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 approved by DEFRA. These stoves allow you to use fuels that are approved without violating the law or DEFRA approved wood burning stoves causing trouble to your neighbors.
The latest Defra-approved stoves use the most advanced clean burning technology with secondary and tertiary system to reduce emissions. They can also be used with a range of smokeless fuels.
Defra Approved
The term “Defra approved stove’ may sound like a complicated word, but in reality, it simply refers to wood-burning stove that has been granted a waiver from UK smoke control areas. To be eligible for Defra approval, a stove must undergo rigorous tests and, if successful, receive the official designation of a DEFRA Smoke Exempt appliance.
Stoves that have been DEFRA approved clean burning stoves-approved can only burn approved fuels and, of course, wood. They must be able to do it efficiently and without much smoke. These stoves are equipped with the most recent technology of combustion, which blocks part-burned combustibles from going through the chimney and into the air. This is beneficial for the environment, and it also means that these kinds of stoves are much less likely to block chimneys.
We carry a wide selection of multi-fuel stoves, both modern and traditional. This includes the striking Portway Arundel XL, which boasts a huge, panoramic glass panel that lets you to take in the stunning appeal of a roaring fire while also having a full view of the flames and the glow.
It has an A energy rating and overnight log burning capability and a body made of steel for excellent heat retention, in addition to being Defra approved and available for the price of $1,499. The Bohemia X60 Cube Multifuel stove is another option to think about; this multifuel DEFRA stove has an output of between 3 and 9kW, and an impressive A + efficiency in heating which makes it a great option for those living in smoke controlled areas.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, you can choose the ESSE 700 Vista. It’s a Defra approved stove that offers lots of style and quality. It has a great A+ rating and can be used in a DEFRA Smoke Control Zone due to its patented twin catalytics technology. This is a top-quality stove that also meets the new Eco Design 2022 regulation.
Eco Design Ready
Eco Design regulations are a key part of the UK government’s clean air policy. These regulations were put in place to reduce harmful emissions produced by wood burning stoves in the UK. It is now illegal to manufacture an entirely new wood burning stove that does not meet the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain can continue to be sold however in 2022 the new installations must be Eco Design compliant.
As we are a member of the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) we stock a range of Eco Design approved wood burning stoves that have been independently tested and have been proven to provide lower levels of particulate matter when compared to open fires. Additionally, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been proven to generate an 80% lower amount of CO2 emissions compared to an open fire.
The testing process consists of measuring particulate matter (PM) organic gaseous compounds (OGC) and carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). When you purchase a SIA approved Eco Design stove, you can be sure that it was designed to minimize the production of harmful chemicals.
To be deemed Eco Design Ready, a stove must achieve lower emission levels across all of these tests. an increase in fuel efficiency and a reduction in the amount of harmful by-products that are produced are also key. Many of our Eco Design approved wood burners have advanced combustion technology, such as secondary air supplies and catalytic converters that help to limit 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 exact same amount of heat. You’ll save money on your energy bills. A wood-burning stove can also help you heat your home more efficiently. By relying on wood to power your stove, you’re able to free yourself from the rising cost of gas and electricity.
Exempt
Exempt stoves from Defra have passed the tests and examinations to ensure that they are able to be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means you can use them to burn wood, or authorised fuels inside them (including numerous types of smokeless fuels).
These stoves are designed to deliver the least amount of air for combustion required to ensure 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 home.
They are not just ideal for those living in Smoke Control Areas but they also make a fantastic alternative heating source to fossil fuels generally. These stoves are typically less expensive than electric or gas fires and, if you choose to use local logs, they’re also carbon-neutral.
If you reside in a Smoke-Control Area and you are in a Smoke-Control Area, only dry wood that has been seasoned can be used in your stove that is exempt from DEFRA. Burning damp or wet wood could cause excessive smoke which will be in violation of the law and could lead to the levy of a fine.
You can contact your local authority if you’re not sure if you live in a smoke control area. These areas are often big cities and towns where smoke pollution is a major issue for residents.
All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves that we offer have been independently tested and certified to meet strict EU standards. These include minimum efficiency OGV, NOX and EVV ceilings as well as emissions limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further increase the requirements and it is worth checking with the stove manufacturer if are thinking of purchasing one to ensure that they will comply.
Manufacturers are constantly making improvements to the products they make. Secondary and tertiary systems are employed to further reduce the emissions of their stoves. With the introduction of these new technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming more eco-friendly and cost effective for homeowners looking for an effective alternative to their open fireplace or inefficient electric stove.
Smoke Control Area
A DEFRA approved stove, also known as a Defra exempt stove is a wood-burning multi fuel stove that has complied with the rigorous UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. The stove can only emit some amount of smoke during normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on the stove or its packaging to identify it. Many reputable stove retailers advertise that an individual stove is DEFRA-approved in their websites and their showrooms at stores.
If you reside in an area subject to smoke control or smoke detection, you must use a DEFRA-approved wood burner or log stove. These areas are defined locally and are generally urban areas with a high population density. The Smoke Control Area regulations are designed to maintain healthy air standards by limiting particulate matter that is released into the air from homes. If you use a non-defra approved wood burning stoves stove in the Smoke Control Area, you could face hefty fines.
DEFRA approved stoves aren’t only compliant with regulations of the government however, they also provide additional advantages. The stoves are also highly efficient, resulting in lower energy consumption and an enviable carbon footprint. These stoves also come with advanced features that ensure their safety over open fires. These include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensor and automatic venting.
Stove manufacturers have also created secondary and tertiary combustion techniques to reduce the amount of carbon emissions from their stoves. This is not just good for the environment but also helps you save money by cutting your heating costs. If you’re purchasing a new stove for a Smoke Control Area, be sure to use only dry and properly seasoned firewood.
In addition to the potential legal consequences, failing to adhere to safety standards for wood stoves and emission guidelines could affect your home insurance coverage. To be eligible for insurance coverage for fires the majority of insurers require that homeowners adhere to regulatory standards. If you are found in violation of these standards in the course of an investigation or inspection the insurer could deny to pay for any damage caused by your appliance that is not in compliance.