15 Tips Your Boss Wished You Knew About DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stoves
What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?
If you live in a smoke controlled area, you'll require a DEFRA approved wood-burning stove. These stoves allow legal use of authorised fuels without breaking the law or causing trouble to your neighbours.
The most recent Defra-approved stoves utilize the latest technology for clean burning, using secondary and tertiary system to reduce emissions. They can also be used with a wide range of smokeless fuels.
Defra Approved
The term "Defra-approved" stove might sound complicated however it's actually a wood-burning stove that has been exempted from UK smoke control zones. To achieve Defra approval a stove must undergo rigorous tests. If successful it will be awarded the official title DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.
Stoves that have been approved by Defra can only be used to burn fuels that are approved by Defra and of course wood. They also have to be able to do it efficiently and without much smoke. This is because these stoves are able to make use of the latest combustion technology that stops any combustibles that have been part-burned from getting up the chimney, and consequently into the air. This is good for the environment and also means that these types of stoves are much less likely to block chimneys.
In addition to offering a selection of the best DEFRA approved wood burners, we also have an array of traditional and contemporary multi-fuel stoves. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL which has an enormous, panoramic glass panel that allows for full enjoyment and view of a crackling fireplace.
It has an A energy rating and overnight log burning capabilities and a steel body for excellent heat retention, as well as being Defra approved and available for PS1,499. Bohemia X60 Cube Panorama Multifuel Stove is another option worth taking into consideration. This multifuel DEFRA has a power output between 3 and 9kW, and it has a heating efficiency of A +. It's a great option for those who live in smoke-free areas.
For those looking for something a little more traditional, there's the ESSE 700 Vista. A Defra approved stove with lots of style and quality It has an overnight log burning capacity and an impressive A+ energy rating, as well as being suitable for use in a DEFRA smoke control area thanks to the twin catalytic technology. This is a top quality stove and it also meets the upcoming Eco Design 2022 regulations.
Eco Design Ready
Eco Design regulations are a key element of the UK Government's clean air policy. These regulations were enacted to limit harmful emissions from wood burning stoves across the UK. It is now illegal for a wood-burning stove to be manufactured that is not compliant with Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain could continue to be sold, but from 2022 all new installations must to be Eco Design compliant.
As a Stove Industry Alliance member, we stock a variety of Eco Design approved wood-burning stoves. These stoves have been independently tested to ensure that they emit less levels of particulates than open fires. In addition, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been found to produce an 80% lower amount of CO2 emissions than an open fire.
The test process involves the measurement of particulate (PM), organic gases (OGC) and nitrogen oxides. You can be assured that an approved SIA Eco Design stove has been designed to minimize the production of these harmful chemicals.
Eco Design Ready stoves must meet lower emission 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 come with advanced combustion technologies like secondary air supply and catalytic converters to help to limit the emission of harmful gases in operation.
Eco Design stoves are not only more eco-friendly but also more cost-effective to run. This is because Eco Design stoves require less fuel to generate the same amount of heat. You'll reduce your energy bills. Additionally an electric wood stove is a great option to be more self-sufficient when it comes to heating your home. By relying on wood to power your stove, you're able to free yourself from the rising cost of electricity and gas.
Exempt
Defra exempt stoves have passed tests and exams to ensure that they are able to be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means you can use them to burn wood, or authorised fuels inside these stoves (including many types smokeless fuels).
They are designed to deliver the smallest amount of combustion air required to provide a clean and efficient burn, meaning they emit very little smoke when compared to older open fires and wood burning stoves. They are also energy efficient and provide a cost-effective way to heat your house.
As well as being a great choice for people who reside in Smoke Control Areas They are an excellent alternative to fossil fuel heating in general. They tend to be less expensive than traditional gas or electric fires, and if you purchase your logs locally, then they are carbon neutral too.
It is important to keep in mind that if are in a Smoke Control Area then only dry, seasoned wood is allowed to be used to fuel your DEFRA exempt stove. The burning of damp or wet logs could result in excessive smoke that is not legal and will result in a fine.
You can contact your local authority if you're unsure whether you're in a zone of smoke control. These are typically large towns and cities where smoke pollution is a major problem for residents.
All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves that we have in stock have been independently tested and certified to meet strict EU standards. These include minimum efficiencies as well as ceilings for OGV and NOX and emission limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further make these requirements more stringent and it is important to check with your stove supplier if you are thinking of purchasing one to make sure that they will comply.
Manufacturers are constantly making improvements to the products they make. Secondary and tertiary systems are employed to reduce the emissions from their stoves. DEFRA stoves are now more efficient and eco-friendly due to the introduction of modern technologies.
Smoke Control Area
A DEFRA approved stove, also referred to a Defra exempt stove, is a wood burning multi fuel stove that has complied with the rigorous UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. The stove can only emit some amount of smoke in normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on the stove or its packaging to identify it. The majority of reputable stove retailers display the fact that an individual stove is DEFRA-approved in their websites and their store showrooms.
If you reside in an area that is subject to smoke control or smoke detection, you must use a DEFRA-approved burner or log stove. These areas are governed by local authorities and are usually 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 through the combustion of residential homes. If you have a non-DEFRA stove in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area you could face hefty fines.
DEFRA approved stoves do not just meet the government's regulations but also provide additional 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 to use than traditional open-fire stoves. DEFRA stoves installation include thermocouple sensors, and automatic venting.
Stove manufacturers have also developed secondary and third-generation combustion technologies to further reduce the emissions of their stoves. This not only benefits the environment, but can also save you money by reducing your heating costs. If you're buying a new stove for Smoke Control Area, be sure to use only dry and seasoned firewood.
In addition to legal consequences, failure to adhere to wood stove safety and emission guidelines can also jeopardize your home insurance coverage. In order to obtain insurance coverage for fires, the majority of insurers require that homeowners adhere to regulatory standards. If you are found in violation of these standards during an investigation or inspection your insurer may refuse to pay for any damage caused by your non-compliant appliance.