What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

If you live in an area that is smoke-free, you will need to use a wood-burning stove that is approved by DEFRA. These stoves permit you to legally use authorised fuels without violating the law or causing upset to your neighbours.

The most up-to-date Defra approved stoves provide the most recent clean burning technology, using secondary and tertiary combustion systems to further reduce emissions. Typically, they are equipped to work with a range of authorised smokeless fuels.

Defra Approved

The term "Defra-approved stove' might sound like a complicated piece of jargon but, in reality it's just wood-burning stove that has been granted a waiver from UK smoke control areas. To obtain Defra approval the stove has to go through rigorous tests and, if successful, be awarded the official title of a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.

Stoves that are Defra-approved can only burn approved fuels, and of course wood - they must also do so effectively and with minimal smoke. This is because these stoves are able to make use of the latest technology for combustion that blocks any combustibles that have been part-burned from getting up the chimney and consequently into the air. This is great for the environment and also reduces the risk of a blockage in the chimney.

As well as providing a range of most efficient DEFRA approved wood burners, we also carry a range of traditional and contemporary multi-fuel stoves. This includes the striking Portway Arundel XL, which boasts a huge glass panel that allows you to experience the captivating attraction of a burning fire while also having an unobstructed view of the flames and glow.

It comes with an A energy rating and overnight log burning capabilities and a steel body to ensure excellent heat retention as well as being Defra approved and priced at PS1,499. The Bohemia X60 cube panorama Multifuel stove is another option to consider; this multifuel DEFRA stove comes with a power output of between 3 and 9 kW and an impressive A plus heating efficiency which makes it a great choice for those living in smoke-free areas.

If you're looking for something a little more traditional, consider the ESSE 700 Vista. A Defra approved stove that comes with lots of style and quality It has the ability to burn logs overnight and an excellent A+ energy rating, as well as being capable of being used in a DEFRA approved wood burning stoves smoke control zone due to the twin catalytic technology. This is a top-quality stove, and it also meets the upcoming Eco Design 2022 regulations.

Eco Design Ready

Eco Design regulations are an important part of the UK government's clean air strategy. These regulations were enacted to limit harmful emissions from wood-burning stoves throughout the UK. It is now illegal for a 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 must be Eco Design compliant.

As we are a member of the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) we offer a variety of Eco Design approved Wood stove Retailer burning stoves that have been independently tested and have been proven to offer lower particulate levels when compared with 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. You can be assured that a SIA-approved Eco Design stove has been created to limit the production of these harmful chemicals.

Eco Design Ready stoves must meet lower emission levels in all tests. They must also have higher efficiency in fuel use and produce less harmful by-products. Our Eco Design approved wood burning stoves are equipped with advanced combustion technologies, including secondary air supply and catalytic convertors which assist in limiting the emission of harmful gases when operating.

Not only are Eco Design approved stoves better for the environment, they're also more economical to run. This is because Eco Design stoves require less fuel to produce the same amount of heat. You'll save money on your energy bills. A wood-burning stove will also help you heat your home more efficiently. By relying on wood to power your stove, you're able to free yourself from the ever-increasing cost of gas and electricity.

Exempt

The stoves that are exempted from Defra have been tested and examined to make sure they can be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you can burn wood, or authorised fuels inside these stoves (including many types smokeless fuel).

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

Additionally, they are an excellent option for those who reside in Smoke Control Areas, these stoves are a great alternative to fossil fuel heating in general. They are usually less expensive than traditional electric or gas fires, and if source your logs locally then they are carbon-neutral too.

If you reside in a Smoke-Control Area and you are in a Smoke-Control Area, only dry wood that has been seasoned may be used in your stove that is exempt from DEFRA. The burning of damp or wet logs can cause excessive smoke that is not legal and could result in an imposed fine.

If you're unsure if you are in a Smoke Control Area or not, you can contact your local authority to learn more. The areas are typically cities and towns that are large enough where the annoyance caused by smoke is a big issue for the locals.

All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves we stock have been independently tested and certified to comply with strict EU standards. They include minimum efficiencies, NOX and OGV ceilings as well as emissions limits. The new EU Ecodesign regulations 2022 will tighten up these requirements. Check with your stove provider if you're considering buying one to ensure that it is compliant with.

Stove manufacturers are constantly enhancing their products, with secondary and secondary combustion systems being employed to reduce the emissions of their stoves even more. 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 traditional open fire or inefficient electric stove.

Smoke Control Area

A DEFRA approved stove, also referred to 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. This means that the stove is permitted to produce a minimum amount of smoke during every stage of normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on the stove or its packaging to identify it. In addition, most reliable stove retailers advertise 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 subject to smoke control and smoke control, you must use a DEFRA approved wood burner or log stove. These areas are designated locally and are generally urban areas with a high population density. The purpose of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure that air quality is maintained at healthy standards by limiting the amount of particulate matter released into the air from residential homes due to combustion. If you have an unapproved stove within the Smoke Control Area, you could be subject to hefty fines.

DEFRA approved stoves do not just meet the regulations of the government, but also provide other benefits. The stoves are also extremely efficient, resulting in a lower energy consumption and an enviable carbon footprint. These stoves also come with advanced features which ensure their safety over open fires. They include thermocouple sensors and automatic venting.

Stove manufacturers have also created secondary and tertiary combustion technologies to further reduce their stoves' emissions. This is not just good for the environment, but it also helps you save money on heating costs. If you're buying a stove for an area for smoke control be sure to make use of dry, properly seasoned wood.

In addition to possible legal repercussions and insurance coverage, failure to follow wood stove safety guidelines and emission guidelines may expose your home to risk. In order to receive insurance coverage for fires most insurers require that homeowners adhere to the regulations. Moreover, if you're found to be violating these standards during an inspection or investigation, your insurer may refuse to cover any fire-related damages caused by your non-compliant stove.