15 Twitter Accounts You Should Follow To Find Out More About DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stoves
What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?
If you live in an area that is smoke-free or smoke-controlled, you'll need to use a wood-burning stove approved by DEFRA. These stoves permit you to legally use authorised fuels without violating the law and upsetting your neighbours.
The latest Defra-approved stoves feature the latest technology for clean burning, using secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions. They can be combined with a variety of smokeless fuels.
Defra Approved
The term "Defra approved stove' could appear to be a confusing phrase, but in reality, it simply refers to a wood burning stove that has been granted an exemption from UK smoke control zones. To be eligible for Defra approval, a stove must undergo rigorous tests and, if it is successful, it will be given the official title of an DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.
Stoves that have been approved by Defra can only burn authorised fuels, and of course wood. They must be able to do it efficiently and without much smoke. This is because these stoves can achieve the very latest combustion technology that prevents any combustibles that have been part-burned from getting through the chimney, and thus into the air. This is good for the environment and also means that these types of stoves are far less likely to block chimneys.
We stock a variety of multi-fuel stoves, both modern and traditional. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL which has a huge, panoramic glass panel that allows for an unobstructed view and the pleasure of a roaring fireplace.
It is Defra-approved and comes at an estimated price of PS1,499. It also has an energy rating of A, overnight log burning capabilities and a steel frame for great heat retention. The Bohemia X60 Cube Panorama Multifuel stove is another alternative to consider. This multifuel DEFRA stove comes with a power output of between 3 and 9kW and an impressive A + efficiency in heating which makes it a great option for those who live in smoke controlled areas.
If you're looking for something more traditional, there's the ESSE 700 Vista. It's a Defra approved stove that has lots of style and quality. It has a great A+ rating and can be utilized in the DEFRA Smoke Control Zone due to its patented twin catalytics technology. This is a top-quality stove that also meets the new Eco Design 2022 regulation.
Eco Design Ready
Eco Design regulations are a key element of the UK government's clean air strategy. DEFRA approved sustainable stoves were enacted to reduce harmful emissions created by wood burning stoves in the UK. It is now illegal for a stove to be made that does not meet the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain may continue to be sold, however, from 2022, all new installations must be Eco Design compliant.
As a Stove Industry Alliance member, we carry a selection of Eco Design approved wood-burning stoves. These stoves have been independently tested to ensure they emit lower levels of particulates than open flames. SIA Eco Design stoves also produce 80% less CO2 emissions than an open fire.
The testing process consists of measuring particulate matter (PM) organic gaseous compounds (OGC) and carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). 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 be able to lower the emission levels in all tests. They also need to have a higher fuel efficiency and produce less harmful by-products. Our Eco Design approved wood burning stoves are equipped with advanced combustion technologies such as secondary air supply and catalytic convertors which help to limit the production of harmful emission when operating.
Not only are Eco Design approved stoves better for the environment, but they're also more economical to run. This is because Eco Design stoves use less fuel to generate the exact same amount of heat. You'll reduce your energy bills. Additionally an electric wood stove is an excellent way to be more self-sufficient when it comes to heating your home. By using wood to power your stove you can reduce the cost of natural gas and electricity.
Exempt
Exempt stoves from Defra have passed the tests and examinations to ensure they can be used legally in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you can use authorised fuels or wood (including numerous kinds of smokeless fuel) in them without breaking the law and committing huge fines.
These stoves are designed to deliver the smallest amount of air for combustion required to provide a clean and efficient burn, meaning they emit very little smoke compared to older style open fires and wood burning stoves. They are also energy efficient and can offer a cost-effective solution to heat your home.
These stoves are not only a great option for those who live in Smoke Control Areas but they also make a fantastic alternative to fossil fuels generally. They tend to be less expensive than traditional gas or electric stoves, and if you buy your logs locally, they are carbon-neutral too.
If you reside in Smoke-Control Area where only dry wood that has been seasoned can be used in your stove that is exempt from DEFRA. Burning damp or wet wood could result in excessive smoke, which could violate the law and result in a fine.
If you're unsure if you are in a Smoke Control Area or not, you can contact your local authority to find out more. These areas are typically large towns and cities where the annoyance caused by smoke is a big issue for the locals.
The DEFRA approved wood burning stoves we stock are all Eco Design Ready and have been independently tested to ensure that they meet strict EU-wide standards. These include minimum efficiencies as well as ceilings for OGV and NOX, as well as emission limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further increase the requirements and it is important to check with your stove manufacturer if you are considering purchasing one to make sure that they 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. DEFRA stoves have become more economical and environmentally friendly with the introduction of new technologies.
Smoke Control Area
A DEFRA approved stove, also referred to as a Defra exempt stove is a wood-burning multi fuel stove that has passed the rigorous UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. The stove can only emit a certain amount of smoke at all times in normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on the stove or its packaging to identify it. Most reputable stove retailers also display the fact that the stove is DEFRA-approved in their websites and their store showrooms.
If you reside in the Smoke Control Area, it is crucial that you make use of a DEFRA approved wood burner or log burner. These areas are categorized locally and are generally urban areas with a high density. The Smoke Control Area regulations are designed to maintain the health of the air by limiting the amount of particulate matter that escapes into the air from homes. If you use a non-DEFRA stove within an area designated as a Smoke Control Area you could be liable to pay substantial fines.
DEFRA approved stoves aren't only compliant with government regulations however, they also provide additional benefits. They are also extremely efficient, resulting in lower fuel consumption as well as an enviable carbon footprint. In addition these stoves come with advanced features that make them safer to use than traditional open fires. These include automatic ignition systems, thermocouple sensors and automatic venting.
Stove manufacturers have also developed secondary and tertiary technology for combustion to further reduce the emissions of their stoves. This is not only beneficial for the environment, but will also save you money on heating costs. If you're buying the stove to be used in an area for smoke control, make sure to only use dry and properly seasoned wood.
In addition to legal consequences, failing to follow wood stove safety and emission guidelines could jeopardize your home insurance coverage. Many insurance companies require homeowners to adhere to the regulations to receive insurance assistance related to fire. In addition, if you are found to be in violation of these standards during an investigation or inspection your insurer could refuse to cover any fire-related damage caused by your non-compliant stove.