What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

If you reside in a region that is smoke-controlled, you will need to use a wood-burning stove that is approved by DEFRA. These stoves permit you to legally use authorised fuels without breaking the law or causing upset to your neighbors.

The most recent DEFRA registered stoves approved stoves feature the most advanced technology for clean burning, employing secondary and tertiary systems of combustion to further reduce emissions. They can be combined with a range of smokeless fuels.

Defra Approved

The term "Defra-approved stove" may sound a bit complicated, but it is simply an open-fired stove that has been exempted from UK smoke control zones. To be eligible for Defra approval a stove has to go through rigorous tests and, if it is successful, it will be given the official title of an DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.

Stoves that have been approved by Defra can only burn authorised fuels and of course wood. They must be able to do it efficiently and with little smoke. This is because these stoves are able to attain the most advanced combustion technology that prevents any combustibles that have been part-burned from getting up the chimney, and thus into the air. This is good for the environment and also means that these types of stoves are far less likely to block chimneys.

We stock a variety of multi-fuel stoves that are both traditional and modern. This includes the striking Portway Arundel XL, which has a large, panoramic glass panel that allows you to experience the captivating allure of a crackling fire while also having a full view of the flames and the glow.

It is Defra-approved and has the price of just PS1,499. It also has an A energy rating and a log-burning capability for overnight use and a steel frame for great heat retention. The Bohemia X60 Cube Panorama Multifuel stove is a different alternative to consider. This multifuel DEFRA stove boasts a power output of between 3 and 9kW, and an impressive A plus efficiency for heating, making it a superb choice for those living in smoke controlled areas.

The ESSE Vista is a great option for those who prefer something more traditional. It's an Defra approved stove that has plenty of style and quality. It boasts an A+ rating and is able to be used in the DEFRA approved eco design stoves Smoke Control Area thanks to its exclusive twin catalytics technology. This is a top-quality stove that also meets the upcoming Eco Design 2022 regulation.

Eco Design Ready

Eco Design regulations are a crucial part of the UK Government's clean air policy. These regulations were implemented to reduce harmful emissions created by wood burning stoves in 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 may continue to be sold, but in 2022 all new installations will have to be Eco Design compliant.

As we are a Stove Industry Alliance member, we stock a variety of Eco Design approved wood-burning stoves. These stoves have been tested independently to ensure they emit lower levels of particulates than open fires. SIA Eco Design stoves also generate 80% fewer CO2 emissions than an open fire.

The test involves measuring particulate matter (PM), organic gaseous compounds (OGC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). When you purchase an SIA approved Eco Design stove, you can be confident that it was designed to limit the production of harmful chemicals.

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 have advanced combustion technology, like secondary air supply and catalytic converters in limiting the emission of harmful gases during operation.

Not only are Eco Design approved stoves better for the environment, but they're also more economical to run. This is because they use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, meaning you'll save money on your energy costs. A wood-burning stove will also help you heat your home more efficiently. By using wood for your stove you will be able to avoid the rising cost of electricity and natural gas.

Exempt

The Defra exempted stoves have been tested and inspected to make sure they can be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you can burn wood, or authorised fuels in these stoves (including numerous types of smokeless fuel).

These stoves are designed to supply the smallest amount of combustion air needed to provide a clean and efficient burn, meaning that they produce a small amount of smoke compared to older style open fires and wood burning stoves. They are also extremely efficient in terms of energy consumption and are ideal for heating your home for less.

These stoves are not only a great option for those living in Smoke Control Areas but they also make a fantastic alternative heating source to fossil fuels generally. They are often cheaper than traditional gas or electric fires, and if source your logs locally then they are carbon-neutral too.

It is crucial to remember that if you are in Smoke Control Area then only dry, seasoned wood is allowed to be used in your Defra Approved Multi-Fuel Stoves exempt stove. The burning of damp or wet logs could result in excessive smoke which is illegal and will result in an imposed fine.

If you're not sure if you are in a Smoke Control Area, you can contact your local authority to find out more. These areas are typically large cities and towns where the annoyance caused by smoke poses a major issue for the locals.

The DEFRA approved wood burning stoves that we stock are all Eco Design Ready and have been tested independently to ensure that they comply with the strict EU-wide standards. These include minimum efficiencies OGV, NOX and NOX ceilings as well as emissions limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further make these requirements more stringent and it is worth checking with 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 are used to reduce the emissions from their stoves. With the introduction of these innovative technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming even more environmentally responsible and affordable for homeowners looking for an alternative to their open fire or inefficient electric stove.

Smoke Control Area

A DEFRA approved wood stove, also known as a Defra exemption stove is a multi-fuel stove that burns wood and has passed the strict UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines regarding smoke emissions. This means that the stove is able to emit a minimal amount of smoke at every stage of normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on a stove or its packaging to identify it. Many reputable stove retailers show that their stoves are DEFRA-approved on their websites and their showrooms at stores.

If you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, it is crucial that you make use of a DEFRA approved log burner or wood burning. These areas are defined locally and are generally urban areas with a significant population density. The Smoke Control Area regulations are designed to maintain healthy air standards by limiting the amount of dust that is released into the air from homes. If you use a non-DEFRA stove within the Smoke Control Area and you are a resident, you could be subject to hefty fines.

DEFRA approved stoves not only comply with the government's regulations but also offer other advantages. They provide a high level of efficiency that results in a lower consumption of fuel and reduced carbon footprint. Additionally they have advanced features that ensure they are safer than traditional open-fire stoves. These include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensor and automatic venting.

Manufacturers of stoves have also developed secondary and third-generation combustion technologies to further reduce the emissions of their stoves. This is not just good for the environment, but it can also help you save money on your heating bills. If you're buying a new stove for DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves Smoke Control Area, be sure to make use of dry and seasoned firewood.

In addition to the potential legal repercussions and insurance coverage, a failure to follow wood stove safety guidelines and emission guidelines could also put your home at risk. Many insurance companies require homeowners to adhere to the regulations to receive insurance assistance related to fire. If you are found in violation of these standards in the course of an investigation or inspection your insurer may refuse to pay for any damage caused by your non-compliant appliance.