5 Laws That Anyone Working In DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stoves Should Know
What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?
If you live in a smoke controlled zone, you'll need a DEFRA approved wood burning stove. These stoves allow you to use fuels that are approved without breaking the law or upsetting your neighbors.
The most up-to-date Defra approved stoves feature the most recent clean burn technology using secondary and tertiary combustion methods to further reduce emissions. They can also be used with a wide range of smokeless fuels.
Defra Approved
The term 'Defra approved stove' could seem like a complex piece of jargon but, in reality, it simply refers to wood-burning stove that has been granted an exemption from UK smoke control areas. To achieve Defra approval, a stove has to undergo rigorous tests. If it passes it will be awarded the official title DEFRA Smoke Exempt appliance.
Stoves that are Defra approved can only burn authorised fuels and, of course wood, and they have to do it efficiently and with very little smoke. This is because these stoves can make use of the latest combustion technology that prevents any combustibles that are part-burned from going up the chimney, and then into the air. This is beneficial for the environment and also reduces the likelihood of a blockage in the chimney.
We carry a wide selection of multi-fuel stoves, both modern and traditional. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL which has a huge, panoramic glass panel that gives an unobstructed view and the pleasure of a roaring fireplace.
It comes with an A energy rating and overnight log burning capabilities and a body made of steel to ensure excellent heat retention and is Defra approved and priced at the price of $1,499. The Bohemia X60 Cube Multifuel stove is a different alternative to consider. This multifuel DEFRA stove comes with a power output of between 3 and 9kW, and an impressive A plus efficiency for heating, making it a superb choice for those living in smoke controlled areas.
If you're looking for something a little more traditional, consider the ESSE 700 Vista. A Defra approved stove with lots of style and quality It comes with an overnight log burning capacity and a great A+ energy rating, as well as being suitable for use in a DEFRA smoke control zone thanks to the patented twin catalytic technology. This is a top-quality stove, and it also meets the coming Eco Design 2022 regulations.
Eco Design Ready
Eco Design regulations are an important part of the UK government's clean air strategy. These regulations were put in place to reduce harmful emissions from wood burning stoves throughout the UK. It is now illegal to produce a new wood burning stove that does not comply with the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain could continue to be sold, but from 2022 all new installations will need to be Eco Design compliant.
As a Stove Industry Alliance member, we stock a variety of Eco Design approved wood-burning stoves. These stoves have been independently tested to ensure that they emit less levels of particulates than open fires. Additionally, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been proven to generate 80% less CO2 emissions when compared with an open fire.
The testing process involves the measurement of particulate matter (PM) organic gaseous compounds (OGC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). You can be certain that a SIA-approved Eco Design stove has been designed to reduce the production of these harmful chemicals.
To be considered Eco Design Ready, a stove has to achieve lower emissions levels in all of these tests. a higher level of efficiency in fuel use and a decrease in the quantity of harmful byproducts created are also essential. Our Eco Design approved wood burning stoves are equipped with advanced combustion technologies, including secondary air supply and catalytic convertors that assist in limiting the production of harmful emissions in operation.
Eco Design stoves are not just better for the environment but also cost-effective to run. This is because Eco Design stoves consume less fuel to generate the same amount of heat. You'll save money on your energy bills. In addition to this an electric wood stove is a great option to be more self-sufficient in heating your home. By relying on wood to power your stove, you're freeing yourself from the ever-increasing cost of gas and electricity.
Exempt
The stoves exempted by Defra have been tested and inspected to ensure that they are legal to use in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you can burn wood, or any other fuels that are approved inside these stoves (including various types of smokeless fuels).
These stoves are designed to provide the minimum amount of air for combustion required for a clean, efficient burn, meaning they emit very little smoke compared to traditional open fires and wood burning stoves. They are also energy efficient and provide a cost-effective way to heat your home.

These stoves aren't just an excellent option for those who live in Smoke Control Areas but they can also be a great alternative heating source to fossil fuels in general. These stoves are typically less expensive than electric or gas fires and, if you choose to use local logs, they're also carbon neutral.
It is important to keep in mind that if are in Smoke Control Area then only dry, seasoned and dry wood can be used in your DEFRA exempt stove. Burning damp or wet wood may result in excessive smoke, which could infringe the law and lead to the levy of a fine.
You can contact your local authority if you're unsure whether you're located in a smoke-free zone. These are typically large towns and cities where smoke pollution is a major concern for residents.
All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves that we offer have been independently tested and certified to meet strict EU standards. my latest blog post include minimum efficiencies as well as ceilings for OGV and NOX as well as emission limits. The new EU Ecodesign regulations 2022 will make these requirements more stringent. Check with your stove provider if you're thinking of buying one to ensure that it will comply.
Manufacturers are constantly improving the products they produce. Secondary and tertiary systems are employed to reduce the emissions from their stoves. DEFRA stoves are now more economical and environmentally friendly with the introduction of new technologies.
Smoke Control Area
A DEFRA approved wood stove, also called a Defra exemption stove, is a multi-fuel stove that burns wood. It has met the strict UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines regarding smoke emissions. The stove can only emit a certain amount of smoke at all times during normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on the stove or its packaging to identify it. Additionally, many reputable stove retailers display the fact that a specific stove is DEFRA approved on their websites as well as in their store showrooms.
If you reside in an area that is subject to smoke control and smoke control, you must use a DEFRA-approved burner or log stove. These areas are categorized local and are usually urban areas with a high population density. The purpose of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure that air quality is maintained at healthy standards by restricting the amount of particle matter that is released into the air by combustion in residential homes. If you have a non-DEFRA stove in the Smoke Control Area, you could face hefty fines.
DEFRA approved stoves do not just meet the regulations of the government, but also offer other benefits. The stoves are also highly efficient, resulting in a lower energy consumption and a reduced carbon footprint. These stoves also come with advanced features that make them more secure than open fires. These include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensors and automatic venting.
Stove manufacturers also have developed secondary and tertiary combustion technologies to further reduce the emissions of their stoves. This is not just good for the environment, but can also save you money by cutting your heating costs. If you're buying a brand new stove for Smoke Control Area, be sure to make use of dry and seasoned firewood.
In addition to potential legal consequences and insurance coverage, failure to follow safety guidelines and emission guidelines can expose your home to risk. Most insurers require homeowners to comply with regulatory standards in order to receive insurance assistance related to fire. In addition, if you're found to be violating these standards during an inspection or investigation, your insurer may refuse to pay for any fire-related damage that result from your stove that isn't in compliance.