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 then it is important to select one that is DEFRA exempt or approved stove. Stoves that are not DEFRA exempt can cause starvation to the burner, resulting in excess emissions and smouldering fuel.
Clean Burn Technology
If you select a DEFRA approved stove, you are doing your part to help reduce air pollution. These wood burning stoves have been designed to meet the strict standards for smoke emissions established by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The DEFRA stoves we sell feature clean burn technology, which guarantees that any wood or solid fuel you use will be completely burned before it can escape up the chimney. The way they accomplish this is by using secondary and sometimes tertiary air intakes that ensure that every last particle of smoke is burned before it leaves the stove. This will keep your chimney clean for longer and your stove will consume less fuel.
Our range of DEFRA stoves offers a wide selection of both modern and traditional styles. It's because not everyone wants a stove that is the center of attention in their living space. You might want something more discreet to blend into your decor. We also offer a range of freestanding and inglenook stoves that are suitable for DEFRA approval, meaning you'll be able to choose the right stove for your fireplace or inglenook.
You can also select from a variety of DEFRA multi-fuel stoves, which allow you to choose to burn a variety of authorised fuels. Find the perfect DEFRA multi-fuel or wood burner for your home when you combine these features with a range of finishes and colours.
We are proud to present a wide selection of DefrA Wood Burners that have been independently tested by HETAS and are in compliance with the strict DEFRA emission standards. They can be used legally in Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area It is important that you purchase an approved DEFRA stove. Making use of an appliance that is not approved can result in a fine. You can determine if you live in a Smoke Control Area by visiting the DEFRA website or contacting your local authority.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing in order to ensure that they are able to be used within smoke-controlled areas. You can find a wide selection of DEFRA stoves at Bowland Stoves that offer clean combustion, less emissions, and the possibility of cost savings. You can choose from a variety of styles to suit your home's aesthetic.
Local authorities establish Smoke Control Areas to reduce smog levels in UK towns and cities. Traditionally people would burn any type of fuel they wanted in their homes. This led to a heavy smog over various areas that caused health problems for the residents. In DEFRA approved sustainable stoves , there was no legislation that regulated this, but now 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 the types of fuel we can burn on the stoves. This means that if you live in a smoke-free area then you should only make use of a DEFRA stove and only burn fuels that are approved such as logs, pellets or coal. If you buy a non-DEFRA stove and you burn fuels that are not permitted, you could be fined up to PS1000.
A stove that is approved by Defra will provide the smallest amount of air to burn that will result in the least amount of smoke emissions. This is the only way to guarantee that you're allowed to burn wood or other approved fuels in Smoke Control Areas.
In order to be DEFRA approved, wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves must possess an average moisture content of less than 20% to avoid excessive smoke. To get this to happen the wood must be seasoned and ideally sourced from the Forestry Commission's 'Woodsure Ready to Burn' program.
If you are purchasing an appliance for use in a Smoke Control Area, make sure that it has a Defra logo on it or a slash after its name. This indicates that the stove is smoke-exempt. The Defra Logo is easily recognisable, and has been widely adopted in the industry.
In compliance with Building Regulations
When a stove is DEFRA wood burning stoves approved, it means that it has been tested thoroughly and complies with building regulations. This means that it is safe to use and the flue system is properly installed. This helps reduce indoor air pollution and prevents fire dangers. This is particularly crucial for those living in smoke control zones where it is illegal to use unauthorised fuels.
Our selection of DEFRA stoves come in different sizes and styles, to ensure you find the ideal stove for your home. We offer models in traditional and modern styles in freestanding, inglenook, and inset styles to match any decor. You can also pick between a wood burner or multi-fuel model according to your requirements. All of our DEFRA stoves are fitted with clean-burn technology, so you can be certain that they will burn your selected fuels efficiently and cleanly.
DEFRA stoves also comply with strict regulations governing smoke emissions in smoke-controlled areas. These rules are designed to reduce the amount of particulate material that escapes into the air during combustion.
The most recent DEFRA wood burning stoves have been designed to achieve this by utilizing advanced combustion systems that do not restrict the airflow within the firebox. This allows the wood to be burned more thoroughly and fast, which reduces the release of particulate matter into the air. In addition, DEFRA stoves are equipped with a secondary burn system that reduces emissions further by re-burning combustibles not yet burned from the previous combustion process.
Although it is possible to install a non-DEFRA-compliant stove, it will usually require significant changes to the chimney and flue system. This will require a structural change that may require planning permission. In order to avoid this, we suggest always choosing a DEFRA certified stove when buying a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.
A DEFRA-approved stove will usually also have a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This permits the use of a 5" vitreous flue liner and save money on installation. This is a good idea for those with a tight budget or if the chimney has some awkward bends to navigate.
Emissions Reduction
You will come across a variety of terms when you search for wood-burning stoves. One of these is the term DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stoves which means it can be used in smoke controlled areas of the UK.
These stoves have been tested to ensure that they comply with UK smoking laws. They achieve this by incorporating the latest clean burn technology which uses secondary and tertiary combustion to create healthier air for your home. This also helps reduce your fuel consumption since the fuel is burned more efficiently which will reduce the carbon footprint of your home.
The advanced technology used in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves is more environmentally friendly compared to older open fires or stoves. When properly used an appliance that burns wood is carbon neutral. This is due to the fact that trees absorb carbon dioxide when they grow and release it back into the atmosphere when they are burnt. They are therefore an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
The main issue when using a stove that burns wood is the emissions produced. The smoke produced by a wood-burning stove is a mixture of ultrafine particles known to cause serious health problems. These particles can cause breathing problems, worsen asthma symptoms, and cause you to feel sick. They can also increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and premature death.
Domestic wood burning is now the largest source of PM2.5 in the UK, producing three times as much pollution as road traffic. This is because traditional wood stoves are based on outdated technology that don't use modern clean burning technology to help with the production of PM2.5. It is essential to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove if your area is smoke-free, or even if it is not. They are better for your chimney and the environment.
At Bowland Stoves, we stock an extensive range of DEFRA approved stoves from the top manufacturers like Arada, Stovax and Burley. We suggest you speak with one of our team members for advice if you're not sure which type of stove would be suitable for your home however, if you decide to purchase a DEFRA approved stove, then you can rest assured it has undergone thorough tests and examinations to make certain that it can be used in Smoke Controlled Areas.