What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

If you reside in a smoke-free area, you'll require a DEFRA approved wood-burning stove. These stoves permit legal use of authorised fuels without violating the law or causing upset to your neighbours.

The most up-to-date Defra approved stoves provide the most advanced clean burn technology using secondary and DEFRA Lawful Stoves tertiary combustion methods to reduce emissions. They can be combined with a wide range of smokeless fuels.

Defra Approved

The term "Defra approved stove' may appear to be a confusing word, but in actual fact it is simply a wood burning stove that has been granted a waiver from UK zones of smoke control. To be eligible for Defra approval, a stove has to undergo rigorous tests. If it passes the test, it is awarded the official title of DEFRA Smoke Exempt appliance.

Stoves that are Defra-approved can only burn authorised fuels, and of course wood. They must perform the task efficiently and without much smoke. This is because these stoves are able to make use of the latest combustion technology that stops any combustibles that have been part-burned from getting up the chimney, and thus into the air. This is beneficial for the environment, and reduces the risk of a chimney blockage.

We carry a wide selection of multi-fuel stoves that are both modern and traditional. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL, which features a large glass panel that lets you to experience the captivating allure of a crackling fire, while enjoying an unobstructed view of the flames and the glow.

It is Defra-approved, and has an estimated price of PS1,499. It also comes with an energy rating of A, overnight log burning capabilities and a steel frame to ensure excellent heat retention. Bohemia X60 Cube Multifuel Stove is another option worth considering. This multifuel DEFRA features an output of between 3 and 9kW, and an efficiency of heating of A +. It's a great option for those who live in smoke-free areas.

If you're looking for something more traditional, consider the ESSE 700 Vista. It is a Defra approved stove that has high-quality and style. It boasts an A+ rating and is able to be used in the DEFRA Smoke Control Area thanks to its patented twin catalytics technology. This is a top-quality stove, and it also meets the new Eco Design 2022 regulations.

Eco Design Ready

Eco Design regulations are an essential element of the UK Government's clean air policy. These regulations were introduced to limit harmful emissions from wood burning stoves across the UK. It is now illegal to manufacture any new wood burning stove that does not meet the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain may continue to be sold, however, from 2022 the new installations must 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 when compared with open fires. Additionally, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been shown to generate 80% less CO2 emissions compared to an open fire.

The testing process includes measuring particulate (PM), organic gases (OGC) and nitrogen oxides. You can be assured that a SIA-approved Eco Design stove has been created to limit the production of these harmful chemicals.

To be considered Eco Design Ready, a stove must achieve lower emission levels across all of these tests. the higher level of fuel efficiency and a reduction in the amount of harmful by-products produced are also key. Our Eco Design approved wood burning stoves are equipped with advanced 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 just better for the environment but also more cost-effective to operate. This is because they use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, which means you'll save money on your energy bills. In addition to this 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 can reduce the cost of natural gas and electricity.

Exempt

Exempt stoves from Defra have passed the tests and examinations to ensure they can be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you are able to burn wood or other approved fuels (including numerous types of smokeless fuel) within them without violating the law or risking huge fines.

They are designed to provide the smallest amount of combustion air needed for a clean, efficient burn, which means that they produce very little smoke compared to older style open fires and wood burning stoves. They are also energy efficient and offer a cost-effective solution to heat your house.

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

If you reside in an area designated as a Smoke-Control Area where only dry wood that has been seasoned can be used in your DEFRA stoves comparison-exempt stove. The burning of wet or damp logs can lead to excessive smoke that is not legal and could result in a fine.

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

The DEFRA approved wood burning stoves that we sell are all Eco Design Ready and have been independently tested to confirm that they comply with the strict EU-wide standards. These include minimum efficiency OGV, NOX and EVV ceilings, as well as emission limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further increase the requirements, so it is worth checking with your stove manufacturer if you are considering purchasing one to make sure that they meet the requirements.

Stove manufacturers are constantly enhancing their products by adding secondary and third-party combustion systems being utilized to lower the emissions of their stoves even more. DEFRA approved efficient stoves stoves are now more cost-effective and environmentally 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 rigorous UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. The stove can only emit an amount of smoke in normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on the stove or its packaging to identify it. The majority of reputable stove retailers show that the stove is DEFRA-approved on their websites as well as in their showrooms at stores.

If you live in a Smoke Control Area, it is vital that you use a Defra lawful Stoves approved log burner or wood burning. These areas are governed by local authorities and are usually urban areas with a high population density. The Smoke Control Area regulations are designed to ensure healthy air quality standards by limiting the amount of particulate matter that is released into the atmosphere from residential homes. You could face fines for using a non DEFRA stove within the Smoke Control Area.

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

Stove manufacturers have also developed secondary and tertiary combustion technologies to reduce their stoves' emissions. This is not just good for the environment, but also helps you save money on heating costs. If you're buying a brand new stove for Smoke Control Area, be sure to use only dry and seasoned firewood.

In addition to legal consequences, failing to adhere to wood stove safety and emission guidelines could risk your home's insurance coverage. In order to receive insurance coverage for fires most insurers require that homeowners comply with the rules and regulations. If you are found to be in violation of these standards in the course of an investigation or inspection, your insurer could refuse to cover any damages caused by the non-compliant appliance.