10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stoves
What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?
If you reside in an area that is smoke-controlled, you will need to use a wood-burning stove approved by DEFRA. These stoves let you use approved fuels without violating the law or causing trouble to your neighbors.
The latest Defra-approved stoves use the latest technology for clean burning that utilizes secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. They can also be used with a variety of smokeless fuels.
Defra Approved
The term "Defra-approved" stove may sound complicated but it's really an open-fired stove that has been exempted from UK smoke control zones. To be eligible for Defra approval a stove has to undergo rigorous tests and, if successful, be awarded the official designation of a DEFRA Smoke Exempt appliance.
Stoves that are Defra approved can only burn fuels that are approved and obviously wood, and they must do this efficiently and without much smoke. They use the latest combustion technology, which prevents part-burned combustibles from going through the chimney and into the air. This is beneficial for the environment, and it also means that these kinds of stoves are far less likely to block chimneys.
Alongside providing a range of most efficient DEFRA approved wood burners, we also carry a range of modern and traditional multi-fuel stoves. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL which has a large, panorama glass panel that gives an unobstructed view and the pleasure of a warm fireplace.
It has an A energy rating as well as overnight log burning capability and a body made of steel that is extremely heat-retaining, and is Defra approved and priced at PS1,499. Bohemia X60 Cube Panorama Multifuel Stove is a different option worth considering. This multifuel DEFRA comes with a power output between 3 and 9 kW, and an efficiency of heating of A plus. It's an excellent choice for those who live in smoke-free areas.
The ESSE Vista is a great choice for those looking for something more traditional. A Defra approved stove that has lots of style and quality, it offers the ability to burn logs overnight and an impressive A+ energy rating, in addition to being able to be used in a DEFRA smoke control zone thanks to the twin catalytic technology. This is a top-quality stove that is also compliant with the upcoming Eco Design 2022 regulation.
Eco Design Ready
Eco Design regulations are an essential component of the UK Government's clean air policy. These regulations were introduced to reduce harmful emissions from wood-burning stoves throughout the UK. It is now illegal for a wood-burning stove to be produced that isn't compliant with Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain may continue to be sold but, from 2022 all new installations must be Eco Design compliant.
As an official member of the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) we carry a selection of Eco Design approved wood burning stoves that have been independently tested and proved to offer lower particulate levels when compared with open fires. SIA Eco Design stoves also produce 80% less CO2 emissions than an open fire.
The test involves measuring particulate matter (PM), organic gaseous compounds (OGC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). When you purchase an SIA approved Eco Design stove, you can be assured that it has been designed to minimize the production of harmful chemicals.
Eco Design Ready stoves must have lower emissions levels in all tests. They also need to have higher efficiency in fuel use and produce less harmful by-products. Many of our Eco Design approved wood burners have advanced combustion technology, like secondary air supply and catalytic converters to help in limiting the emission of harmful gases during operation.
Eco Design stoves are not just better for the environment but also more cost-effective to operate. This is because Eco Design stoves use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat. You'll reduce your energy bills. In addition to this an electric wood stove is a great option to be more self-sufficient when it comes to heating your home. By using wood for your stove you can reduce the cost of electricity and natural gas.
Exempt
Exempt stoves from Defra have passed tests and exams to ensure they can be used legally in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you can burn wood, or authorised fuels in them (including numerous types of smokeless fuels).
These stoves are designed to deliver the smallest amount of combustion air needed to provide a clean and efficient burn. This means they emit very little smoke when compared to older open fires and wood burning stoves. They are also energy efficient and offer a cost-effective solution to heat your house.
These stoves aren't just an excellent option for those who live in Smoke Control Areas but they also provide an excellent alternative to fossil fuels in general. These stoves are often cheaper than electric or gas fires and, if you are using local wood, they are also carbon neutral.
It is crucial to keep in mind that if are in a Smoke Control Area then only dry, seasoned wood can be used in your DEFRA exempt stove. Burning damp or wet wood could produce excessive smoke that could infringe the law and result in the levy of a fine.
If you're unsure if you live in a Smoke Control Area You can contact your local authority to find out more. The areas are typically cities and towns that are large enough where the nuisance caused by smoke is a major issue for residents.
All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves we offer have been independently tested and certified to comply with strict EU standards. They include minimum efficiencies as well as ceilings for OGV and NOX and emission limits. DEFRA regulations stoves will tighten up these requirements. Check with your stove provider if you're considering buying one to make sure it will comply.
Manufacturers are always making improvements to the products they make. Secondary and tertiary systems are employed to reduce the emissions from their stoves. With the introduction of these new technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming more eco-friendly and affordable for homeowners looking for an alternative to their open fireplace or inefficient electric stove.
Smoke Control Area
A DEFRA approved wood stove, also called a Defra exemption stove that is a multi-fuel stove that burns wood. It has met the strict UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines regarding smoke emissions. This means that the stove is allowed to emit a minimal amount of smoke during all stages of normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on a stove or its packaging to identify it. In addition, most reputable stove retailers display the fact that their stove is DEFRA approved on their websites and in their showrooms.
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it is crucial that you use a DEFRA approved wood burner or log burner. These areas are defined by local authorities and are generally urban locations with high population density. The aim of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure healthy air quality standards by restricting the amount of particulate matter released into the air from residential homes due to combustion. You could face fines if you use a non DEFRA stove in a Smoke Control Area.
DEFRA approved stoves not only comply with the regulations of the government but also provide other benefits. The stoves are also extremely efficient, which results in lower energy consumption and an enviable carbon footprint. Additionally, these stoves have advanced features that make them safer than traditional open fires. They include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensors and automatic venting.
Stove manufacturers also have developed secondary and tertiary combustion techniques to reduce the amount of carbon emissions from their stoves. This is not just good for the environment, but also helps you save money by cutting the cost of heating. If you're buying a new stove for a Smoke Control Area, be sure to use only dry and seasoned firewood.
In addition to potential legal consequences, failure to follow wood stove safety and emission guidelines can also affect your home insurance coverage. Most insurers require homeowners to adhere to regulatory standards in order to receive insurance coverage for fire related incidents. If you are found in violation of these standards during an investigation or inspection the insurer could deny to cover any damages caused by your non-compliant appliance.