What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?
If you're planning to purchase a wood burning stove and live in a smoke control zone it is essential that you select one that is DEFRA exempt or approved stove. This is because stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt can starve the log burner of air, which can result in the fuel burning and producing high emissions.
Clean Burn Technology
When you opt for a DEFRA approved stove you will be contributing to help reduce air pollution. These stoves that burn wood are made to meet the stringent smoke emission standards laid out by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Clean burn technology is included in the DEFRA stoves we sell. This ensures that all wood and solid fuels you use are burned completely before they can escape up your chimney. This is accomplished through secondary and sometimes even tertiary intakes of air that ensure every particle of smoke is burnt before it leaves the stove. This will keep your chimney clean for longer and your stove will use less fuel.
Our range of DEFRA stoves includes a great choice of traditional and modern styles. This is because not everyone would like their new stove to be the main focal point of their room and you might prefer a more discreet option that will blend into your decor. We also have a choice of freestanding and inglenook stoves that are suitable for DEFRA approval, so you'll be able to find the ideal stove for your fireplace chamber or inglenook.
You can also pick from a range of DEFRA multi-fuel stoves that allow you to choose to burn a variety of authorised fuels. When you combine this with a range of finishes and colours, you are sure to find the ideal DEFRA wood burner or multi-fuel stove that will suit your home.
We are proud to stock an extensive selection of DefrA wood burners that have been independently tested by HETAS to meet the strict DEFRA emissions standards and be legal to use in Smoke Control Areas. If you live in an area that is classified as a Smoke Control Area, it is essential to purchase an approved DEFRA stove. Using an unapproved appliance can result in the levy of a fine. You can determine whether you reside in a Smoke Control Area by visiting the DEFRA website or contacting your local authority.
Smoke Exempt
Stoves that are DEFRA wood burning stoves approved have undergone stringent testing to ensure they can be used in smoke controlled areas. Bowland Stoves offers a range of DEFRA wood burning stoves that have cleaner combustion, less emissions and the ability to save money. You can also choose from a range of styles that suit your home's aesthetic.
Local authorities establish Smoke Control Areas to reduce smog levels in UK cities and towns. In the past, people used to burn any type of fuel they wanted at home and this resulted in heavy smog in many areas which caused health issues for the local population. In the past, there was no law governing this, but we must adhere to the regulations.
Defra regulations were created to ensure the safety of the public. They stipulate which stoves are allowed in certain areas, as well as the types of fuels we can use. If you live in a place which is smoke-free, you can only use the DEFRA approved stove and only burn authorised fuels such as coal, logs or pellets. If you buy a non DEFRA stove and burn prohibited fuels and you are punished as high as PS1000.
A Defra approved stove provides the least amount of air for combustion which in turn results in minimal smoke emissions. This is the only way to be sure that you are legally able to burn wood and other approved fuels within a Smoke Control Area.
To be DEFRA approved, wood burners and multi-fuel stoves have to have an average moisture content of less than 20% to avoid excessive smoke. To get this to happen, wood needs to be treated with a seasoned. It is recommended to select wood from the Forestry Commission's"Woodsure Ready To Burn" scheme.
If you are purchasing the stove to be used in a Smoke Control Area, make sure that it has a Defra logo on it or a slash following its name. This signifies that the stove is smoke-exempt. The Defra Logo is easily recognisable and is widely used in the industry.
Compliant with Building Regulations
If a stove is DEFRA wood burning stoves approved this means it has passed rigorous tests and is in compliance with building regulations. This ensures the stove is safe to operate and has a properly installed flue system. This reduces the risk of fire and limits the indoor air pollution. DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves is particularly crucial for those living in smoke control zones where it is unlawful to use unauthorised fuels.
DEFRA stoves are available in a range of styles, sizes and finishes. This lets you find the perfect fit for your home. We offer models that are modern and traditional with inglenook, freestanding and inset styles to match any style. You can also choose from a wood burner or multi-fuel versions according to your requirements. All of our DEFRA stoves are equipped with clean-burn technology so that you can be sure that they burn your chosen fuels efficiently and cleanly.
DEFRA stoves are also designed to abide with strict rules regarding smoke emissions in smoke-controlled areas. These regulations are created to limit the amount of particulate matter that is released into the air when the stove is burning.
The most modern DEFRA wood-burning stoves are specifically designed specifically for this purpose, and feature advanced combustion systems that do not restrict airflow in the firebox. This lets the wood be burnt faster and more thoroughly and reduces the release of particles into the air. In addition, DEFRA stoves are equipped with a secondary burn system which reduces emissions further by re-burning any unburnt combustibles from the previous combustion process.
It is possible to install an appliance that doesn't conform to DEFRA regulations, however it will require substantial modifications to your chimney and flue. It will likely require changes to the structure, which could require planning permission. To avoid this, we recommend always selecting a DEFRA compliant stove when purchasing a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.
A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance will usually also include a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This means that you can install 5" vitreous enamel flue liner that will save you money on installation costs. This is a great option for those on a budget or who have chimneys with several difficult bends.
Reduced Emissions
When searching for a wood-burning stove, you'll come across many terms that may confuse you. One of these is the term DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stoves, which means it can be used in smoke-controlled areas in the UK.
The stoves have been tested to ensure that they are in compliance with UK smoking laws. This is accomplished by incorporating the latest clean-burn technology, which makes use of third-level combustion and secondary combustion to create cleaner air inside your home. This also reduces your fuel consumption since the fuel is burned more efficiently which in turn lowers the carbon footprint.
The advanced technology used in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves is more environmentally friendly than older open stoves or fires. In fact, when utilized correctly, a wood stove is carbon neutral as trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth which is then released to the atmosphere when they are burned. They are therefore a greener alternative to fossil fuels.
The main concern when using a wood-burning fireplace is the emissions. The smoke that is produced from a wood burning stove is made up of ultra-fine particles which can cause health issues. These particles can be absorbed into the lungs, causing breathing difficulties, exacerbate asthma symptoms and leave you feeling unwell. They also increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and premature death.
The UK's domestic wood burning industry is now the largest source of PM2.5 pollution, causing three times more pollution as road traffic. This is due to the fact that conventional wood stoves do not utilize clean burning technologies. This is why it is crucial to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove if you reside in a zone that is smoke-free or even if you do not, as they are safer for the environment and your chimney.
At Bowland Stoves, we stock an extensive range of DEFRA approved stoves from the top manufacturers like Arada, Stovax and Burley. We suggest that you speak to a member of our team if you are unsure what type of stove would be appropriate for your home, but if you do choose the DEFRA approved stove, you can be confident that it has undergone thorough tests and examinations to make certain it is suitable to be used in Smoke Controlled Areas.