What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?
If you're looking to buy a wood burning stove and live in a smoke-free area it is crucial that you choose the DEFRA exempt or approved stove. Stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt can cause starvation to the burner which can result in excessive emissions and smouldering fuel.
Clean Burn Technology
If you select a DEFRA-approved stove, you can help reduce air pollution. These stoves that burn wood are specifically designed to meet the strict smoke emission standards laid out by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The DEFRA stoves we sell feature clean burn technology which ensures that any wood or solid fuel you make use of will be fully burned before it is able to escape down the chimney. This is achieved by secondary and sometimes tertiary intakes into air that ensure every particle of smoke is burnt before it leaves the stove. This means that your chimney will remain cleaner for longer, and you'll have a more efficient stove that consumes less fuel to heat your home.
Our range of DEFRA stoves includes a great choice of modern and traditional styles. It's because not everyone wants an appliance that draws the most the attention of their room. You may prefer something more discreet to blend into your decor. There is also a selection of inglenook and freestanding stoves that are suited for DEFRA approval, meaning you can find the ideal stove for your fireplace or inglenook.
You'll also be able to choose from a wide range of DEFRA stoves that are multi-fuel capable to allow you to enjoy the flexibility of being able burn a wide range of fuels that are authorised. When you combine this with a variety of finishes and colours, you will surely find the ideal DEFRA wood burner or multi-fuel stove that will fit your home.
We are pleased to offer a wide selection of DefrA wood burners that have been independently tested by HETAS to meet the stringent DEFRA emission standards and to be legally allowed for use in Smoke Control Areas. If you are in Smoke Control Area then it is important to purchase a DEFRA stove because using an appliance that is not approved could see you fined. You can determine whether you reside in a Smoke Control Area by visiting the DEFRA website or contacting your local authority.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have undergone rigorous testing in order to ensure that they are able to be used in smoke-controlled zones. Bowland Stoves offers a range of DEFRA wood burning stoves that offer low emissions, clean combustion and the ability to save money. You can choose from a range of styles to complement your home's design.
Local authorities designate Smoke Control Areas to lower smog levels in UK towns and cities. In the past, people used to burn whatever fuel they wanted in their homes. This resulted in heavy pollution in many areas and led to health problems for the residents. In the past there was no law governing this, but we have to follow the rules.
Defra regulations have been created to ensure safety for the public. They define the stoves that are permitted in certain areas, as well as which fuels are allowed. This means that when you live in a zone that is smoke-free then you must only make use of a DEFRA stove and only burn approved fuels such as logs, pellets or coal. If you purchase a non-DEFRA stove and burn disallowed fuels then you could be fined up to PS1000.
A Defra approved stove provides the smallest amount of air for combustion which in turn produces the least amount of smoke emissions. This is the only way to ensure that you are legally able to burn wood and other approved fuels within a Smoke Control Area.
In order to be DEFRA approved wood burners and multi-fuel stoves must possess a moisture content of 20% or less to prevent excessive smoke. To achieve this, wood must be treated with a seasoned. It is recommended to use wood from the Forestry Commission’s ‘Woodsure Ready to Burn’ scheme.
If you are buying a stove to use in a Smoke Control Area then make sure it's got the Defra logo or a 'SE' after its name. This indicates that it is smoke exempt. The Defra logo is very easily recognisable and it has been widely adopted by the industry.
Conforms to Building Regulations
If a wood burning stove is DEFRA approved, this means that it has been rigorously tested and is in compliance with building regulations. This ensures that it is safe to use and the flue system is properly installed. This reduces the risk of fire and reduces the indoor air pollution. This is particularly crucial for those who live in areas with smoke control zones where it is illegal to burn fuels that are not authorised.
DEFRA stoves are available in a range of sizes, styles and finishes. This allows you to find the perfect stove for your home. We offer freestanding, inglenook and inset models with modern and traditional styles that can be adapted to any style. Depending on your needs you can pick one with a wood burner, or a multi-fuel version. All DEFRA stoves have clean-burn technology, so you can rest assured that they'll burn your fuels safely and efficiently.
DEFRA stoves also comply with strict regulations governing smoke emissions in smoke-controlled areas. These regulations are primarily created to limit the amount of particulate matter that is released into the atmosphere during combustion.
The most recent DEFRA wood-burning stoves have been designed to serve this purpose and use advanced combustion systems that don't restrict airflow in the firebox. This allows the wood to be burned more efficiently and quickly, reducing the release of particles into the air. DEFRA stoves also have a secondary combustion system that reduces emissions further by re-burning burned combustibles.
While it is possible to install a non-DEFRA compliant stove, it will usually require significant modifications to the chimney and flue system. This may require a structural change that may require planning permission. To avoid this, it's recommended to select a DEFRA-compliant stove when buying a new wood-burning fireplace.
A DEFRA-approved stove will typically also come with a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This permits the use of a 5" vitreous flue liner and save money on installation. This is a good idea for those who are budget conscious or where the chimney stack has some difficult bends to navigate.
Emissions Reduction
There are many terms when you search for a wood-burning stove. One of them is the term DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stoves which means it is able to be used in smoke controlled areas in the UK.
recommended DEFRA stoves have been tested to ensure that they comply with UK smoking laws. They achieve this by incorporating the latest clean-burn technology that makes use of secondary and tertiary combustion to produce cleaner air for your home. This can also help reduce your consumption of fuel as the fuel is burned more efficiently which will reduce your carbon footprint.
As a result of the advanced technology involved, DEFRA wood burning stoves approved are far more eco-friendly than traditional open fires and stoves. When properly used, the wood stove is carbon neutral as trees absorb carbon dioxide throughout their growth. It is then returned back into the atmosphere when they are burnt. They are therefore an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
The main concern when using an electric fireplace with wood burning is the emission. The smoke that is produced by a wood-burning fireplace is a mixture of ultrafine particles known to cause serious health problems. These particles can be absorbed into the lungs, causing breathing difficulties, exacerbate asthma symptoms, and make you feel unwell. They also increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and premature death.
The British wood burning industry is now the biggest source of PM2.5 pollution, producing three-times more pollution than road traffic. This is due to the fact that traditional wood stoves don't use clean burning technologies. It is crucial to purchase an exempt DEFRA stove if your area is smoke controlled or isn't. They are better for your chimney and the environment.
Bowland Stoves stocks a large choice of DEFRA-approved kitchen stoves from leading manufacturers like Arada, Stovax, and Burley. If you're unsure which type of stove is the best one for your home, we recommend speaking to a member from our team. If you select a DEFRA-approved stove, you can rest assured that it has undergone extensive testing to ensure it is safe to use in smoke-free areas.