What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?
If you reside in an area that is smoke-controlled and smoke-controlled, you must make use of a wood-burning stove approved by DEFRA. These stoves let you use approved fuels without violating the law or upsetting your neighbors.
The most recent Defra approved stoves feature the latest technology for clean burning, employing secondary and tertiary combustion systems to further reduce emissions. Typically, they are also able to be used with a range of authorised smokeless fuels.
Defra Approved
The term 'Defra-approved stove' may sound complicated however it's actually a wood-burning stove that is exempt from UK smoke control zones. In order to achieve Defra approval a stove has to go through rigorous testing and, if successful, it will be given the official title of a DEFRA Smoke Exempt appliance.
Stoves that are Defra approved can only burn fuels that are approved and, of course wood - and they must do this efficiently and with minimal smoke. This is because these stoves can achieve the very latest 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 blocked chimney.
We have a range of multi-fuel stoves that are both modern and traditional. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL which has an enormous, panoramic glass panel that gives a full view and enjoyment of a crackling fireplace.
It is Defra-approved, and has an estimated price of PS1,499. It also has an A energy rating as well as overnight log burning capabilities and a steel frame for excellent heat retention. The Bohemia X60 Cube Multifuel stove is a different option to think about; this multifuel DEFRA stove boasts the power output of 3 and 9kW and an impressive A + heating efficiency, making it a superb option for those who live in smoke-free areas.
The ESSE Vista is a great option for those who want something more traditional. A Defra approved stove that comes with plenty of quality and style It comes with the ability to burn logs overnight and an excellent A+ energy rating, in addition to being capable of being used in a DEFRA smoke control area thanks to the twin catalytic technology. This is a high-quality stove that also meets the upcoming Eco Design 2022 regulation.
Eco Design Ready
Eco Design regulations are an essential part of the UK government's clean air policy. These regulations were put in place to reduce harmful emissions created 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 may continue to be sold but in 2022 all new installations must be Eco Design compliant.
As 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 proved to provide lower levels of particulate matter when compared to open fires. In addition, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been found to produce 80percent less CO2 emissions when compared with an open fire.
The testing process involves measuring particulate matter (PM) organic gaseous compounds (OGC) as well as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). You can be sure that a SIA-approved Eco Design stove has been designed to reduce the production of these harmful chemical.
To be considered Eco Design Ready, a stove must have lower emission levels across all of these tests - a higher level of efficiency in fuel use and a decrease in the amount of harmful by-products that are 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 assist in limiting the production of harmful emissions when operating.
Not only are Eco Design approved stoves better for the environment, they're 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 money on your energy bills. In addition to this the fact that a wood-burning stove is a great way to be more self-sufficient in heating your home. By using wood to power your stove, you will be able to avoid the rising cost of electricity and natural gas.
Exempt
The stoves exempted by Defra have been tested and inspected to make sure they can be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you can burn wood, or authorised fuels in them (including many types smokeless fuels).
These stoves are designed to produce the smallest amount of air needed for a clear and efficient burn. They produce less smoke than older open fires or wood burning stoves. They are also energy efficient and can be a cost-effective method to heat your home.
As well as being an excellent option for those who reside in Smoke Control Areas These stoves are an excellent alternative to fossil fuel heating in general. These stoves are typically less expensive than electric or gas fires and, if you use local wood, they are also carbon-neutral.
It is crucial to keep in mind that if you are in a Smoke Control Area then only dry, seasoned wood is allowed to be used in your DEFRA exempt stove. The burning of damp or wet logs can lead to excessive smoke which is illegal and could result in an imposed fine.
You can contact your local authority if you're unsure whether you're in a smoke control area. These areas are typically cities and towns that are large enough where the annoyance caused by smoke is a big issue for residents.
The DEFRA approved wood burning stoves we stock are all Eco Design Ready and have been tested independently to ensure that they are in compliance with EU-wide standards. These include minimum efficiencies as well as NOX and OGV ceilings as well as emission limits. The new EU Ecodesign regulations 2022 will make these requirements more stringent. Make sure to check with your stove provider if you're considering buying one to ensure that it is compliant with.
Stove manufacturers are constantly improving their products, with secondary and third-party combustion systems being utilized to lower the emissions of their stoves even more. With DEFRA approved sustainable stoves of these new technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming more eco-friendly and cost-effective for homeowners who need a reliable alternative to their traditional open fireplace or inefficient electric stove.
Smoke Control Area
A DEFRA approved wood stove, also called a Defra exemption stove, is a multi-fuel stove that burns wood and has passed the strict UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines on smoke emissions. The stove can only emit some amount of smoke during normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on a stove or its packaging to identify it. The majority of reputable stove retailers display the fact that an individual stove is DEFRA-approved on their websites as well as in their showrooms in stores.
If you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, it is crucial that you use a DEFRA approved log burner or wood burning. These areas are categorized local and are usually urban areas with a high population density. The purpose of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure healthy air quality standards by restricting the amount of particulate matter released into the air by combustion in residential homes. If you are using a non-DEFRA stove in the Smoke Control Area you could be subject to hefty fines.
DEFRA approved stoves do not just meet the government's regulations but also offer other benefits. They provide a high level of efficiency that will result in lower energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. These stoves also come with advanced features that make them safer than open fires. These include thermocouple sensors, and automatic venting.
The stove manufacturers have also developed secondary and third-generation combustion technologies to further reduce the emissions of their stoves. This not only helps the environment, but also helps you save money by reducing your heating costs. If you're buying a brand new stove for a Smoke Control Area, be sure to make use of dry and seasoned firewood.
In addition to legal repercussions, failing to follow wood stove safety and emission guidelines could affect your home insurance coverage. Most insurers require homeowners to adhere to the regulations to receive fire-related insurance support. If you are found in violation of these standards during an investigation or inspection, your insurer could refuse to pay for any damage caused by your appliance that is not in compliance.