What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

If you reside in a region that is smoke-free, you will need to use a wood-burning stove approved by DEFRA. These stoves allow you to legally use authorized fuels without breaking the law or causing trouble to your neighbors.

The most recent Defra-approved stoves utilize the latest technology for clean burning that utilizes secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. They can also be used with a wide range of smokeless fuels.

Defra Approved

The term “Defra approved stove' might sound like a complicated piece of jargon but, in reality it is simply a wood burning stove that has been granted a waiver from UK zones of smoke control. In order to achieve Defra approval a stove has to undergo rigorous tests and, if successful, receive the official title of a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.

Stoves that have been approved by Defra 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 being able to go through the chimney and into the air. This is beneficial for the environment, and also means that these types of stoves are far less likely to block chimneys.

We carry a wide selection of multi-fuel stoves that are both traditional and modern. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL, which boasts a huge, panoramic glass panel that allows you to take in the stunning allure of a crackling fire, while enjoying an expansive view of the flames and glow.

It has an A energy rating, overnight log burning capability and a steel body for 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 has a power output of between 3 and 9kW, and an impressive A plus heating efficiency, making it a superb choice for those living in smoke controlled areas.

For those seeking something more traditional, you can choose the ESSE 700 Vista. A Defra approved stove that comes with lots of style and quality It has an overnight log burning capacity and an excellent A+ energy rating, in addition to being able to be used in the DEFRA smoke control area thanks to the twin catalytic technology. This is a top-quality stove and it is also compliant with the upcoming Eco Design 2022 regulations.

Eco Design Ready

(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/334/nrg-modern-multifuel-stove-5kw-defra-eco-design-stoves-cast-iron-fireplace-high-efficiency-portable-334.jpg)Eco Design regulations are a crucial component of the UK government's clean air policy. These regulations were implemented to reduce harmful emissions produced by wood burning stoves in the UK. It is now illegal for a wood-burning stove to be produced that is not compliant with Ecodesign regulations. Stoves already in the supply chain can continue to be sold, however in 2022 all new installations will need to 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. Additionally, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been proven to produce an 80% lower amount of CO2 emissions compared to an open fire.

The testing process involves measuring 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 sure that it was designed to minimize the production of these harmful chemicals.

To be considered Eco Design Ready, a stove must achieve lower emission levels in 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, like secondary air supply and catalytic converters that help in limiting the production of harmful emissions during operation.

Not only are Eco Design approved stoves better for the environment, but they're also more economical to run. This is because Eco Design stoves use less fuel to produce the exact 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 using wood for your stove you can reduce the cost of electricity and natural gas.

Exempt

DEFRA Endorsed stoves exempt stoves have passed tests and exams to ensure they can be used legally in Smoke Control Areas. This means you can burn wood or other approved fuels (including many types of smokeless fuel) in them without breaking the law and risking a hefty fine.

These stoves are designed to provide the least amount of combustion air required 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 efficient in energy use and are an excellent way to heat your home for less.

They are not just ideal for those who live in Smoke Control Areas but they can also be a great alternative to fossil fuels generally. They tend to be less expensive than traditional electric or gas stoves, and if you source your logs locally then they are also carbon neutral.

If you reside in a Smoke-Control Area, then 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 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. These are typically big cities and towns where smoke pollution is a major problem for residents.

The DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves we carry are all Eco Design Ready and have been independently tested to confirm that they meet strict EU-wide standards. They include minimum efficiencies OGV, NOX and EVV ceilings as well as emissions limits. The new EU Ecodesign regulations 2022 will tighten up these requirements. Check with your stove manufacturer if you're considering buying one to ensure that it will comply.

Stove manufacturers are constantly enhancing their products by incorporating secondary and third-party combustion systems being utilized to reduce the emissions of their stoves further. With the introduction of these new technologies, DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves stoves are becoming more eco-friendly and affordable for homeowners who require an effective alternative to their traditional open fire or inefficient electric stove.

Smoke Control Area

A DEFRA approved stove, also referred to as 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. The stove can only emit a certain amount of smoke at all times in normal operation. You can easily identify the DEFRA stove by looking for the logo or label on the stove or its packaging. Most reputable stove retailers also advertise that their stoves are DEFRA-approved on their websites as well as in their store showrooms.

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it is essential that you make use of a DEFRA approved log burner or wood burner. These areas are designated locally and are generally urban areas with a significant population density. The goal of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure healthy air quality standards by restricting the amount of particulate matter that is released into the air by combustion in residential homes. You could face fines for using an non DEFRA stove within a Smoke Control Area.

DEFRA approved stoves aren't only in compliance with the government's regulations They also provide additional benefits. These include a high level of efficiency, which results in a lower consumption of fuel and reduced carbon footprint. In addition these stoves come with advanced features that make them safer to use than traditional open-fire stoves. These include thermocouple sensors and automated venting.

Stove manufacturers have also developed secondary and third-generation combustion techniques to further reduce the emissions from their stoves. This is not just good for the environment, but also saves you money by cutting the cost of heating. If you're purchasing a new stove for Smoke Control Area, be sure to use only dry and seasoned firewood.

(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/286/nrg-4-5kw-eco-design-stove-multifuel-cast-iron-fireplace-portable-defra-approved-286.jpg)In addition to the potential legal repercussions and insurance coverage, failure to follow safety guidelines and emission guidelines could also put your home in danger. To be eligible for insurance coverage for fires, the majority of insurers require homeowners to comply with the rules and regulations. If you are found to be in violation of these standards in the course of an investigation or inspection the insurer could deny to pay for damages caused by your non-compliant appliance.