What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?
If you're planning to purchase a wood burning stove and reside in a smoke control area then it is important to select the DEFRA exempt or approved stove. This is because stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt may deprive the log burner of air, which can result in the fuel burning and producing high emissions.
Clean Burn Technology
If you select a DEFRA approved stove, you are doing your part to help reduce air pollution. The wood-burning stoves are specifically designed to meet the stringent smoke emission standards outlined by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The DEFRA stoves that we offer feature clean burn technology which ensures that any wood or other solid fuel you make use of will be fully burned before it is able to escape down the chimney. This is achieved through secondary and sometimes tertiary intakes into air that ensure every particle of smoke is burnt before it leaves the stove. This means that your chimney will stay clean for longer, and you'll have a more efficient stove that consumes less fuel to heat your home.
Our range of DEFRA stoves includes a great selection of both modern and traditional styles. It's because not everyone wants an appliance that draws the most the attention of their room. You might prefer something more discreet to blend into your decor. We offer a variety of inglenook and freestanding stoves that meet DEFRA approval standards, so you can find the perfect stove for your fireplace chamber.
Additionally, you will be able to pick from a variety of DEFRA stoves that can be multi-fuel so you can enjoy the flexibility of being able to burn a wide range of authorised fuels. You can find the perfect DEFRA multi-fuel or wood burner for your home if you combine these features with a variety of finishes and colours.
We are proud to offer a wide selection of DefrA wood burners that have been independently checked by HETAS to meet the stringent DEFRA emission standards and be legal to use in Smoke Control Areas. If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, it is crucial to buy an approved DEFRA stove. Using an unapproved appliance could result in a fine. You can determine whether you are in a Smoke Control Area by visiting the DEFRA website or speaking to your local authority.
Smoke Exempt
Stoves that are DEFRA wood burning stoves approved have been tested to ensure they can be used in smoke controlled areas. Bowland Stoves offers a range of DEFRA wood burning stoves that offer low emissions, clean combustion and the ability to save money. You can even choose from a variety of styles that suit your home's aesthetic.
Local authorities designate Smoke Control Areas to reduce the amount of smog in UK cities and towns. Traditionally people would burn any type of fuel they wanted in their homes and this led to a heavy smog over several areas, which led to health problems for the local population. In the past, there was no legislation governing this but nowadays, we must adhere to the regulations.
Defra regulations were created to ensure safety for the public. They stipulate which stoves are allowed in certain areas, and which fuels are allowed. This means that if you live in a zone that is smoke-free then you should only make use of a DEFRA stove and only burn authorised fuels like pellets, logs or coal. If you purchase a non DEFRA stove and you use prohibited fuels that are not permitted, you could be punished as high as PS1000.
A stove that is approved by Defra will provide the minimum amount air to burn and will result in the least amount of smoke emissions. This is the only way to guarantee that you're allowed to burn wood or other approved fuels in Smoke Control Zones.
To be DEFRA approved, wood burners and multi-fuel stoves must possess an average moisture content of 20% or less to avoid excessive smoke. To get this to happen, the wood must be well-seasoned and most importantly, sourced from the Forestry Commission's 'Woodsure Ready to Burn' scheme.
When buying a stove to use in a Smoke Control Area then make sure it's got the Defra logo or a 'SE' following its name. This signifies that it's smoke exempt. The Defra logo is very easily identifiable and is widely used by the industry.
Conforms to Building Regulations
When a stove is DEFRA wood burning stoves approved It means that it has passed rigorous tests and complies with building regulations. their website ensures that it is safe to use and the flue system is correctly installed. This reduces indoor air pollution and reduces fire dangers. This is particularly important for those living in smoke control areas where it is illegal to burn unauthorised fuels.
Our range of DEFRA stoves comes in different sizes and styles, so you can find the ideal stove for your home. We have freestanding, inglenook and inset models in both traditional and modern styles that can be adapted to any style. You can also choose between a dedicated wood burner or multi-fuel versions according to your requirements. All DEFRA stoves feature clean-burn technology so you can be sure that they'll burn your fuels effectively and safely.
DEFRA stoves also comply with strict regulations governing smoke emissions in smoke-controlled areas. These regulations are designed to decrease the amount of particulate material that is released into atmosphere during combustion.
The latest DEFRA wood-burning stoves have been designed for this purpose, using advanced combustion systems that do not restrict airflow inside the firebox. This allows the timber to be burned more efficiently and quickly and reduces the release of particulate matter to the atmosphere. Additionally, DEFRA stoves are equipped with a secondary combustion system which further reduces emissions by re-burning any combustibles that were not burned from the previous combustion process.
It is possible to install an appliance that does not comply with DEFRA regulations, however this will require major changes to your chimney and flue. This would require a structural change that could require planning permission. To avoid this, we recommend using a DEFRA approved stove when buying a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.
A DEFRA-approved stove will usually also come with a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This permits the use of a 5" vitreous flue liner, saving you money on installation. This is an excellent option for those who are on a tight budget or whose chimney stack has several difficult bends.
Emissions Reduction
There are many terms when looking for a wood-burning stove. One of these is the term DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stoves. This means that it can be used in smoke controlled areas within the UK.
The stoves have been tested to ensure that they comply with UK smoking laws. This is achieved by incorporating the most modern clean-burn technology, which uses secondary and third-level combustion to produce more clean air in your home. This helps to reduce the amount of fuel used, since fuel is burned more efficiently.
The advanced technology used in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves makes them more eco-friendly than older open stoves or fires. When used correctly the wood stove is carbon-neutral since trees absorb carbon dioxide throughout their growth. It is then returned to the atmosphere when they are burnt. They are therefore an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
The main issue with a wood-burning stove is the emission generated. The smoke produced by a wood-burning fire contains ultrafine particulates that are known to cause serious health problems. These particles can be absorbed into the lungs, causing breathing problems, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms and leave you feeling unwell. They also increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and premature death.
The British wood-burning industry is the largest source of PM2.5 pollution, causing three times more pollution than road traffic. This is because traditional wood stoves use outdated technologies that don't utilize the latest clean burning technology to help in the production of PM2.5. This is why it is important to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove if you reside in a zone that is smoke-free or even if you don't, as they are more beneficial for the environment and your chimney.
Bowland Stoves stocks a large choice of DEFRA-approved kitchen stoves from the top manufacturers like Arada, Stovax, and Burley. We suggest you speak with a member of our team if you are unsure what type of stove would be suitable for your property however, if you do decide on one of our DEFRA approved stove then you can be sure that it has undergone thorough tests and examinations to make sure it is able to be used in Smoke Controlled Areas.