Defra Approved Wood Stoves
If you reside in an area where smoking is controlled (most UK cities and large towns) you'll have to use a DEFRA approved stove to avoid breaking UK law. These Defra Smoke Exempt Appliances are designed to ensure that wood or multi-fuels are burned without releasing excessive amounts of smoke.
DEFRA guidelines stoves Burning
The most modern combustion technology is utilized to reduce smoke and emissions in Defra-exempt wood stoves and "clean burning" wood burners. They do this by using pre-heated tertiary air to help burn the fuel more efficiently and to reduce harmful particulates emitted into the atmosphere. The result is less smoke and a more efficient fire and a more effective heating system.
Modern wood stoves aren't only more efficient however, they have also been designed to be gentler on your chimney and flue. They don't produce as much creosote than their older counterparts, so you can keep your chimney and flue system in good condition for longer.
If you are in the Smoke Control Area (most major towns and cities) then you must only use a Defra Approved Stove or Wood Burner to avoid violating the law and incurring a large fine. However, even if are not in a Smoke Control Area it is still recommended to purchase a Defra Approved stove as they will not only produce much less nuisance smoke but will help you reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint as well.
In the past, numerous manufacturers produced wood stoves which were filthy and had poor performance in comparison to their EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency) emissions ratings. This was due to several factors, such as the size and type of fireplace and stove employed, the method by which wood was stored and burned and how the stove was operated.
All new wood stoves are required to meet a stricter standard for EPA emissions today than their predecessors that were not certified. The most recent wood stoves, including the Vermont Castings Defiant and Encore NC 1450 have an EPA rating of less than 1 gram per hour.
Wood stoves have a lot of room for improvement. The Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates, that if all the older stoves were replaced with modern ones that meet Defra standards, then a few billion tonnes of climate-changing carbon dioxide could be saved every year.
Reduced Emissions
The new DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves we carry here at Stove Supermarket use the latest clean burn technology to ensure they are able to combust solid coal and smokeless at a lower temperature. They emit less harmful emissions, and so you can utilize them in smoke control areas.
Fine particulate matter is the most significant pollutant released by combustion of solid fuels. These tiny particles can enter the respiratory system of human beings and trigger heart disease and stroke. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Sheffield found that wood burning stoves can release large amounts of PM2.5 within the home. The harmful particles were at their highest level each time the stove was opened to refuel.
DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves come with an air-wash system that keeps the glass free of ash and soot. This will keep your stove looking brand new for longer and reduce maintenance costs and cleaning time.
The benefits of a wood stove are obvious however, the choice to purchase one that allows you to burn wood legally in a Smoke-Control Area is a serious choice. In the past, when people could simply open their fire and let their wood burn however they wanted, towns and cities were plagued by unhealthy levels of smog which caused breathing problems for a lot of residents.
In Smoke Control areas in Smoke Control Areas, in areas with smoke control, a Defra Approved Stove will be the only choice for homeowners looking to use their fire legally. If you are thinking about purchasing a new wood burning stove or replacing your old open fire, a Defra Approved Stove from a reputable manufacturer will offer the best option for compliance with the smoke control regulations.
Stove Supermarket stocks a range of Defra Approved Wood-Burning Stoves from the top brands like Arada, Burley and Parkray, so you can pick the one that is right for you. Our Defra Approved stoves are all Ecodesign compliant and come with the Defra Certificate of Conformity, which means you can be assured that your new woodburning stove will comply with the latest standards for use in a smoke control zone.
High Efficiency
A high-efficiency wood burning stove will use less fuel to generate the same amount of heat. This will not just reduce your carbon footprint but will also substantially cut down on your energy costs. This is especially important as the cost of electricity and gas continue to increase. Switching to a wood stove that is approved by the DEFRA will allow you to take back control of the costs for your home and save money over time.
A Defra-approved wood stove is in compliance with the Government's rules on smoke controlled zones, so you are able to use in smoke exempt areas. If you spot a stove that bears the words Defra Approved or 'SE' in its name it means it has met the strict requirements set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
These stoves can produce less particulate emissions than the older versions of open fires. The most modern stoves from the top manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all feature secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the total emissions produced by the stove. A majority of these wood-burning stoves are also SIA EcoDesign Ready, meaning they are more sustainable than DEFRA Approved and will be able meet future emission goals.
A stove that is Defra-approved is not just more eco friendly but will also burn your wood more efficiently than older stoves and open fires. This will result in less particulate emissions which is a great thing for those who live in areas with smoke control. As well as this an approved DEFRA stove will also help reduce your fuel expenses. If you choose a stove which can burn more wood in an hour than an open flame, you can save money since you don't have to feed it as often.
A Defra Approved Stove is a great investment for any homeowner looking to be eco-friendly and reduce their energy bills. These stoves are not just efficient and clean, but also come in a variety of styles to suit your aesthetic preferences.
Certification by the EPA
If you live in a zone of smoke control, you'll require a DEFRA approved stove to allow you to legally burn wood in your home. Defra is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that is responsible for the rules governing environmental and rural issues. The Smoke Control Area Regulations prohibit the emission dark smoke from chimneys, unless using an exempt appliance or authorized fuels like smokeless coal. Stoves that are approved by Defra are the only appliances that can be legally used in these areas, without breaking the law and causing fines of up to PS1,000.
Check for the EPA certification label to be sure you are buying an appliance that is smoke-free. This label indicates that the stove has passed stringent tests to prove that it is suitable for installation in a smoke control area. The stove will also be classified as an efficient burner, making sure that it provides the highest heating with less fuel. This efficiency means homeowners will save money on their heating bills, and they'll see an increase in the amount of wood required to keep their homes warm.
Another important consideration is whether the Defra approved wood-burning stove has been constructed with eco-friendly features. The Country 4 BLU is a perfect example of an Defra approved stove that has an array of environmentally conscious features. It has been crafted to meet or exceed 2022 Ecodesign standards, which means that it produces extremely low emissions which reduce the environmental impact. This means greener, cleaner operation for everyone. It also makes your chimney and flue systems safer.
A Defra approved wood burning stove can provide many benefits in addition to being in compliance with UK smoke control regulations of the government. By adhering to strict emissions standards they play a significant role in reducing air pollution, which can reduce respiratory issues for those with sensitive lungs. They also have lengthy burn times which can translate into significant cost savings through reduced fuel and wood consumption. When coupled with a high-efficiency heating system they are the perfect option for anyone who wants to make a responsible and green decision in their home.