"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Defra Approved Wood Stoves
Defra Approved Wood Stoves
If you reside in an UK smoke control area (most cities and large towns) then you'll need a DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking the law. These Defra Smoke Exempt Appliances are designed to ensure the wood or multi-fuels are burned without releasing unnecessary quantities of smoke.
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Wood stoves exempt from Defra regulations or "clean burning" wood burners as they're often known, use the most advanced combustion technology to reduce smoke and emissions. The wood stoves achieve this by using preheated secondary (hotter) air to help burn fuel more efficiently, and reduce harmful particles that are released into the air. The result is less smoke and a more efficient flame and a more efficient heating system.
Modern wood stoves aren't just more efficient however, they have also been designed to be gentler on your chimney and flue. These modern wood stoves produce less creosote than their older counterparts. This helps you keep your chimney system and flue cleaner for longer.
If you are in an area that is a Smoke Control Area (most major towns and cities) then you must use a Defra Approved Stove or Wood Burner in order to avoid breaking the law and incurring a large fine. However, even if you are not in a Smoke Control Area it is still advisable to buy a Defra Approved stove as they will not only produce much less noxious smoke, but will aid in reducing your heating expenses and carbon footprint too.
In the past, numerous manufacturers made wood stoves that were extremely dirty and performed poorly in comparison to their EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency) emissions ratings. This was due a number factors, including the size and the type of stove and fireplace employed, the method by which wood was stored and burned and how the stove was operated.
All new wood stoves must to meet a stricter standard for EPA emissions today than their non-certified predecessors. The most modern wood stoves come with an EPA rating of less than 1 grams of smoke per hour.
Wood stoves have plenty of room for improvement. In fact, Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates that if all the old stoves were replaced with modern ones that met the Defra standards, then a few billion tons of short-lived climate forcers could be avoided each year.
Reduced Emissions
Stove Supermarket has the latest DEFRA-approved wood-burning stoves that make use of the latest clean burn technology to ensure they can burn smokeless coal and solid fuel at lower temperatures for combustion. They emit less harmful emissions, and so you can make use of them in smoke control areas.
Fine particulate matter is the primary pollutant released by solid fuel combustion. These tiny particles are so tiny that they can get into the human respiratory system, and cause health issues like heart disease and stroke. A study published by researchers from the University of Sheffield found that wood-burning stoves can release high levels of PM2.5 within the home. The harmful particles were at their highest level each time the stove was turned on to replenish fuel.
As well as reducing the amount of PM2.5 emitted by the stove, DEFRA approved wood burning stoves also feature built-in air-wash systems that ensure the glass is free of ash and soot. This helps keep your stove looking like new for much longer, and reduces maintenance costs and time spent cleaning the stove.
The benefits of wood stoves are obvious, but the decision to purchase one that allows you to burn wood legally in a Smoke-Control Area is a very important decision. In the past when people could just open their fireplaces and let their wood burn however they wished cities and towns suffered from unhealthy amounts of smog which caused breathing issues for many residents.
In Smoke Control Zones In Smoke Control Areas, in areas with smoke control, a Defra Approved Stove will be the only option for homeowners who wish to use their fire legally. If you're thinking of buying a new wood-burning stove or replacing your old open fire stove, an Defra Approved Stove from a reputable manufacturer will offer the most effective option to ensure compliance with the smoke control regulations.
Stove Supermarket stocks a range of Defra Approved Wood Burning Stoves from the top brands such as Arada, Burley and Parkray, so you can pick the model that's right for you. Our Defra Approved Stoves are all Ecodesign Compliant and come with a an Defra Certificate Of Conformity. You can be assured that your new woodburning fireplace will meet the latest standards for be used in a smoke control area.
High Efficiency
A high-efficiency wood-burning stove requires less fuel to generate the same amount of heat. This will not just reduce your carbon footprint, but will also significantly cut down on your energy costs. This is especially advantageous as electricity and gas prices continue to rise year after year. By switching to a DEFRA-approved wood stove, you will be able to control your household costs and save money in the long run.
A Defra approved wood stove will be compliant with the Government's regulations regarding smoke controlled areas and therefore you can use it in smoke exempt zones. If you see a stove with the word Defra Approved in its name, it means it meets the strict specifications of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
These stoves are able to produce much lower levels of particulate emissions than the older versions of wood burners and open fires. The most recent stoves from top manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all come with secondary and tertiary combustion systems which reduce the overall emissions produced by the stove. A lot of these stoves that burn wood are also SIA EcoDesign Ready, meaning they are more eco-friendly than DEFRA Approved and will be capable of meeting future emission targets.
In addition to being more environmentally responsible, as well as being more environmentally responsible, a Defra approved stove will burn your firewood much more efficiently than older open fires or stoves. This will result in lower levels of particulate emissions which is a great thing for those living in areas that have smoke control. A DEFRA approved stove can also help keep your fuel expenses low. You can save money when you select a stove that can burn more wood in an hour than a fire.
A Defra Approved Stove is a great investment for any homeowner who wants to be green and cut down on their energy costs. These stoves aren't just efficient and clean, but also are available in a variety of styles to fit your personal preferences.
Certification by the EPA
If you reside in a smoke control area you will need a DEFRA approved stove to allow you to legally burn wood in your home. Defra is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which is responsible for regulations on environmental and countryside matters. Its Smoke Control Area regulations prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys unless using an exempt appliance or authorized fuels like smokeless coal. Only approved stoves from Defra are permitted to be used in these areas, and without breaking the law or committing a fine up to PS1,000.
The best way to make sure that you buy a smoke-free stove is to search for the EPA 2020 certification label. This indicates that the stove has passed stringent tests to be able to be employed in a smoke control area. The stove will also be rated an efficient burner, making sure that it delivers maximum heat while using less fuel. This efficiency will help homeowners save money on heating costs and will reduce the amount of wood they need to heat their homes.
Another important consideration is whether a Defra approved wood burning stove is designed with environmentally conscious features. The Country 4 BLU is a perfect example of an Defra approved stove that incorporates an array 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 minimizes its environmental impact. This means greener, cleaner operation for everyone. It also makes your chimney and flue systems more secure.
A Defra approved wood burning stove will offer you many benefits aside from complying with UK smoke control regulations set by the government. These stoves reduce pollution through complying with strict emission standards. This is helpful for people with sensitive lungs. They also have lengthy burn times that translate into substantial cost savings through reduced consumption of wood and fuel. When combined with an energy efficient heating system they are the best choice for anyone who wants to make a sustainable and green choice in the home.