What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?
If you live in an zone where smoke is controlled and you are considering buying a wood-burning stove, it's important that you choose a DEFRA approved or exempt stove. This is because stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt can starve the stove of air, leading to the fuel burning and producing high levels of emissions.
Clean Burn Technology
When you opt for a DEFRA approved stove you are doing your part to reduce air pollution. fireplacesandstove.com -burning stoves are designed to meet the stringent smoke emission standards outlined by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Clean burn technology is incorporated in the DEFRA stoves we sell. This ensures that all wood or solid fuels you use are completely burned before they are able to escape your chimney. This is achieved through secondary and sometimes even tertiary intakes of air that ensure every particle of smoke is burned before it exits the stove. This keeps your chimney clean for longer and your stove will use less fuel.
DEFRA stoves are available in both modern and traditional styles. It's because not everyone would like a stove that is the center of attention in their living space. You may prefer something more discrete to blend into your decor. We offer a variety of freestanding and inglenook stoves that meet DEFRA approval standards, so you can find the ideal fit for your fireplace chamber.
You will also be able to choose from a variety of DEFRA stoves which are multi-fuel compatible which means you have the flexibility of being able to burn a variety of fuels that are authorised. Find the perfect DEFRA multi-fuel stove or wood burner for your home when you combine these features with a range of finishes and colors.
We are proud to present an extensive variety of DefrA Wood Burners that have been tested independently by HETAS and are in compliance with the strict DEFRA emission standards. They can be used legally in Smoke Control Areas. If you live in a Smoke Control Area then it is essential to buy a DEFRA stove because the use of an unapproved appliance could see you penalized. If you'd like to know whether you live in a Smoke Control Area, visit the DEFRA website or talk to your local authority.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they are able to be used in smoke-controlled areas. There is a wide range of DEFRA stoves at Bowland Stoves that offer clean combustion, lower emissions and the potential for cost savings. You can pick from a range of styles to complement your home's design.
Smoke Control Areas are set by local authorities. The principal reason for their existence is to stop the accumulation of large amounts of smog from accumulating in cities and towns across the UK. In the past, people used to burn whatever fuel they wanted in their homes. This led to heavy pollution in many areas and caused health problems for the residents. In the past, there was no law to regulate this, but today we have to follow the regulations.
To ensure the safety of the public, Defra has created regulations that specify which stoves are allowed to be used in specific areas and what types of fuel we can burn on the stoves. If you live in an area which is smoke-free you are only allowed to make use of the DEFRA approved stove and burn only approved fuels such as logs, coal or pellets. If you purchase a non DEFRA stove and burn disallowed fuels and you are penalized as high as PS1000.
A Defra approved stove will provide the minimum amount of air for combustion which in turn produces the least amount of smoke emissions. This is the only way to guarantee that you are allowed to burn wood or other approved fuels in Smoke Control Areas.
To be DEFRA-approved, wood burners and stoves that use multiple fuels must have a minimum moisture content of 20% to avoid excessive smoke. To achieve this the wood must be seasoned and ideally sourced from the Forestry Commission's 'Woodsure Ready to Burn' scheme.
When buying a stove to use in a Smoke Control Area then make sure that it is equipped with the Defra logo or a 'SE' in the middle of its name, this signifies that it's smoke exempt. The Defra logo is easily identifiable and has been widely used in the industry.
Compliant with Building Regulations
If a stove has been DEFRA wood-burning stoves certified, it means that it has been tested thoroughly and complies with the building regulations. This means that the stove is safe to use and has a properly installed flue system. This helps reduce the air pollution in the home and also prevents fire hazards. This is especially crucial for those who live in smoke control areas where it is unlawful to burn fuels that are not authorised.
DEFRA stoves are available in a range of sizes, styles and finishes. This allows you to find the perfect fit for your home. We offer models in modern and traditional styles with inglenook, freestanding and inset formats to suit any style. You can also select between a wood burner or multi-fuel version depending on your preferences. All of our DEFRA stoves are fitted with clean-burn technology so that you are assured that they will burn your selected fuels efficiently and cleanly.
DEFRA stoves also adhere to strict regulations regarding the emission of smoke in areas that are smoke-controlled. These regulations are designed to decrease the amount of particulate matter that is released into atmosphere during combustion.
The latest DEFRA wood burning stoves have been specifically designed to achieve this by using advanced combustion systems that do not restrict airflow inside the firebox. This allows the wood to be burned more efficiently and quickly which reduces the release of particles into the air. DEFRA stoves also have a secondary combustion system that reduces emissions further by re-burning burned combustibles.
It is possible to install an appliance that does not comply with DEFRA regulations, but this will require significant modifications to your chimney or flue. It will likely require an alteration to the structure that could require planning permission. To avoid this, we suggest always choosing a DEFRA compliant stove when purchasing a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.
A DEFRA approved stove will also usually come with a 5" (125mm) flue outlet. This permits the use of a 5" vitreous flue liner, saving you money on installation. This is an excellent option for those on a budget or whose chimney stack has several difficult bends.
Reduced Emissions
When you are looking for a wood-burning stove, you will encounter many terms that may confuse you. The term DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt stoves mean that they can be used in smoke-free areas in the UK.
These stoves have been tested to ensure that they are in compliance with UK smoking laws. This is achieved by incorporating the most modern clean burn technology, which utilizes third and second-level combustion to produce cleaner air inside your home. This helps to reduce the amount of fuel used, since fuel is burned more efficiently.
The advanced technology used in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves makes them more eco-friendly compared to older open fires or stoves. If used properly an appliance that burns wood is carbon neutral. This is because trees absorb carbon dioxide when they grow and then release it back into the air when they are burned. This is the reason they are a green alternative to fossil fuels for heating your home.
The main concern when using a fireplace that burns wood is the emissions. The smoke that is produced by a wood-burning fireplace contains ultrafine particulates that are known to cause serious health issues. These particles can be absorbed into the lungs causing breathing problems, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms and make you feel unwell. They also increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, and premature death.
Domestic wood burning is now the biggest source of PM2.5 in the UK, producing three times as much pollution as traffic. This is because conventional wood stoves have outdated technologies that don't utilize the latest clean burning technology to help with the production of PM2.5. It is important to buy an exempt DEFRA stove if your area is smoke controlled or even if it is not. They are safer for your chimney and the environment.
At Bowland Stoves, we stock a variety of DEFRA approved stoves from the top manufacturers such as Arada, Stovax and Burley. We recommend you speak to a member of our team for advice if you're not sure which type of stove would be suitable for your property If you do choose a DEFRA approved stove, then you can be sure that it will have undergone extensive testing and examination to be certain that it can be used in Smoke Controlled Areas.