What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?
If you're considering buying a wood-burning stove and live in a smoke control zone then it is important to 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, resulting in the fuel burning out and generating excessive emissions.
Clean Burn Technology
By choosing a DEFRA-approved stove you can reduce the amount of air pollution. The wood-burning stoves are specifically designed 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 assures that all wood or solid fuels that you use are completely burned before they escape your chimney. The method they use to achieve this is via secondary and sometimes tertiary air intakes that ensure that every single speck of smoke is burned before it can leave the stove. This keeps your chimney clean for longer and your stove will consume less fuel.
DEFRA stoves are available in both contemporary and traditional styles. It's because not everyone wants a stove that draws the most the attention of their room. You might prefer something more discrete to blend into your decor. We also offer a range of freestanding and inglenook stoves that are suited for DEFRA approval, meaning you'll be able to find the ideal stove to fit your fireplace or inglenook.
You can also pick from a variety of DEFRA multi-fuel stoves, allowing you to enjoy the flexibility to burn a range of approved fuels. When you combine this with a variety of finishes and colours, you will surely find the ideal DEFRA wood burner or multi-fuel stove to suit your home.
We are proud to offer a large range of DefrA Wood Burners that have been tested independently 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 classified as a Smoke Control Area and you are a resident, it is crucial to buy a DEFRA stove. If you use an appliance that is not approved, it could result in being fined. If you're interested in knowing whether you live in a Smoke Control Area go to the DEFRA site or speak to your local authority.
Smoke Exempt
Stoves that are DEFRA wood burning stoves that have been approved have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they are able to be used in smoke-free areas. There is a wide selection of DEFRA stoves at Bowland Stoves that offer clean combustion, reduced emissions and the potential for savings in costs. You can also pick from a variety of designs that will complement your home's style.
Smoke Control Areas are designated by local authorities and the principal reason for their existence is to prevent large amounts of smog from accumulating in towns and cities across the UK. In the past, people would use any type of fuel they wanted in their homes and this led to a heavy smog over various areas that caused health issues for the inhabitants. In the past, there was no legislation governing this but nowadays, we have to abide by the rules.
fireplacesandstove were created to ensure public safety. They stipulate the stoves that are permitted in specific areas, and which fuels are allowed. This means that if you live in a smoke controlled area then you can only make use of the DEFRA stove and only burn approved fuels such as logs, pellets or coal. If you buy a non-DEFRA stove and burn disallowed fuels then you could be punished up to PS1000.
A Defra approved stove delivers the minimum amount of air to burn, which in turn results in minimal smoke emissions. This is the only way to ensure that you're allowed to burn wood or other approved fuels in Smoke Control Zones.
In order to be DEFRA approved wood burners and multi-fuel stoves must have a moisture content of less than 20% to prevent excessive smoke. To attain this the wood must be well-seasoned and most importantly, sourced from the Forestry Commission's "Woodsure Ready to Burn' program.
When you purchase a stove for use in a Smoke Control Area then make sure it's got the Defra logo or a 'SE' after its name, this indicates that it is smoke exempt. The Defra logo is easily recognisable and it is widely used by 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 the building regulations. This means that the stove is safe to use and has a correctly installed flue system. This helps reduce indoor air pollution and reduces fire dangers. This is particularly crucial for those who live in smoke control areas where it is illegal to burn unauthorised fuels.
Our selection of DEFRA stoves comes in a variety of sizes and styles so you can find the perfect stove for your home. We offer freestanding, inglenook and inset models with modern and traditional styles that can be adapted to any style. Depending on your requirements you can pick one with a wood burner, or a multi-fuel model. All of our DEFRA stoves are equipped with clean-burn technology so that you can be sure that they will burn your selected fuels efficiently and effectively.
DEFRA stoves also adhere to strict regulations regarding the emission of smoke in areas that are smoke-controlled. These regulations are primarily created to limit the amount of particulate matter released into the atmosphere when the stove is burning.
The most recent DEFRA wood-burning stoves are specifically designed for this purpose, using advanced combustion systems that don't restrict airflow inside the firebox. This allows the wood to be burned more efficiently and quickly which reduces the release of particles into the air. DEFRA stoves also have an additional combustion system that reduces emissions further by re-burning unburned combustion fuels.
It is possible to install an appliance that doesn't conform to DEFRA regulations, but it will require substantial modifications to your chimney or flue. This will likely involve changes to the structure, which could require planning permission. To avoid this, we suggest using a DEFRA compliant stove when purchasing a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.
A DEFRA approved stove will typically come with a 5" (125mm) flue outlet. This allows you to use a 5" vitreous flue liner, which will save you money on installation. This is a good option for those who are on a budget or where the chimney stack has some difficult bends to navigate.
Reduced Emissions
You will encounter many terms when looking for a wood-burning stove. The term DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt stoves mean that they 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. They achieve this by incorporating the newest clean burn technology which uses secondary and tertiary burning to create healthier air for your home. This reduces the use of fuel, since it is burned more efficiently.
The modern technology used in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves makes them more environmentally friendly compared to older open stoves or fires. When properly used an appliance that burns wood is carbon neutral. This is due to the fact that wood absorbs carbon dioxide as they grow and then release it back into the atmosphere when they are burned. They are therefore an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
The main concern when using a fireplace that burns wood is the emission. The smoke produced by a wood-burning stove is a mixture of ultrafine particles known to cause serious health issues. These particulates can cause breathing problems, increase asthma symptoms and make you feel unwell. They also increase your risk of heart disease and cancer.
Domestic wood burning is currently the largest source of PM2.5 in the UK, producing three times the amount of pollution as road traffic. This is due to the fact that traditional wood stoves use outdated technologies that don't utilize the latest technology for clean burning to assist in the production of PM2.5. This is why it's important to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove if you live in a smoke-free area, or even if you don't as they are better for the environment and your chimney.
At Bowland Stoves, we stock a variety of DEFRA approved stoves from the top manufacturers like Arada, Stovax and Burley. If you're not sure which kind of stove is right for your home, we suggest speaking to a member from our team. If you select a DEFRA-approved stove, you can rest sure that it has passed rigorous testing to ensure it is safe to use in smoke-free areas.