What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

If you live in an area that is smoke-controlled and smoke-controlled, you must use a wood burning stove approved by DEFRA. These stoves allow you to use fuels that are approved without breaking the law or causing a disturbance to your neighbors.

The most up-to-date Defra approved stoves feature the most advanced clean burning technology, using secondary and tertiary combustion methods to further reduce emissions. Typically, they are also capable of being used with a wide range of approved smokeless fuels.

Defra Approved

The term "DEFRA recognized stoves-approved stove" might sound complicated but it's really a wood-burning stove that is exempt from UK smoke control zones. To be eligible for Defra approval, a stove must undergo rigorous testing. If it passes, it is awarded the official title DEFRA Smoke Exempt appliance.

Stoves that have been approved by Defra can only be used to burn fuels that are approved by Defra and, of course, wood. They also have to be able to do it effectively and with minimal smoke. This is because these stoves can attain the most advanced combustion technology that prevents any combustibles that are part-burned from going up the chimney and then into the air. This is great for the environment and reduces the risk 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 features a large, panoramic glass panel that allows you to enjoy the mesmerising allure of a crackling fire while also enjoying an unobstructed view of the flames and the glow.

It comes with an A energy rating and overnight log burning capability and a steel body for excellent heat retention, and is Defra approved and available for PS1,499. Bohemia X60 Cube Panorama Multifuel Stove is another option worth taking into consideration. This multifuel DEFRA features a power output between 3 and 9kW and a heating efficiency of A plus. It's a great choice for people who live in smoke-free areas.

The ESSE Vista is a fantastic choice for those who want something a bit more traditional. A Defra approved stove that has lots of style and quality It comes with an overnight log burning capacity and an impressive A+ energy rating, in addition to being able to be used in a DEFRA smoke control area thanks to the twin catalytic technology. This is a top-quality stove that is also compliant with the new Eco Design 2022 regulation.

Eco Design Ready

Eco Design regulations are a crucial component of the UK Government's clean air policy. These regulations were put in place to limit harmful emissions from wood-burning stoves across the UK. It is now illegal to manufacture 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 must to be Eco Design compliant.

As a 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 offer lower particulate levels in comparison to open fires. In addition to this, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been shown to generate an 80% lower amount of CO2 emissions when compared with an open fire.

The testing process consists of measuring particulate matter (PM), organic gaseous compounds (OGC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). You can be sure that an approved SIA Eco Design stove has been designed to minimize the production of these harmful chemical.

Eco Design Ready stoves must be able to lower the emission levels in all tests. They also must be more efficient in their fuel usage and produce less harmful by-products. Our Eco Design approved wood burning stoves are fitted with the latest combustion techniques, such as secondary air supply and catalytic convertors, which assist in limiting the production of harmful emissions in operation.

Not only are Eco Design approved stoves better for the environment, they're also more cost-effective to run. This is because Eco Design stoves use less fuel to generate the exact same amount of heat. You'll save money on your energy bills. In addition the fact that a wood-burning stove is a great option to be more self-sufficient when it comes to heating your home. By using wood to power your stove, you will be able to avoid the rising cost of natural gas and electricity.

Exempt

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

They are designed to deliver the least amount of air for combustion required to ensure a clean, efficient burn. This means that they produce very little smoke compared to older style open fires and wood burning stoves. They are also very energy efficient and can be an excellent way to heat your home at a lower cost.

They are not just an excellent option for those who live in Smoke Control Areas but they can also be a great alternative to fossil fuels generally. They tend to be less expensive than traditional electric or gas fires, and if you buy DEFRA stoves your logs locally, they are also carbon neutral.

It is essential to keep in mind that if you are in Smoke Control Area then only dry, seasoned and dry wood can be used to fuel your DEFRA exempt stove. The burning of damp or wet logs can cause excessive smoke which is illegal and could result in an imposed fine.

If you're not sure if you live in a Smoke Control Area, you can contact your local authority to find out more. These areas are often large towns and cities where smoke pollution is a major problem for residents.

The DEFRA approved wood burning stoves we carry 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 as well as emission limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further make these requirements more stringent which is why it's worth checking with the stove manufacturer if are thinking of purchasing one to make sure that they are in compliance with.

Stove manufacturers are constantly upgrading their products by adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems being used to reduce the emissions of their stoves even further. DEFRA stoves have become more efficient and eco-friendly thanks to the introduction of new technologies.

Smoke Control Area

A DEFRA approved stove, also referred to 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 can only emit a certain amount of smoke during normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on a stove or its packaging to identify it. Many reputable stove retailers advertise that their stoves are DEFRA certified stoves-approved in their websites and their store showrooms.

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it is essential that you make use of a DEFRA approved wood burner or log burner. These areas are designated local and are usually urban areas with a high population density. The aim of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure that air quality is maintained at healthy standards by restricting the amount of particulate matter that is released into the air by combustion in residential homes. If you use an appliance that is not DEFRA-compliant within a Smoke Control Area and you are a resident, you could be subject to hefty fines.

DEFRA approved stoves are not only compliant with the regulations of the government but also provide other benefits. They provide a high level of efficiency that results in lower fuel consumption and a lower carbon footprint. In addition these stoves come with advanced features that make them safer than traditional open-fire stoves. These include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensor and automatic venting.

The stove manufacturers have developed third-generation and secondary combustion techniques to further reduce the emissions from their stoves. This is not only good for the environment, but it can also help you save money on your heating bills. If you're buying a stove for a smoke control area ensure that you make use of dry, properly prepared wood.

In addition to potential legal repercussions, failing to adhere to safety standards for wood stoves and emission guidelines could affect your home insurance coverage. In order to receive insurance coverage for fires, the majority of insurers require that homeowners comply with the rules and regulations. Moreover, if you are found to be in violation of these standards during an investigation or inspection your insurer could refuse to pay for any fire-related damage caused by your stove that is not in compliance.