What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

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

The most up-to-date Defra approved stoves feature the most advanced clean burning technology, using secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce emissions. They can also be used with a range of smokeless fuels.

Defra Approved

The term "Defra-approved stove' might appear to be a confusing word, but in actual fact, it simply refers to a wood burning stove that has been granted an exemption from UK zones of smoke control. To obtain Defra approval the stove has to undergo rigorous tests and, if successful, receive the official title of an DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.

Stoves that are DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves-approved can only be used to burn fuels that are approved by Defra and of course wood - they must also be able to do it efficiently and with little smoke. This is because these stoves can attain the most advanced combustion technology that stops any part-burned combustibles from going up the chimney, and thus into the air. This is great for the environment, and reduces the chance of a chimney blockage.

Alongside providing a range of best DEFRA approved wood burners, we also have a variety of traditional and contemporary multi-fuel stoves. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL which has a large, panorama glass panel that provides an unobstructed view and the pleasure of a roaring fireplace.

It comes with an A energy rating, the ability to burn logs overnight and a steel body to ensure excellent heat retention and is Defra approved and available for PS1,499. The Bohemia X60 Cube Multifuel stove is another alternative to consider. This multifuel DEFRA stove has the power output of 3 and 9kW and an impressive A plus efficiency in heating which makes it a great option for those who live in smoke controlled areas.

If you're seeking something more traditional, there's the ESSE 700 Vista. A Defra approved stove that has lots of style and quality It has an overnight log burning capacity and an impressive A+ energy rating, as well as being suitable for use in a DEFRA smoke control zone thanks to the twin catalytic technology. This is a high-quality stove that is also compliant with the coming Eco Design 2022 regulation.

Eco Design Ready

Eco Design regulations are an important part of the UK government's clean air strategy. The regulations were enacted to reduce harmful emissions produced by wood burning stoves in the UK. It is now illegal for a wood-burning stove to be produced that does not meet 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 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 produce 80% less CO2 emissions than an open fire.

The testing process involves measuring particulate (PM), organic gases (OGC) and nitrogen oxides. When you purchase a SIA approved Eco Design stove, you can be assured that it has been designed to minimize the production of these 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 feature advanced combustion technology like secondary air supply and catalytic converters that help in limiting the production of harmful emissions during operation.

Eco Design stoves are not just better for the environment but also more cost-effective to run. This is because they use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, which means you'll save on your energy costs. In addition, a wood burning stove is an excellent way to be more self-sufficient in heating your home. By relying on wood to power your stove, you're freeing yourself from the ever-increasing cost of electricity and gas.

Exempt

The stoves exempted by Defra were tested and inspected to make sure they are legal to use in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you can burn wood or other approved fuels (including many types of smokeless fuel) in them without breaking the law and risking a hefty fine.

They are designed to supply the least amount of combustion air required to provide a clean and 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 home.

Additionally, they are a great choice for people who live in Smoke Control Areas They are an excellent alternative to fossil fuel heating generally. These stoves are typically less expensive than gas or electric fires and, if you choose to use local wood, they are also carbon neutral.

If you live in an area designated as a Smoke-Control Area, then only dry wood that has been seasoned can be used in your stove that is exempt from DEFRA. Burning damp or wet wood can result in excessive smoke, which could be in violation of the law and could result in the levy of a fine.

You can contact your local authority if you're unsure if you live in a zone of smoke control. These areas are often large towns and cities where smoke pollution is a major issue for residents.

All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves we have in stock have been independently tested and certified to comply with strict EU standards. These include minimum efficiency as well as NOX and OGV ceilings as well as emission limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further tighten these requirements, so it is worth contacting your stove supplier if you are thinking of purchasing one to ensure that they meet the requirements.

Manufacturers are constantly improving the products they produce. Secondary and tertiary systems are employed to reduce the emissions from their stoves. With the introduction of these innovative technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming more eco-friendly and cost effective for homeowners who need a reliable 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. It has passed the strict UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines on smoke emissions. The stove will only emit an amount of smoke during normal operation. You can easily identify the DEFRA approved Low emission stoves stove by looking for the logo or the label on the stove or on its packaging. In addition, most trustworthy stove retailers will display the fact that a particular stove is DEFRA approved on their websites and in their showrooms at their stores.

If you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, it is essential that you use a DEFRA approved log burner or wood burner. These areas are designated by local authorities and are usually urban locations with high population density. The purpose of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure healthy air quality standards by limiting the amount of particulate matter released into the atmosphere through the combustion of residential homes. If you use a non-DEFRA stove in a Smoke Control Area and you are a resident, you could be liable to pay substantial fines.

DEFRA approved stoves aren't only in compliance with the government's regulations They also provide additional advantages. They are also extremely efficient, which results in lower energy consumption and a reduced carbon footprint. Additionally these stoves come with advanced features that make them safer than traditional open-fire stoves. They include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensors and automatic venting.

The stove manufacturers have also developed third-generation and second-generation combustion techniques to further reduce the emissions from their stoves. This not only benefits the environment but also saves you money by cutting the cost of heating. If you're purchasing a new stove for Smoke Control Area, be sure to use only dry and seasoned firewood.

In addition to possible legal consequences and insurance coverage, failure to follow safety guidelines and emission guidelines can put your home at risk. Many insurance companies require homeowners to adhere to standards of conduct to receive insurance coverage for fire related incidents. If you are found in violation of these standards during an inspection or investigation the insurer could deny to cover any damages caused by the non-compliant appliance.