Defra Approved Wood Stoves
If you are in the UK smoke control area (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 emitting unnecessary amounts of smoke.
Cleaner Burning
Wood stoves exempt from Defra regulations or 'clean burning' wood burners, as they are typically referred to, use the most advanced combustion technology to reduce smoke and emissions. They achieve this by using preheated secondary (hotter) air to burn fuel more efficiently, while reducing harmful particulates that are emitted into the air. The result is a cleaner, more efficient fire which produces less smoke and a more effective heating system.
In addition to increasing the efficiency of the stove, these modern wood stoves have been designed to be gentle to your flue and chimney. They don't generate as much creosote like their predecessors, meaning you can keep your flue and chimney clean for a longer time.
If you live in a area that has a smoke control zone (most cities and towns), you must only make use of a Defra approved stove or wood burner to avoid violating the law and committing the hefty penalty. Even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area, it is recommended to purchase a Defra Approved Stove as they produce less smoke that is nuisance and will also help lower your heating cost and carbon footprint.
Numerous manufacturers made wood stoves with poor performance and high emissions. This was due to the fact that they weren't EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency) and evaluated. This was due a number factors, such as the size and type of fireplace and stove used, the way wood was stored and burned and the way the stove was operated.
Nowadays, all new wood stoves have to meet a higher standard of EPA emissions than their predecessors that were not certified. The latest wood stoves come with an EPA rating less than 1 gram of smoke per hour.
There is DEFRA approved efficient stoves of potential for further advancements in the manufacturing of wood stoves. The Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates, that if all of the old stoves were replaced by modern ones that meet Defra standards, then several billion tonnes of climate-changing carbon dioxide could be sucked out each year.
Reduced Emissions
The new DEFRA approved wood burning stoves we stock here at Stove Supermarket use the latest clean burn technology to ensure that they can combust solid fuel and smokeless coal at a lower temperature of combustion. They produce less harmful emissions, so you can use them in smoke control areas.
The main pollutant emitted by solid fuels that burn is fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These tiny particles are so tiny that they can penetrate the human respiratory system, and cause health problems including heart disease and stroke. A study published by researchers from the University of Sheffield found that wood-burning stoves release large amounts of PM2.5 in the home. The concentration of harmful particles reached its highest each time the stove's door was opened to replenish the fire.
In addition to reducing the amount of PM2.5 released by the stove, DEFRA approved wood burning stoves also feature built-in air-wash systems which keep the glass free of ash and soot. This will keep your stove looking new for longer and reduce the cost of maintenance and cleaning.
While the advantages of a wood burner are undisputed, the decision to purchase a stove which will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area is a serious decision. In the past, people could choose to burn wood however they wanted, which resulted in unhealthy levels of pollution in cities and towns.
A Defra Approved Stove is the only legal option in Smoke Control areas for homeowners looking to legally use their fireplace. If you're considering purchasing a new wood-burning stove or replacing your open flame and want to be sure that it is an Defra Approved Stove is the best choice to be in compliance with the smoke control regulations.
Stove Supermarket stocks a range of Defra Approved Wood Burning Stoves from top brands such as Arada, Burley and Parkray, so you can choose the model that's best for you. Our Defra Approved Stoves are all Ecodesign Compliant and come with a the Defra Certificate Of Conformity. You can be sure that you new woodburning fireplace will comply with the latest guidelines for use in a smoke-control zone.
High Efficiency
A high-efficiency wood burning stove uses less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, which will not only reduce your carbon footprint but will also substantially cut down on your energy costs. This is especially important as the cost of electricity and gas continue to rise. Making the switch to a wood-burning stove that is approved by the DEFRA will allow you to take back control of the costs for your home and save money over time.
A Defra-approved wood stove will be in compliance with the government's regulations regarding smoke-free zones, so you are able to use it in smoke-free areas. If you spot a wood stove with the word Defra Approved in its title, it means it meets the strict specifications of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
They can produce much lower levels of particulate emission than earlier versions of wood burners and open fires. The most modern stoves from the top manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all have secondary and tertiary combustion methods that reduce the total emissions generated by the stove. Many of these wood burning stoves are SIA EcoDesign Ready meaning they are even more environmentally friendly than the DEFRA Approved standard and will be able to meet future emission targets.
In addition to being eco-friendly, as well as being more environmentally responsible, a Defra approved stove will burn your wood much more efficiently than older stoves or open fires. This means lower levels of particulate emissions, which is great news for those who live in smoke control areas. A DEFRA approved stove will also help you keep your fuel costs down. If you choose a stove which can burn more wood in an hour than an open flame, you can save money since you don't have to feed it as often.
A Defra Approved Stove is a great investment for any homeowner looking to be environmentally friendly and reduce their energy bills. Alongside offering energy efficient and clean heating, these stoves also are available in a variety of styles that can be adapted to any aesthetic preference.
Certification by the EPA
If you live in a smoke-free zone, you will need a DEFRA approved stove that allows you to legally burn wood in your home. Defra, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, is the authority for regulations related to environmental and countryside issues. Its Smoke Control Area regulations prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys, unless using an exempt appliance or authorised fuels such as smokeless coal. Defra approved stoves are the only appliances that can be legally used in these areas without violating the law and resulting in fines of upto PS1,000.
Look for the EPA certification mark to make sure you are buying a smoke-controlled stove. This indicates that the stove has passed stringent tests to be able to say it can be used in a smoke-control area. It is also rated as a highly efficient burner, ensuring it delivers maximum heat from less fuel. This means that homeowners will make monetary savings on their heating bills, and they'll see less of wood required to keep their homes warm.
Another important consideration is whether it is a Defra approved wood-burning stove has been constructed with eco-friendly features. The Country 4 BLU is a perfect example of a Defra approved stove that has a wide range of eco-friendly features. It is designed to meet and surpass 2022 Ecodesign standards, meaning it emits extremely low levels of carbon dioxide that reduce its environmental impact. This means an eco-friendly operation which contributes to healthier air for everyone. Additionally, it makes the stove safer for your chimney and flue system as well.
A Defra approved wood burning stove will offer you many benefits aside from complying with UK smoke control regulations set by the government. These stoves reduce pollution from the air by adhering to strict emission standards. This is beneficial for those who have sensitive lung. They also have long burn times that translate into substantial savings on consumption of wood and fuel. These stoves can be paired with heating systems that are energy efficient to provide an environmentally friendly and sustainable option for the home.