What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?
If you reside in a region that is smoke-free or smoke-controlled, you'll need to use a wood burning stove that is approved by DEFRA. These stoves allow you to use approved fuels without breaking the law or upsetting your neighbors.
The most up-to-date Defra approved stoves provide the most advanced clean burning technology, using secondary and tertiary combustion systems to 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 wood-burning stove which is exempt from UK smoke control zones. In order to achieve Defra approval a stove has to undergo rigorous tests and, if it is successful, receive the official designation of a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.
Stoves that are Defra approved can only burn authorised fuels and, of course wood - and they have to do it efficiently and without much smoke. This is because these stoves are able to achieve the very latest combustion technology that stops any part-burned combustibles from going up the chimney and consequently into the air. This is great for the environment and reduces the risk of a chimney blockage.
We carry a wide selection of multi-fuel stoves, both modern and traditional. This includes the striking Portway Arundel XL, which features a large, panoramic glass panel that lets you to experience the captivating allure of a crackling fire while also enjoying an expansive view of the flames and the glow.
It is Defra-approved and comes at the price of just PS1,499. It also has an energy rating of A as well as overnight log burning capabilities and a steel frame to ensure high heat retention. Bohemia X60 Cube Panorama Multifuel Stove is another option worth taking into consideration. This multifuel DEFRA features a power output between 3 and 9 kW, and it has a heating efficiency of A plus. It's an excellent choice for those who live in smoke-controlled areas.
The ESSE Vista is a fantastic choice for those who prefer something a bit more traditional. It's an Defra approved stove that has plenty of style and quality. It is a top-quality stove with an A+ rating and is able to be installed in a DEFRA Smoke Control Zone due 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 component 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 wood-burning stove to be produced that does not meet the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves already in the supply chain could 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. In addition, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been found to produce 80% 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 certain that a SIA-approved Eco Design stove has been created to limit the production of these harmful chemicals.
To be deemed Eco Design Ready, a stove must achieve lower emission levels in all of these tests - the higher level of efficiency of the fuel 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, including secondary air supplies and catalytic converters that help to limit 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 require less fuel to generate the same amount of heat, meaning you'll pay less for your energy bills. A wood-burning stove can also help you to heat your home more efficiently. By using wood to power your stove, you're able to free yourself from the ever-increasing price of gas and electricity.
Exempt
Exempt stoves from DEFRA compliant Stoves have passed the tests and examinations to ensure that they are able to be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means you can burn wood or authorised fuels (including various types of smokeless fuel) in them without breaking the law and committing the hefty penalty of a fine.
These stoves are designed to produce the minimum amount combustion air needed for a clean and efficient burn. They produce less smoke than older open fires or wood burning stoves. They are also efficient in terms of energy consumption and are a great way to heat your home with less.
These stoves aren't just ideal for those living in Smoke Control Areas but they also make a fantastic alternative heating source to fossil fuels in general. They tend to be less expensive than traditional electric or gas fires, and if purchase your logs locally, then 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 may be used in your DEFRA-exempt stove. Burning damp or wet wood could cause excessive smoke which will violate the law and lead to the levy of a fine.
If you're not sure if you live in a Smoke Control Area, you can contact your local authority to find out more. These are typically big cities and towns where smoke pollution is a major problem for residents.
All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves we stock have been independently tested and certified to meet the strict EU standards. They include minimum efficiencies, NOX and OGV ceilings as well as emissions limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further increase the requirements and it is important to check with your stove supplier if you are thinking of purchasing one to ensure that they will comply.
Stove manufacturers are constantly upgrading their products by adding secondary and third-party combustion systems being utilized to reduce the emissions of their stoves even more. DEFRA stoves have become more efficient and eco-friendly due to the introduction of modern technologies.
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 met the strict UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines regarding smoke emissions. This means that the stove is permitted to emit a minimal amount of smoke at every stage of normal operation. Look for the DEFRA stoves features logo or label on the stove or its packaging to identify it. Additionally, many reliable stove retailers advertise the fact that their stove is DEFRA approved on their websites as well as in their showrooms at their stores.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/286/nrg-4-5kw-eco-design-stove-multifuel-cast-iron-fireplace-portable-defra-approved-286.jpg)If you live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, it is vital that you use a DEFRA approved log burner or wood burner. These areas are defined locally and are typically urban areas with a high density. The purpose of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to maintain healthy air quality standards by restricting the amount of particle matter that is released into the air from residential homes due to combustion. You could be fined if you use the use of a non DEFRA stove in a Smoke Control Area.
DEFRA approved stoves are not only in compliance with the government's regulations They also provide additional advantages. The stoves are also extremely efficient, which results in lower energy consumption and less carbon footprint. These stoves also have advanced features which make them more secure than open fires. These include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensors and automatic venting.
Stove manufacturers have also created secondary and tertiary combustion technologies to reduce the emissions of their stoves. This is not only good for the environment, but it also helps you save money on heating costs. If you're buying the stove to be used in smoke control, make sure to only make use of dry and properly seasoned wood.
In addition to potential legal consequences and insurance coverage, failure to follow wood stove safety guidelines and emission guidelines can put your home at risk. In order to receive insurance coverage for fires the majority of insurers require that homeowners adhere to regulatory standards. If you are found to be in violation of these standards during an investigation or inspection the insurer could deny to pay for damages caused by your appliance that is not in compliance.