Defra Approved Wood Stoves
If you live in a region where smoke is controlled (most UK cities and large towns) You will have to use a DEFRA approved stove to avoid violating UK law. These Defra Smoke Exempt appliances are designed to ensure that the wood or multi fuel is burned properly without emitting unnecessary amounts of smoke.
Cleaner Burning
The most advanced technology for combustion is used to reduce smoke and emissions in Defra-exempt wood stoves and "clean burning" wood burners. Wood stoves accomplish this by using preheated secondary (hotter) air to burn fuel more efficiently, while reducing harmful particulates released into the air. The result is an efficient, cleaner fire which produces less smoke and a more efficient heating system.
Alongside enhancing the efficiency of the stove, these modern wood stoves have been designed to be gentle to your chimney and flue system. Modern wood stoves produce less creosote compared to their older counterparts. This allows you to keep your chimney system and flue system cleaner for a longer period of time.
If you reside in a area that has a smoke control zone (most large towns and cities) and you are in a smoke control area, you must use a Defra approved stove or wood burner in order to avoid breaking the law and committing the hefty penalty. However, even if don't reside in a Smoke Control Area it is still advisable to buy a Defra Approved stove as they will not only create less smoke, but also aid in reducing your heating expenses and carbon footprint too.
In the past, a number of manufacturers produced wood stoves that were extremely dirty and had poor performance when compared to their EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency) emission ratings. This was due a number factors, including the size and type of fireplace and stove employed, the method by which wood was stored and burned and the way the stove was operated.
Nowadays, all new wood stoves must meet a higher standard of EPA emissions than their predecessors that were not certified. The most recent wood stoves, such as the Vermont Castings Defiant and Encore NC 1450 are certified to have an EPA rating of less than 1 grams per hour.
Wood stoves have plenty of room to improve. In fact, Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates that if all older stoves were replaced with modern stoves that meet the Defra standards, then a few billion tons of short-lived climate forcers could be avoided each year.
Reduced Emissions
Stove Supermarket stocks the new DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves which use the latest clean burn technology to ensure that they can burn smokeless coal and solid fuel at lower temperatures for combustion. This means that they produce substantially less harmful emissions than previous models and allow you to legally use your stove in a smoke control area.
The primary pollutant produced by burning solid fuels is fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These tiny particles can enter the respiratory system of humans and cause stroke and heart disease. A study published by researchers from the University of Sheffield found that wood-burning stoves can release large amounts of PM2.5 inside the home. The harmful particles were at their highest levels every time the stove was opened to refill its fuel.
In addition to reducing amount of PM2.5 that the stove emits, DEFRA approved wood burning stoves also come with built-in air-wash systems which keep the glass free of ash and soot deposits. This keeps your stove looking brand new for longer and cut down on the cost of maintenance and cleaning.
The advantages of wood stoves are obvious however, the decision to purchase one that allows you to burn wood legally in a Smoke-Control Area is a serious choice. In the past when people could just open their fire and let their wood burn as they wished, towns and cities were suffocated by unhealthy levels of smog that caused breathing problems for a lot of residents.
A Defra Approved Stove is the only legal option in Smoke Control areas for homeowners who want to legally operate their fire. If you are thinking about buying a new wood burning stove or replacing your old open fire, it is recommended that you purchase a Defra Approved Stove from an established manufacturer is the most effective option to ensure compliance with smoke control regulations.
defra exempt stoves offers a wide selection of Defra-approved Wood Burning Stoves from top brands like Arada, Burley, and Parkray. You can pick the model that is suitable for you. Our Defra Approved Stoves are all Ecodesign Compliant and come with a Defra Certificate Of Conformity. You can be confident that you new woodburning fireplace will comply with the latest regulations to use in a smoke-control zone.
High Efficiency
This will lower your carbon footprint and your energy bills. This is particularly beneficial as gas and electricity prices continue to increase every year. Making the switch to a wood-burning stove that is approved by the DEFRA will allow you to regain control of the costs for your home and save money over time.
A Defra approved wood stove is in compliance with the regulations of the Government concerning smoke-free zones and therefore you can use it in smoke exempt zones. If you spot a stove that bears the words Defra Approved or 'SE' in its name it means it has met the strict standards set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
These stoves have less particulate emissions than older wood burners and fires. The most modern stoves from the top manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all come with secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the total emissions produced by the stove. A lot of these wood burning stoves are also SIA EcoDesign Ready meaning they are more environmentally friendly than the DEFRA Approved standard and will be able to meet the future emission targets.
In addition to being more environmentally responsible In addition, 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 will result in less particulate emissions which is a good thing for those living in smoke-free zones. In addition an approved DEFRA stove can also help reduce your fuel consumption. You will save money if you choose a stove that can burn more wood in an hour than a fireplace.
A Defra Approved Stove is a great investment for any homeowner who wants to be green and reduce their energy bills. Alongside offering efficient and clean heating, these stoves also come in a variety of styles to match any aesthetic preference.
Certification by the EPA
If you live in a smoke control area you'll require a DEFRA approved stove that allows you to legally use wood in your home. Defra is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for regulating matters relating to issues pertaining to the countryside and environment. The Smoke Control Area Regulations prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys, unless you are using an exempt appliance, or authorized fuels like smokeless coal. The stoves that are approved by the Defra are the only appliance that can legally be used in these areas without violating the law and incurring fines of upto PS1,000.
The best way to be sure that you buy a smoke-free stove is to search for the EPA 2020 certification label. This means that the stove has passed stringent tests to to be employed in a smoke control area. The stove will also be classified as an efficient burner, which means that it can provide maximum heat while using less fuel. This efficiency can save homeowners money on heating bills and cut down on the amount of wood needed to heat their homes.
Another crucial aspect to consider is whether the Defra approved wood burning stove is constructed with eco-friendly features. The Country 4 BLU stove is a great example of a stove that is Defra-approved that combines a variety of eco-friendly features. It is designed to meet or exceed the 2022 Ecodesign standard that means it produces very low levels of emissions and reduces its environmental impact. This translates to a more eco-friendly operation that improves the quality of air for everyone, and it makes the stove safer for your chimney and flue system too.
A Defra approved wood burning stove can provide you many benefits, in addition to being in compliance with UK government smoke control regulations. By adhering to stringent emissions standards stoves play a key role in reducing air pollution, which can help to decrease respiratory problems for people who have sensitive lungs. They also have longer burn times, which result in significant savings in costs due to reduced wood consumption and lower fuel prices. When combined with a high-efficiency heating system they are the ideal choice for anyone who wants to make a sustainable and green choice for their home.