutral. This is because trees absorb carbon dioxide when they grow and then release it back into the atmosphere when they are burned. This is the reason they are a green alternative to fossil fuels to heat your home.

However, the primary concern with using a wood-burning stove is the emissions that are generated. The smoke that is produced by a wood-burning fireplace has ultrafine particles that are known to cause serious health problems. These particles can get deep into the lungs causing breathing difficulties, exacerbate asthma symptoms and make you feel unwell. They can also increase the risk of developing heart disease or cancer.

Domestic wood burning is now the largest source of PM2.5 in the UK producing three times the amount of pollution as traffic. This is because conventional wood stoves don't use clean burning technologies. It is essential to purchase an exempt DEFRA stove if your area is smoke-free or is not. They are safer for your chimney and the environment.

Bowland Stoves stocks a large range of DEFRA-approved stoves from leading manufacturers like Arada, Stovax, and Burley. We suggest you speak with one of our team members for advice if you're not sure which type of stove would be suitable for your property however, if you decide to purchase one of our DEFRA approved stove, you can be confident that it will have undergone extensive testing and inspection to be certain it is suitable to be used in Smoke Controlled Areas.