What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?
If you're looking to buy a wood-burning stove and reside in a smoke control zone it is essential that you select the DEFRA exempt or approved stove. This is because stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt can starve the log burner of air, resulting in the fuel burning and producing excessive emissions.
Clean Burn Technology
If you select a DEFRA-approved stove you can reduce air pollution. These wood burning stoves have been designed to meet the strict smoke emission standards established by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Clean burn technology is included in the DEFRA stoves we sell. This assures that all wood or solid fuels you burn are burned completely before they escape your chimney. This is accomplished through secondary and sometimes even tertiary intakes of air that ensure that every bit of smoke is smoldering before it leaves the stove. This means that your chimney will stay clean for longer and you will have a more efficient stove that uses less fuel to heat your home.
Our selection of DEFRA stoves offers a wide choice of modern and traditional styles. It's because not everyone would like to have a stove that is the center of attention in their living space. You might prefer something more discreet to blend into your decor. We offer a variety of freestanding and inglenook stoves that comply with DEFRA approval standards, allowing you to find the ideal fit for your fireplace.
You can also choose from a variety of DEFRA multi-fuel stoves, which allow you to have the freedom to burn a variety authorised fuels. Find the perfect DEFRA multi-fuel stove or wood burner for your home if you combine these features with a range of finishes and colors.
We are proud to offer a large range of DefrA Wood Burners that have been tested independently by HETAS and meet the strict DEFRA emission standards. They are permitted to use legally in Smoke Control Areas. If you live in an area designated as classified as a Smoke Control Area, it is important that you purchase an approved DEFRA stove. Using an unapproved appliance can result in a fine. If you're interested in knowing whether you're in a Smoke Control Area go to the DEFRA website or contact your local authority.
Smoke Exempt
Stoves that are DEFRA wood-burning stoves that are approved have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they can be used in smoke controlled areas. Bowland Stoves offers a range of DEFRA wood burning stoves that have low emissions, clean combustion and the ability to save money. You can choose from a range of styles to suit your home's aesthetic.
Smoke Control Areas are set by local authorities. The main reason for them is to reduce the amount of smog in cities and towns across the UK. Traditionally people would burn any kind of fuel they liked in their homes. This caused a lot of smog in many areas which caused health issues for the inhabitants. In the past, there was no legislation governing this but nowadays, we must adhere to the rules.
To ensure the safety of the public, Defra has created regulations that stipulate which stoves can be used in certain areas and what types of fuel we can burn in the stoves. If you live in an area that is smoke-free you are only allowed to make use of a DEFRA approved stove and only burn authorised fuels such as logs, coal or pellets. If you purchase a non DEFRA stove and burn disallowed fuels, you could be fined as much as PS1000.
A stove that is approved by Defra will provide the smallest amount of air to burn that will result in minimal smoke emissions. This is the only way to be sure that you are able to legally burn wood or other authorized fuels within a Smoke Control Area.
In order to be DEFRA approved wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves must have a moisture content of less than 20% to prevent excessive smoke. To attain this the wood has to be properly seasoned and procured from the Forestry Commission's 'Woodsure Ready to Burn' scheme.
When you purchase a stove for use in a Smoke Control Area then make sure it has the Defra logo or a 'SE' in the middle of its name. This signifies that it is smoke-free. The Defra logo is easily recognized and has been widely used in the industry.
Compliant with Building Regulations
If a wood-burning stove is DEFRA approved, it means that it has been thoroughly tested and has met the requirements of building construction. This means that it is safe to use and that the flue system is correctly installed. This helps reduce indoor air pollution and prevents fire hazards. This is particularly crucial for those who live in areas with smoke control zones where it is unlawful to burn unauthorised fuels.
Our range of DEFRA stoves comes in various sizes, styles and finishes so you can find the ideal stove for your home. recommended DEFRA stoves offer freestanding models, inglenook and even inset in both traditional and modern styles that will fit in with any decor. You can also select from a wood burner or multi-fuel version depending on your needs. All of our DEFRA stoves are equipped with clean-burn technology so that you can be certain that they will burn your selected fuels effectively and efficiently.
DEFRA stoves also adhere to strict regulations for the emissions of smoke in smoke-controlled areas. These regulations are primarily created to limit the amount of particulate matter released into the air when the stove is burning.
The most recent DEFRA wood-burning stoves have been designed to serve this purpose and use advanced combustion systems that do not restrict airflow in the firebox. This allows the wood to be burned more efficiently and quickly, which reduces the release of particulate matter into the air. DEFRA stoves also feature a secondary combustion system which reduces emissions further by re-burning unburned combustion fuels.
It is possible to install an appliance that doesn't comply with DEFRA regulations, however this will require major modifications to your chimney or flue. This could require changes to the structure, which could require planning permission. To avoid this, it's recommended to select a DEFRA-compliant stove when buying a brand new wood-burning fireplace.
A DEFRA-approved stove will typically also include a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This permits the use of a 5" vitreous flue liner and save money on installation. This is a great solution for those who are on a tight budget or who have chimneys with some tricky bends.
Reduced Emissions
If you are searching for a wood burning stove, you'll come across several terms that might confuse you. One of these is the term DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stoves. This means that it is able to be used in smoke-controlled areas in the UK.
The stoves have been through a series of tests to ensure that they are in compliance with the UK's laws on smoking. This is achieved by incorporating the most advanced clean-burn technology, which utilizes third and second-level combustion to create cleaner air in your home. This also reduces your fuel consumption as the fuel is burned more efficiently which reduces your carbon footprint.
Due to the advancement in technology, DEFRA wood burning stoves certified are much more sustainable than older open fires and stoves. When properly used, a wood burning stove is carbon neutral. This is due to the fact that trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow and release it back into the atmosphere when they burn. They are therefore an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
However, the primary concern when using a stove that burns wood is the emission produced. The smoke that is produced by a wood-burning fire is a mixture of ultrafine particles 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 your risk of developing heart disease or cancer.
The domestic wood burning industry is now the biggest source of PM2.5 pollution, producing three-times as much pollution as road traffic. This is due to the fact that traditional wood stoves use outdated technologies that don't use modern 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-free, or even if it is not. They are better for your chimney and the environment.
Bowland Stoves stocks a large selection of DEFRA-approved stoves from the top manufacturers like Arada, Stovax, and Burley. If you're not sure what kind of stove is right for your home, we suggest consulting with a member of our team. However, if you choose a DEFRA-approved stove, you can be sure that it has passed extensive testing to ensure it can be used in smoke-free areas.