Defra Approved Wood Stoves
If you reside in a UK smoke control zone (most cities and towns) then you'll need a DEFRA approved stove to avoid violating the law. These Defra Smoke Exempt appliances are designed to ensure that the wood or multi fuel is burnt without producing excessive amounts of smoke.
Cleaner Burning
Defra exempt wood stoves or "clean burning" wood burners as they're often known, use the most modern combustion technology to reduce smoke and emissions. They do this by using pre-heated tertiary air to burn the fuel more efficiently and decrease harmful particulates emitted into the atmosphere. The result is less smoke, a more efficient fire and a more efficient heating system.
In addition to increasing the efficiency of the stove, these modern wood stoves have been made to be kinder to your flue and chimney. These modern wood stoves produce less creosote than older counterparts. This allows you to keep your chimney system and flue system cleaner for longer.
If you are in a zone of smoke control (most large cities and towns) and you are in a smoke control area, you must use a Defra approved stove or wood burner to avoid breaking the law and incurring a heavy fine. However, even if are not in a Smoke Control Area it is still advisable to buy a Defra Approved stove as they will not only create less smoke, but also help you reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint too.
Many manufacturers produced wood stoves with poor performance and high emissions. This was due to the fact that they were not EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency), rated. This was due to a variety of factors, including the size and the type of stove and fireplace employed, the method by which wood was stored and burned, and the way the stove was operated.
Today, all wood stoves must comply with the higher standards of EPA emissions than their non-certified predecessors. The most modern wood stoves, including the Vermont Castings Defiant and Encore NC 1450 are certified to have an EPA rating of less than 1 grams per hour.
Wood stoves have a lot of room to improve. The Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates, that if all of the old stoves were replaced by modern ones that are in line with Defra standards, then several billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to climate change, could be avoided each year.
Reduced Emissions
Stove Supermarket stocks the new DEFRA-approved wood-burning stoves that use the latest clean burn technologies to ensure they can burn solid fuel and smokeless coal at a lower combustion temperatures. This means that they produce significantly less harmful emissions than older models and allow you to legally use your stove in a smoke control area.
Fine particulate matter is the main pollutant that is released by solid fuel combustion. These tiny particles are so small that they can penetrate the human respiratory system and cause health problems including heart disease and stroke. Researchers from the University of Sheffield published a study that revealed that wood-burning stoves could release high levels of particles with the size PM2.5 into the home. The harmful particles were at their highest every time the stove was opened to refuel.
In addition to reducing amount of PM2.5 emitted by the stove, DEFRA approved wood burning stoves also feature built-in air-wash systems which keep the glass free of soot and ash deposits. This helps keep your stove looking like new for much longer, and reduces maintenance costs and time spent cleaning the stove.
The advantages of the wood stove are clear however the decision to buy a stove which will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke-Control Area is a significant choice. In the past, people had the ability to burn wood in any way they wanted, which resulted in unhealthy levels of smog in towns and cities.
In Smoke Control Areas, the Defra Approved Stove will be the only option for homeowners who want to use their fire in a legal manner. If you're considering buying a new wood-burning stove or replacing an open flame one, it is a Defra Approved Stove will be the best choice to be in compliance with the smoke control regulations.
Stove Supermarket stocks a range of Defra Approved Wood Burning Stoves from leading brands like Arada, Burley and Parkray So you can select the model that's right for you. Our Defra Approved stoves are all Ecodesign compliant and come with a Defra Certificate of Conformity, so you can be sure that your new woodburning stove will comply with the latest regulations for use in smoke control areas.
High Efficiency
This will reduce the carbon footprint of your home and energy bills. This will be especially beneficial as gas and electricity prices continue to increase every year. By switching to a defra approved wood stove, you can begin to reclaim some control over your household costs and save money in the long run.
A Defra approved wood stove is in compliance with the regulations of the Government regarding smoke controlled areas which means you can use it in smoke exempt zones. If you see a wood stove with Defra Approved in its name, it means it meets the strict requirements of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
These stoves can produce lower levels of particulate emissions than older forms of wood burners and open fires. The latest stoves made by top manufacturers such as Arada, Burley Parkray, and Stovax feature secondary and tertiary combustion systems which reduce the emissions of the stove. A lot of these wood burning stoves are also SIA EcoDesign Ready meaning they are more environmentally friendly than the DEFRA Approved standard and will be able to meet future emission targets.
In addition to being more environmentally friendly, a Defra approved stove will burn your firewood much more efficiently than older stoves or open fires. This will result in much lower levels of particulate emissions, which is great news for those who live in smoke control areas. Additionally an approved DEFRA stove will also help keep your fuel costs down. By using a stove that can burn more wood in an hour than an open fire, you can save money by not having to feed it as frequently.
A Defra Approved Stove is a great investment for any homeowner looking to be eco-friendly and lower their energy costs. Alongside offering clean and efficient heating, these stoves come in a wide range of styles to suit any style preference.
Certification by the EPA
If you reside in a zone of smoke control, you'll need a DEFRA approved stove that allows you to legally use wood in your home. Defra is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for regulating matters relating to environmental and countryside issues. The Smoke Control Area Regulations prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys, unless using an exempt appliance or approved fuels such as smokeless coal. Only approved stoves from Defra are permitted to be used in these areas, without violating the law or committing a fine up to PS1,000.
Check for the EPA certification mark to make sure you are buying a stove that is smoke-free. This certifies that the stove has passed rigorous tests to ensure that it can be used in a smoke-control zone. defra exempt stoves is also rated as a highly efficient burner, ensuring that it produces the most heat using less fuel. This efficiency will help homeowners save money on heating bills and will reduce the amount of wood they need to heat their homes.
A wood burning stove that is Defra-approved must also incorporate eco-friendly features. The Country 4 BLU stove is a great example of a Defra-approved stove that combines a variety of environmentally friendly features. It was designed to meet and surpass 2022 Ecodesign standards, which means it produces extremely low emissions that reduce its environmental impact. This translates to an eco-friendly process that contributes towards healthier air for all, and it makes the stove more safe for your chimney and flue system too.
A Defra approved wood burning stove will offer you many benefits, in addition to being in compliance with UK government smoke control regulations. By adhering to stringent emissions standards, these stoves play a key role in reducing air pollution which can reduce respiratory issues for those who have sensitive lungs. These stoves also have long burn times that translate into substantial savings on use of wood and fuel. When combined with a energy efficient heating system they are the perfect option for anyone who wants to make a responsible and green choice for their home.