What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?
If you live in an area which is smoke-free and smoke-controlled, you must make use of a wood-burning stove that is approved by DEFRA. These stoves allow you to use fuels that are approved without violating the law or causing trouble to your neighbors.
The latest Defra-approved stoves use the latest clean burning technology that utilizes secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. They can also be used with a range of smokeless fuels.
Defra Approved
The term "Defra-approved stove' may appear to be a confusing word, but in reality it is simply wood-burning stove that has been granted an exemption from UK zones of smoke control. To obtain DEFRA legislation stoves , a stove has to undergo rigorous tests. If successful it is given the official title of DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.
Stoves that have been Defra-approved can only burn authorised fuels, and of course wood - they must also do so efficiently and with little smoke. These stoves are equipped with the most recent combustion technology, which prevents part-burned combustibles from going up the chimney and into the air. This is good for the environment and reduces the chance of a blocked chimney.
Alongside offering a range of the most efficient DEFRA approved wood burners, we also stock an array of traditional and contemporary multi-fuel stoves. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL which has an enormous, panoramic glass panel that allows for full enjoyment and view of a warm fireplace.
It comes with an A energy rating, overnight log burning capability and a body made of steel that is extremely heat-retaining, in addition to being Defra approved and available for PS1,499. The Bohemia X60 cube panorama Multifuel stove is another option to consider; this multifuel DEFRA stove boasts the power output of 3 and 9kW, and an impressive A plus efficiency for heating, making it a superb choice for those living in smoke controlled areas.
The ESSE Vista is a fantastic choice for those who want something more traditional. It's a Defra approved stove that has plenty of style and quality. It has a great A+ rating and is able to be utilized in the DEFRA Smoke Control Area thanks to its patented twin catalytics technology. This is a high-quality stove that is also compliant with the new Eco Design 2022 regulation.
Eco Design Ready
Eco Design regulations are a crucial part of the UK Government's clean air policy. These regulations were enacted to limit harmful emissions from wood-burning stoves throughout the UK. It is now illegal for a stove to be manufactured that isn't compliant with Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain may continue to be sold, however in 2022 all new installations must be Eco Design compliant.
As an official member of the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) we carry a selection of Eco Design approved wood burning stoves that have been independently tested and proven to offer lower particulate levels in comparison to open fires. In addition, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been proven to produce 80% less CO2 emissions than an open fire.
The testing process involves the measurement of particulate matter (PM) organic gaseous compounds (OGC) and carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). If you purchase a SIA approved Eco Design stove, you can be assured that it was designed to reduce the production of these harmful chemicals.
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 quantity of harmful byproducts created are also key. Our Eco Design approved wood burning stoves are equipped with advanced combustion technologies such as secondary air supply and catalytic convertors which aid 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 generate the exact same amount of heat. You'll reduce your energy bills. In addition an electric wood stove is a great option to be more self-sufficient in heating your home. By using wood to power your stove, you're freeing yourself from the ever-increasing price of gas and electricity.
Exempt
The stoves exempted by Defra have been tested and inspected to ensure they can be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you are able to use authorised fuels or wood (including numerous types of smokeless fuel) within them without violating the law and risking huge fines.
These stoves are designed to provide the smallest amount of combustion air required for a clean, efficient burn. This means that they produce a small amount of smoke compared to older style open fires and wood burning stoves. They are also energy efficient and be a cost-effective method to heat your home.
Additionally, they are an excellent choice for those who reside in Smoke Control Areas These stoves are a fantastic alternative to fossil fuel heating generally. They tend to be less expensive than traditional gas or electric fires, and if you buy your logs locally, they are carbon-neutral too.
It is essential to keep in mind that if are in an area that has a Smoke Control Area then only dry, seasoned and dry wood can be used in your DEFRA exempt stove. The burning of wet or damp logs can lead to excessive smoke which is illegal and can result in an imposed fine.
If you are unsure whether you are in a Smoke Control Area, you can contact your local authority to learn more. The areas are typically cities and towns that are large enough where the nuisance caused by smoke poses a major issue for residents.
All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves that we have in stock have been independently tested and certified to comply with strict EU standards. These include minimum efficiency OGV, NOX and EVV ceilings, as well as emission limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further tighten these requirements which is why it's important to check with your stove manufacturer if you are considering buying one to make sure that they will comply.
Stove manufacturers are constantly improving their products, with secondary and tertiary combustion systems being used to reduce the emissions of their stoves even further. With the introduction of these innovative technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming more eco-friendly and affordable for homeowners who need an effective alternative to their old open fireplace or inefficient electric stove.
Smoke Control Area
A DEFRA approved wood stove, also referred to as 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 a certain amount of smoke at all times in normal operation. You can easily identify the DEFRA stove by examining the logo or the label on the stove or on its packaging. Most reputable stove retailers also advertise that an individual stove is DEFRA-approved on their websites as well as in their store showrooms.
If you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, it is crucial that you make use of a DEFRA approved wood burner or log burner. These areas are categorized locally and are generally urban areas with a high population density. The aim 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 atmosphere through the combustion of residential homes. You could face fines when you use the use of a non DEFRA stove within the Smoke Control Area.
DEFRA approved stoves not only comply with the regulations of the government, but also offer other benefits. They provide a high level of efficiency, which will result in lower energy consumption and a lower carbon footprint. These stoves also have advanced features that make them safer than open fires. These include thermocouple sensors and automated venting.
Stove manufacturers have also developed secondary and tertiary combustion technologies to reduce the amount of carbon emissions from their stoves. This not only benefits the environment, but can also save you money by reducing the cost of heating. If you are purchasing a stove for a smoke control area ensure that you make use of dry and properly prepared wood.
In addition to the potential legal repercussions and insurance coverage, failure to follow wood stove safety guidelines and emission guidelines could also put your home in danger. Many insurance companies require homeowners to comply with regulatory standards in order to receive fire-related insurance support. If you're found to be in violation of these standards during an investigation or inspection, your insurer may refuse to cover any fire-related damage that result from your stove that isn't in compliance.