What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?

If you reside in an area where smoke is regulated and are looking to purchase a wood-burning fireplace it is essential to choose a DEFRA approved or exempt stove. Stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt may starve the stove, resulting in excess emissions and smouldering fuel.

Clean Burn Technology

When you opt for a DEFRA approved stove, you are doing your part to help reduce air pollution. These wood burning stoves are designed to meet the stringent smoke emission standards outlined by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The DEFRA stoves we sell feature clean burn technology which ensures that any solid or wood fuel you use will be completely burned before it escapes up the chimney. This is achieved through secondary and sometimes even tertiary intakes air that ensure that every bit of smoke is burnt before it exits the stove. This keeps your chimney clean for longer, and your stove will use less fuel.

DEFRA stoves are available in both modern and traditional styles. This is because not everyone needs an appliance that is the center of attention in their room. You might want something more discreet to blend into your decor. There is also a selection of inglenook and freestanding stoves that can be used with DEFRA approval, so you'll be able to choose the right stove to fit your fireplace or inglenook.

You'll also be able to choose from a variety of DEFRA stoves which are multi-fuel compatible so you can enjoy the versatility of being able to burn a variety of fuels that are authorised. When you combine this with a range of colours and finishes you will surely find the perfect DEFRA wood burner or multi-fuel stove that will suit your home.

We are proud to stock an extensive selection of DefrA wood burners that have been independently checked by HETAS to meet the strict DEFRA emissions standards and be legal to use in Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in an area designated as classified as a Smoke Control Area, it is important that you purchase a DEFRA stove. If you use an appliance that is not approved, it can result in the levy of a fine. You can find out whether you reside in a Smoke Control Area by visiting the DEFRA website or talking to your local authority.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have undergone rigorous testing in order to make sure they can be used within smoke-controlled areas. There is a wide selection of DEFRA stoves at Bowland Stoves that offer clean combustion, lower emissions, and the possibility of savings in costs. You can also pick from a range of styles that will complement your home's style.

Smoke Control Areas are set by local authorities and the principal reason for their existence is to reduce the amount of smog from accumulating in cities and towns across the UK. In the past, people would burn whatever fuel they wanted in their homes. This led to heavy pollution in many areas and caused health issues for the residents. In the past there was no law to regulate this, but we must follow the guidelines.

Defra regulations were created to ensure the safety of the public. They stipulate which stoves are allowed in certain areas, and which fuels are allowed. If you live in an area that is smoke-controlled it is only possible to use the DEFRA endorsed stoves approved stove and burn only approved fuels such as logs, coal or pellets. If you buy a non-DEFRA stove and use fuels that aren't permitted, you could be fined up to PS1000.

A Defra approved stove will provide the smallest amount of air for combustion which in turn produces low smoke emissions. This is the only way to guarantee that you are legally able to burn wood and other approved fuels within a Smoke Control Area.

To be approved by DEFRA, wood burners and stoves that use multiple fuels must have a minimum moisture content of 20% to avoid excessive smoke. To get this to happen, the wood must be properly seasoned and procured from the Forestry Commission's 'Woodsure Ready to Burn' scheme.

If you are purchasing a stove for use in a Smoke Control Area, make sure it has a Defra logo on it or a slash after its name. This indicates that the stove is smoke-free. The DEFRA approved efficient stoves logo is easy to recognize and is widely accepted by the industry.

In compliance with Building Regulations

When a stove is DEFRA wood-burning stoves certified this means it has undergone rigorous testing and is in compliance with the building regulations. This means that the stove is safe to use and that it has a correctly installed flue system. This helps prevent fire hazards and limits indoor air pollution. This is particularly crucial for those living in smoke control zones, where it is unlawful to use unauthorised fuels.

Our selection of DEFRA stoves comes in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose the perfect stove for your home. We offer freestanding models, inglenook and inset that come in modern and traditional styles that can be adapted to any style. Depending on your requirements, you can choose either a wood burner or a multi-fuel model. All of our DEFRA stoves are equipped with clean-burn technology, so you can be certain that they burn your chosen fuels efficiently and cleanly.

DEFRA stoves also adhere to strict regulations regarding the emissions of smoke in smoke-controlled areas. These regulations are primarily designed to reduce the amount of particulate matter released into the air when the stove is burning.

The most modern DEFRA wood-burning stoves are specifically designed to serve this purpose and use advanced combustion systems that do not restrict airflow inside the firebox. This allows the wood to be burned faster and more thoroughly which reduces the release of particles into the air. In addition, DEFRA stoves are equipped with a secondary combustion system which further reduces emissions by re-burning any unburnt combustibles from the earlier combustion process.

While it is possible to install a non-DEFRA compliant stove, it will typically require significant modifications to the chimney and flue system. It will likely require a structural alteration which may require planning permission. To avoid this, we recommend always selecting a DEFRA approved stove when buying a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.

A DEFRA approved stove will usually have a 5" (125mm) flue outlet. This means that you can choose a 5" vitreous enamel flue liner, which will save you money on installation costs. This is a great solution for those who are on a tight budget or with chimneys that have several difficult bends.

Reduced Emissions

You will encounter many terms when you search for wood-burning stoves. One of them is the term DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stoves. This means that it can be used in smoke-controlled areas within the UK.

The stoves have been through several tests to ensure that they are in compliance with the UK's laws on smoking. They achieve this by incorporating the latest clean-burn technology that makes use of secondary and tertiary burning to create cleaner air for your home. This also helps reduce your consumption of fuel as the fuel is burned more efficiently which in turn lowers your carbon footprint.

The advanced technology used in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves is more environmentally friendly compared to older open fires or stoves. When properly used, the wood stove is carbon-neutral since trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth. This is then returned to the atmosphere after they are burned. This is why they are the green alternative to fossil fuels for heating your home.

The main concern when using an electric fireplace with wood burning is the emissions. The smoke that is released from a wood burning stove is a mixture of ultra-fine particles that are known to cause health problems. These particles can get deep into the lungs causing breathing difficulties, exacerbate asthma symptoms and leave you feeling unwell. They also increase your risk of heart disease and cancer.

Domestic wood burning is now the largest source of PM2.5 in the UK producing three times the amount of pollution than road traffic. This is due to the fact that traditional wood stoves don't make use of clean burning technology. It is essential to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove if your area is smoke-free or even if it is not. They are better for your chimney and the environment.

At Bowland Stoves, we stock a variety of DEFRA approved stoves from top manufacturers like Arada, Stovax and Burley. If you're not sure what kind of stove is best DEFRA stoves for your home, we suggest speaking to a member from our team. However, if you choose a DEFRA-approved stove, you can rest assured that it has undergone extensive testing to ensure it is safe to use in smoke controlled areas.