What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?
If you're planning to purchase an electric stove that burns wood and live in a smoke control zone it is crucial that you choose the DEFRA exempt or approved stove. Stoves that are not DEFRA exempt may starve the stove which can result in an increase in emissions and the smouldering of fuel.
Clean Burn Technology
If you select a DEFRA-approved stove, you can help reduce the amount of air pollution. These stoves that burn wood are specifically designed to meet the stringent smoke emission standards outlined by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Clean burn technology is incorporated in the DEFRA stoves we sell. This ensures that all wood and solid fuels you burn are completely burned before they can escape up your chimney. This is achieved by secondary and sometimes even tertiary intakes air that ensure that every bit of smoke is burned before it is released from the stove. This means that your chimney will stay clean for longer, and you'll have an efficient stove that requires less fuel to heat your home.
DEFRA stoves are available in both modern and traditional styles. This is because not everyone needs to have a stove that is the center of attention in their room. You might want something that is more discrete and blends into your decor. We also offer a range of freestanding and inglenook stoves that are suitable for DEFRA approval, so you'll be able to find the perfect stove for your fireplace chamber or inglenook.
You can also choose from a variety of DEFRA multi-fuel stoves, which allow you to have the freedom to burn a variety of authorised fuels. Find the perfect DEFRA multi-fuel stove or wood burner for your home when you combine these features with a range of colours and finishes.
We are proud to offer a large range of DefrA Wood Burners that have been independently tested by HETAS and meet the stringent DEFRA emission standards. They can be used legally in Smoke Control Areas. If you live in an area designated as classified as a Smoke Control Area and you are a resident, it is essential to purchase a DEFRA stove. If you use an appliance that is not approved, it can result in a fine. You can find out if you live 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 that have been approved have been tested to ensure they can be used in smoke controlled areas. You can choose from a broad variety of DEFRA stoves at Bowland Stoves that offer clean combustion, less emissions, and the possibility of cost savings. You can even choose from a variety of styles that will complement your home's style.
Local authorities designate Smoke Control Areas to reduce the amount of smog in UK towns and cities. In the past, people used to burn whatever fuel they wanted in their homes. This led to heavy pollution in a variety of areas and caused health issues for the local population. In the past there was no law governing this, but today we must follow the regulations.
Defra regulations were created to ensure public safety. They stipulate the stoves that can be used in certain areas, and the types of fuels we can use. This means that if you live in a smoke-free area then you should only make use of the DEFRA stove and only burn approved fuels like pellets, logs or coal. If you purchase a non DEFRA stove and burn prohibited fuels that are not permitted, you could be punished as high as PS1000.
A Defra approved stove delivers the least amount of air for combustion which results in low smoke emissions. This is the only way to be sure that you can legally burn wood and other authorised fuels in a Smoke Control Area.
To be DEFRA approved wood burners and multi-fuel stoves have to have a moisture content of less than 20% to prevent excessive smoke. To achieve this, wood must be treated with a seasoned. It is best to use wood from the Forestry Commission's"Woodsure Ready to Burn" scheme.
When affordable DEFRA stoves purchase a stove for use in a Smoke Control Area then make sure that it is equipped with the Defra logo or a 'SE' after its name, this signifies that it is smoke-free. The Defra Logo is easily recognisable and has been widely accepted in the industry.
Conforms to 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 ensures that it is safe to use and that the flue system is correctly installed. This helps prevent fire hazards and minimizes the indoor air pollution. This is particularly crucial for those living in smoke control zones where it is unlawful to use unauthorised fuels.
Our selection of DEFRA stoves come in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes so you can find the perfect option for your home. We have models that are modern and traditional with inglenook, freestanding and inset designs to fit any decor. Based on your preferences, you can choose a wood burner or a multi-fuel version. All DEFRA stoves have clean-burn technology so you can be confident that they will burn your fuels efficiently and safely.
DEFRA stoves also comply with strict regulations governing smoke emissions in smoke-controlled areas. These regulations are primarily designed to reduce the amount of particulate matter released into the air when the stove is burning.
The latest DEFRA wood burning stoves have been specifically designed to achieve this by using advanced combustion systems which don't restrict the airflow inside the firebox. This allows the timber to be burned more thoroughly and fast, which reduces the release of particulate matter into the atmosphere. In addition, DEFRA stoves are equipped with a secondary burn system which further reduces emissions by re-burning any unburnt combustibles from the previous combustion process.
While it is possible to install a non-DEFRA-compliant stove, it will typically require significant changes to the chimney and flue system. This could require an alteration to the structure that could require planning permission. To avoid this, we suggest always choosing a DEFRA compliant stove when purchasing a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.
A DEFRA approved stove will typically have a 5" (125mm) flue outlet. This allows you to use a 5" vitreous flue liner, saving you money on installation. This is a good idea for those who are on a budget or where the chimney stack has some difficult bends to navigate.
Reduced Emissions
When searching for a wood-burning stove you will come across many terms that may confuse you. One of them is the term DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stoves, which means it can be used in smoke controlled areas in the UK.
These stoves have been inspected to ensure that they comply with UK smoking laws. This is accomplished by incorporating the most modern clean-burn technology, which makes use of third-level combustion and secondary combustion to produce cleaner air inside your home. This also helps reduce your fuel consumption since the fuel is burned more efficiently which will reduce the carbon footprint of your home.
The modern technology used in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves makes them more eco-friendly than older open fires or stoves. When used correctly a wood stove is carbon neutral since trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth. This is then released to the atmosphere when they are burnt. They are therefore a greener alternative to fossil fuels.
The main issue with a wood-burning stove is the emissions that are generated. The smoke produced by a wood-burning stove is made up of ultra-fine particles which are known to cause health problems. These particulates can cause breathing problems, aggravate asthma symptoms and make you feel unwell. They can also increase your risk of developing heart disease and cancer.
Domestic wood burning is the largest source of PM2.5 in the UK, producing three times as much pollution as road traffic. This is because traditional wood stoves are based on outdated technology that don't utilize the latest clean burning technology to help in the production of PM2.5. It is crucial to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove when your area is smoke controlled or is not. They are better for your chimney and the environment.
At Bowland Stoves, we stock an extensive range of DEFRA approved stoves from the top manufacturers such as Arada, Stovax and Burley. If you're unsure which type of stove is right for your home, we recommend talking to a member of our team. However, if you decide to purchase a DEFRA approved stove, you can be certain that it has been through rigorous testing to ensure it can be used in smoke controlled areas.