What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

If you reside in a region which is smoke-free, you will need to use a wood burning stove that has been approved by DEFRA. These stoves let you use approved fuels without breaking the law or upsetting your neighbors.

The most recent Defra approved stoves feature the latest clean burn technology using secondary and tertiary combustion methods to reduce emissions. They can also be used with a range of smokeless fuels.

Defra Approved

The term 'Defra approved stove' might appear to be a confusing piece of jargon but, in reality it's just wood-burning stove that has been granted an exemption from UK zones of smoke control. To obtain Defra approval, a stove must go through rigorous testing and, if successful, Best DEFRA Stoves receive the official title of a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.

Stoves that are Defra-approved can only be used to burn fuels that are approved by Defra, and of course wood. They must do so efficiently and without much smoke. This is because these stoves can make use of the latest combustion technology that stops any combustibles that have been part-burned from getting up the chimney, and consequently into the air. This is good for the environment, and it also means that these types of stoves are much less likely to block chimneys.

We have a range of multi-fuel stoves that are both modern and traditional. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL which has a huge, panoramic glass panel that gives full enjoyment and view of a crackling fireplace.

It is best DEFRA stoves-approved and comes at the price of just PS1,499. It also comes with an A energy rating, overnight log burning capabilities and a steel frame to ensure great heat retention. Bohemia X60 Cube Panoramic Multifuel Stove is another option worth taking into consideration. This multifuel DEFRA features a power output between 3 and 9 kW, and Best Defra Stoves an efficiency of heating of A +. It's an excellent choice for those who live in smoke-controlled areas.

For those seeking something more traditional, there's the ESSE 700 Vista. A Defra approved stove with plenty of quality and style It comes with the ability to burn logs overnight and an excellent A+ energy rating, in addition to being capable of being used in a DEFRA smoke control zone due to the patented twin catalytic technology. This is a top-quality stove and it also complies with the coming 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 enacted to reduce harmful emissions from wood-burning stoves across the UK. It is now illegal to manufacture any new wood burning stove that does not conform to the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain may continue to be sold, however after 2022, all new installations must be Eco Design compliant.

As we are a Stove Industry Alliance member, we carry a selection of Eco Design approved wood-burning stoves. These stoves have been independently tested to ensure that they emit less levels of particulates than open flames. In addition, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been shown to produce 80% less CO2 emissions compared to an open fire.

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

Eco Design Ready stoves must have lower emissions levels in all tests. They also must be more efficient in their fuel usage and produce less harmful by-products. Many of our Eco Design approved wood burners feature advanced combustion technology such as secondary air supplies and catalytic converters that help in limiting the production of harmful emissions when operating.

Not only are Eco Design approved stoves better for the environment, they're also more affordable to run. This is because Eco Design stoves use less fuel to generate the same amount of heat. You'll reduce your energy bills. A wood-burning stove will also help you heat your home more efficiently. By using wood to power your stove, you're able to free yourself from the rising cost of electricity and gas.

Exempt

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

These stoves are designed for the smallest amount of combustion air needed 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 provide a cost-effective way to heat your house.

These stoves aren't just 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.

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

If you are unsure whether you live in a Smoke Control Area, you can contact your local authority to learn more. The areas are usually cities and towns that are large enough where the annoyance caused by smoke poses a major issue for residents.

The DEFRA approved wood burning stoves that we sell are all Eco Design Ready and have been independently tested to ensure that they meet strict EU-wide standards. They include minimum efficiencies as well as NOX and OGV ceilings as well as emission limits. The new EU Ecodesign regulations 2022 will make these requirements more stringent. Check with your stove manufacturer if you're considering buying one to ensure that it meets the requirements.

Stove manufacturers are constantly upgrading their products by adding secondary and third-party combustion systems being utilized to reduce the emission levels of their stoves further. With the introduction of these innovative technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming even more environmentally responsible and cost-effective for homeowners looking for a reliable alternative to their old open fireplace or inefficient electric stove.

Smoke Control Area

A DEFRA approved wood stove, also referred to as a Defra exemption stove that is a multi-fuel stove that burns wood. It has met the strict UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines regarding smoke emissions. This means that the stove is permitted 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 specific stove is DEFRA approved on their websites and in their showrooms at their stores.

If you live in an area subject to smoke control or smoke detection, you must use a DEFRA-approved wood burner or log stove. These areas are defined local and are usually urban areas with a high density. The aim of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to maintain healthy air quality standards by limiting the amount of particulate matter that is released into the air by combustion in residential homes. You could face fines when you use the use of a non DEFRA stove in a Smoke Control Area.

DEFRA approved stoves do not just meet the regulations of the government, but also offer other advantages. They are also extremely efficient, which results in lower fuel consumption as well as an enviable carbon footprint. In addition, these stoves have advanced features that make them safer than traditional open fires. They include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensor and automatic venting.

Manufacturers of stoves have also developed third-generation and second-generation combustion techniques to further reduce the emissions from their stoves. This is not only beneficial for the environment, but it can also help you save money on heating costs. If you are buying the stove to be used in smoke control, make sure to only make use of dry and properly prepared wood.

In addition to legal consequences, failing to adhere to wood stove safety and emission guidelines can also jeopardize your home insurance coverage. Most insurers require homeowners to comply with regulatory standards in order to receive fire-related insurance support. Moreover, if you're found to be violating these standards during an investigation or inspection, your insurer may refuse to cover any fire-related damages caused by your stove that is not in compliance.