What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

If you reside in an area which is smoke-free, you will need to make use of a wood-burning stove that is approved by DEFRA. These stoves allow you to use fuels that are approved without violating the law or causing trouble to your neighbors.

The most recent Defra-approved stoves utilize the latest clean burning technology, using secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. They are typically able to be used with a range of authorised smokeless fuels.

Defra Approved

The term "Defra-approved" stove might sound complicated however it's actually an open-fired stove that has been exempted from UK smoke control zones. To achieve Defra approval, a stove must undergo rigorous testing. If successful it will be awarded the official title of DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.

Stoves that are Defra approved can only burn fuels that are approved and of course, wood - and they must do so efficiently and with very little smoke. They use the latest technology for combustion, which stops part-burned combustibles from going up the chimney and into the air. This is good for the environment and reduces the chance of a blocked chimney.

We carry a wide selection of multi-fuel stoves, both modern and traditional. This includes the striking Portway Arundel XL, which has a large, panoramic glass panel that lets you to take in the stunning allure of a crackling fire, while enjoying an expansive view of the flames and the glow.

It has an A energy rating and overnight log burning capability and a body made of steel for excellent heat retention, as well as being Defra approved and priced at the price of $1,499. The Bohemia X60 Cube Panorama Multifuel stove is a different option to think about; this multifuel DEFRA stove has an output of between 3 and 9kW, and an impressive A + heating efficiency which makes it a great choice for those living in smoke controlled areas.

The ESSE Vista is a great choice for those who want something more traditional. A Defra approved stove with lots of style and quality It comes with an overnight log burning capacity and an excellent A+ energy rating, as well as being capable of being used in the DEFRA smoke control zone due to the twin catalytic technology. This is a top-quality stove that is also compliant with the upcoming Eco Design 2022 regulation.

Eco Design Ready

Eco Design regulations are a crucial component of the UK Government's clean air policy. The regulations were enacted to reduce harmful emissions generated by wood burning stoves in the UK. It is now illegal to manufacture an entirely new wood burning stove that does not conform to the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain can continue to be sold, however in 2022 all new installations will need to be Eco Design compliant.

As an official member of the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) we carry a selection of Eco Design approved wood burning stoves that have been independently tested and proved to have lower levels of particulate matter when compared with open fires. SIA Eco Design stoves also produce 80% less CO2 emissions than open fire.

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

To be considered Eco Design Ready, a stove must achieve lower emission levels across all of these tests - the higher level of efficiency of the fuel and DEFRA approved wood burning stoves a reduction in the amount of harmful by-products produced are also crucial. Our Eco Design approved wood burning stoves are fitted with the latest combustion technologies, including secondary air supply and catalytic convertors, which help to limit the production of harmful emission in operation.

Eco Design stoves are not only more eco-friendly but also more economical to operate. This is because Eco Design stoves use less fuel to produce the exact same amount of heat. You'll reduce your energy bills. A wood burning stove can also help you to heat your home more efficiently. By relying on wood to power your stove, you're able to free yourself from the ever-increasing price of electricity and gas.

Exempt

The stoves that are exempt from Defra have passed tests and exams to ensure they can be used legally in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you can burn wood or authorised fuels (including many kinds of smokeless fuel) in them without breaking the law and committing huge fines.

They are designed to provide the minimum amount combustion air needed for a clear and efficient burn. They produce less smoke than older open fires or wood burning stoves. They are also extremely energy efficient and can be an excellent way to heat your home for less.

They are not just ideal for those living in Smoke Control Areas but they also make a fantastic alternative heating source to fossil fuels in general. They are usually less expensive than traditional electric or gas fires, and if you purchase your logs locally, then they are carbon neutral too.

It is crucial to keep in mind that if are in an area that has a Smoke Control Area then only dry, seasoned wood is allowed to be used to fuel your DEFRA exempt stove. Burning damp or wet wood could result in excessive smoke, which could be in violation of the law and could lead to the levy of a fine.

If you're not sure if you are in a Smoke Control Area or not, you can contact your local authority to learn more. These are typically big cities and towns where smoke pollution is a major issue for residents.

The DEFRA approved wood burning stoves we sell are all Eco Design Ready and have been tested independently to ensure that they are in compliance with EU-wide standards. They include minimum efficiencies as well as NOX and OGV ceilings and emission limits. The new EU Ecodesign regulations 2022 will make these requirements more stringent. Make sure to check with your stove provider if you're thinking of buying one to make sure it is compliant with.

Stove manufacturers are constantly upgrading their products, with secondary and secondary combustion systems being employed to reduce the emission levels of their stoves even further. With the introduction of these new technologies, affordable DEFRA stoves stoves are becoming even more environmentally responsible and cost-effective for homeowners looking for an effective alternative to their old open fire or inefficient electric stove.

Smoke Control Area

A DEFRA approved stove, also known as a Defra exempt stove is a wood burning multi fuel stove that has passed the strict UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. The stove will only emit a certain amount of smoke in normal operation. You can easily identify a DEFRA stove by looking for the logo or the label on the stove or its packaging. Most reputable stove retailers also advertise that the stove is DEFRA-approved on their websites as well as in 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 wood burner or log burner. These areas are governed by local authorities and are generally urban areas with a high population density. The goal of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure that air quality is maintained at healthy standards by restricting the amount of particle matter that is released into the air from residential homes due to combustion. You could be fined for using an non DEFRA stove within a Smoke Control Area.

DEFRA approved stoves do not just meet the regulations of the government, but also provide other advantages. The stoves are also extremely efficient, resulting in lower energy consumption and a reduced carbon footprint. These stoves also come with advanced features which make them more secure than open fires. These include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensor and automatic venting.

Stove manufacturers have developed third-generation and secondary combustion technologies to further reduce the emissions of their stoves. This is not just good for the environment but also saves you money by cutting the cost of heating. If you're buying the stove to be used in an area for smoke control, make sure to only make use of dry and properly prepared wood.

In addition to potential legal repercussions, failing to follow wood stove safety and emission guidelines could risk your home's insurance coverage. Many insurance companies require homeowners to comply with regulatory standards in order to receive fire-related insurance support. If you're found to be violating these standards during an investigation or inspection your insurer could refuse to cover any fire-related damages that result from your stove that isn't in compliance.