What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?
If you live in a smoke controlled area you will need a DEFRA approved wood burning stove. These stoves permit you to legally use authorized fuels without violating the law or
luxury DEFRA stoves causing trouble to your neighbors.
The most recent Defra approved stoves feature the most advanced technology for clean burning, employing secondary and tertiary combustion methods to reduce emissions. They are typically capable of being used with a range of authorised smokeless fuels.
Defra Approved
The term "Defra-approved stove' could sound like a complicated phrase, but in reality, it simply refers to wood-burning stove that has been granted a waiver from UK zones of smoke control. To achieve Defra approval, a stove must undergo rigorous testing. If it passes it is given the official title of DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.
Stoves that are Defra approved can only burn fuels that are approved and obviously, wood - and they must do so efficiently and without much smoke. This is because these stoves can make use of the latest combustion technology that stops any combustibles that are part-burned from going up the chimney, and thus into the air. This is great for the environment and reduces the chance of a blockage in the chimney.
We carry a wide selection of multi-fuel stoves that are both traditional and modern. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL, which features a large glass panel that allows you to enjoy the mesmerising appeal of a roaring fire while also having a full view of the flames and the glow.
It is Defra-approved, and has a price of PS1,499. It also comes with an A energy rating, overnight log burning capabilities and a steel frame to ensure excellent heat retention. The Bohemia X60 Cube Multifuel stove is another alternative to consider. This multifuel DEFRA stove comes with an output of between 3 and 9 kW and an impressive A plus heating efficiency which makes it an excellent choice for those living in smoke-free areas.
For those looking for something more traditional, you can choose the ESSE 700 Vista. It is an Defra approved stove that has lots of style and quality. It is a top-quality stove with an A+ rating and is able to be utilized in a DEFRA Smoke Control Area due to its unique twin catalytics technology. This is a top-quality stove that is also compliant with the new 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 enacted to limit harmful emissions from wood-burning stoves across the UK. It is now illegal to manufacture any new wood burning stove that does not conform to the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves already in the supply chain could continue to be sold, but from 2022 all new installations will have to be Eco Design compliant.
As a Stove Industry Alliance member, we carry a selection 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 proven to produce 80percent less 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). You can be certain that a SIA-approved Eco Design stove has been created to limit the production of these harmful chemicals.
To be considered Eco Design Ready, a stove must achieve lower emission levels across all of these tests - an increase in efficiency in fuel use and a decrease in the amount of harmful by-products produced are also crucial. Our Eco Design approved wood burning stoves feature the most advanced combustion techniques, such as secondary air supply and catalytic convertors, which aid in limiting the production of harmful emissions during operation.
Eco Design stoves are not only more eco-friendly but also more cost-effective to operate. This is because they require less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, meaning you'll pay less for your energy bills. In addition to this an electric wood stove is an excellent way to be more self-sufficient in heating your home. 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 recommended 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 use authorised fuels or wood (including various types of smokeless fuel) within them without violating the law and risking huge fines.
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 energy efficient and be a cost-effective method to heat your home.
In addition to being a great choice for people who live in Smoke Control Areas They are a great alternative to fossil fuel heating in general. They are often cheaper than traditional electric or gas stoves, and if you buy your logs locally, they are carbon-neutral too.
If you reside in Smoke-Control Area, then only dry wood that has been seasoned can be used in your stove that is exempt from
luxury DEFRA stoves. Burning damp or wet wood can result in excessive smoke, which could violate the law and lead to the levy of a fine.
If you're unsure if you are in a Smoke Control Area or not, you can contact your local authority to find out 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 meet the strict EU standards. These include minimum efficiencies as well as ceilings for OGV and NOX as well as emission limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further make these requirements more stringent and it is worth contacting the stove manufacturer if are considering buying one to make sure that they meet the requirements.
Stove manufacturers are constantly enhancing their products, with secondary and secondary combustion systems being employed to reduce the emission levels of their stoves even more. With the introduction of these new technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming more eco-friendly and cost-effective for homeowners looking for a reliable alternative to their old open fire or inefficient electric stove.
Smoke Control Area
A DEFRA approved wood stove, also known as a Defra exemption stove is a multi-fuel stove that burns wood. It also has passed the strict UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines on smoke emissions. This means that the stove is able to emit a small amount of smoke during all stages of normal operation. You can quickly identify the DEFRA stove by looking for the logo or the label on the stove or its packaging. Most reputable stove retailers also show that the stove is DEFRA-approved in their websites and their store showrooms.
If you live in a Smoke Control Area, it is vital that you use a DEFRA approved log burner or wood burning. These areas are designated by local authorities and are generally urban areas with a high density. The Smoke Control Area regulations are designed to protect healthy air quality standards by limiting the amount of dust that escapes into the atmosphere from homes. If you are using an unapproved stove within a Smoke Control Area and you are a resident, you could face hefty fines.
DEFRA approved stoves aren't only in compliance with the government's regulations however, they also provide additional benefits. The stoves are also highly efficient, which results in lower fuel consumption as well as an enviable carbon footprint. Additionally they have advanced features that ensure they are safer than traditional open fires. These include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensor and automatic venting.
Stove manufacturers have also created secondary and tertiary technology for combustion to reduce their stoves' emissions. This not only benefits the environment but can also save you money by reducing the cost of heating. If you are buying 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, failing to adhere to safety standards for wood stoves and emission guidelines can also affect your home insurance coverage. The majority of insurers require homeowners to adhere to regulatory standards in order to receive insurance assistance related to fire. If you're found to be violating these standards during an inspection or investigation your insurer could refuse to cover any fire-related damage caused by your stove that isn't in compliance.