20 Things You Need To Be Educated About DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stoves
What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove? If you reside in an area which is smoke-free or smoke-controlled, you'll need to use a wood burning stove approved by DEFRA. These stoves allow you to use approved fuels without violating the law or causing a disturbance to your neighbors. The latest Defra approved stoves feature the most recent technology for clean burning, employing secondary and tertiary systems of combustion to further reduce emissions. Typically, they are also equipped to work with a wide range of approved smokeless fuels. Defra Approved The term “Defra approved stove' could seem like a complex piece of jargon but, in reality it's just wood-burning stove that has been granted an exemption from UK smoke control areas. In order to achieve Defra approval, a stove must undergo rigorous testing and, if successful, receive the official title of a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance. Stoves that are Defra approved can only burn authorised fuels and, of course, wood – and they must do this efficiently and without much smoke. This is because these stoves are able to 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 great for the environment and also reduces the chance of a blocked chimney. As well as offering a selection of the top DEFRA approved wood burners, we also stock an array of modern and traditional multi-fuel stoves. This includes the striking Portway Arundel XL, which has a large, panoramic glass panel that lets you to enjoy the mesmerising appeal of a roaring fire, while enjoying a full view of the flames and the glow. It comes with an A energy rating, overnight log burning capabilities and a steel body that is extremely heat-retaining, as well as being Defra approved and priced at the price of $1,499. Bohemia X60 Cube Multifuel Stove is another option worth considering. This multifuel DEFRA comes with an output of between 3 and 9kW and it has a heating efficiency of A plus. It's a great choice for people who live in smoke-free areas. For those looking for something more traditional, there's the ESSE 700 Vista. It's a Defra approved stove that has plenty of style and quality. It is a top-quality stove with an A+ rating and can be installed in a DEFRA Smoke Control Area due to its unique twin catalytics technology. This is a top-quality stove and it also complies with the upcoming Eco Design 2022 regulations. Eco Design Ready Eco Design regulations are an important part of the UK government's clean air strategy. These regulations were implemented to reduce harmful emissions generated by wood burning stoves in the UK. It is now illegal to manufacture an entirely new wood burning stove that does not conform to the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves that are already in the supply chain may continue to be sold but in 2022, all new installations must be Eco Design compliant. As an Stove Industry Alliance member, we carry a range of Eco Design approved wood-burning stoves. These stoves have been independently tested to ensure they emit lower levels of particulates than open flames. In addition, SIA Eco Design approved stoves have been found to generate an 80% lower amount of CO2 emissions when compared with an open fire. The test involves the measurement of particulate matter (PM) organic gaseous compounds (OGC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). You can be certain that an approved SIA Eco Design stove has been designed to minimize the production of these harmful chemicals. To be deemed Eco Design Ready, a stove must have lower emission levels across all of these tests. a higher level of efficiency of the fuel and a reduction in the quantity of harmful byproducts created are also key. Our Eco Design approved wood burning stoves feature the most advanced combustion techniques, such as secondary air supply and catalytic convertors, which help to limit the emission of harmful gases during operation. Eco Design stoves are not only better for the environment but also cost-effective to run. This is due to the fact that they use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, which means you'll pay less for your energy bills. In addition to this, a wood burning stove is an excellent way to be more self-sufficient in heating your home. By using wood for your stove you can avoid the rising cost of natural gas and electricity. Exempt The stoves that are exempted from Defra were tested and inspected to ensure that they can be legally used in Smoke Control Areas. This means you can burn wood, or authorised fuels inside them (including various types of smokeless fuel). These stoves are designed to produce the smallest amount of air required for a clean and efficient burn. They produce less smoke than older open fires or wood burning stoves. They are also efficient in terms of energy consumption and are an excellent way to heat your home with less. These stoves aren't just ideal for those living in Smoke Control Areas but they also provide an excellent alternative to fossil fuels in general. They are usually less expensive than electric or gas fires and, if you are using local logs, they are also carbon neutral. If you reside in a Smoke-Control Area, then only dry wood that has been seasoned can be used in your DEFRA-exempt stove. The burning of damp or wet logs could result in excessive smoke, which is illegal and will result in a fine. You can contact your local authority if you're unsure whether you're located in a zone of smoke control. The areas are typically large cities and towns where the nuisance caused by smoke is a major issue for the locals. 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 efficiency as well as NOX and OGV ceilings, as well as emission limits. The new EU Ecodesign regulations 2022 will increase the requirements. Check with your stove's manufacturer if contemplating buying a stove to ensure that it is compliant with. Stove manufacturers are constantly improving their products, with secondary and tertiary combustion systems being used to reduce the emissions of their stoves further. DEFRA stoves have become more economical and environmentally friendly thanks to 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 complied with the strict UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. DEFRA approved efficient stoves means that the stove is allowed to emit a minimal amount of smoke throughout all phases of normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on the stove or its packaging to identify it. Additionally, the majority of reliable stove retailers advertise the fact that their stove is DEFRA approved on their websites and in their showrooms at their stores. If you live in a Smoke Control Area, it is vital that you make use of a DEFRA approved log burner or wood burner. These areas are governed by local authorities and are typically urban locations with high population density. The purpose of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to maintain healthy air quality standards by restricting the amount of particulate matter released into the atmosphere through the combustion of residential homes. If you use an unapproved stove in the Smoke Control Area you could be liable to pay substantial fines. DEFRA approved stoves do not just meet the regulations of the government but also provide additional advantages. The stoves are also extremely efficient, resulting in a lower energy consumption and an enviable carbon footprint. These stoves also come with advanced features which make them safer than open fires. They include auto ignition systems, thermocouple sensors and automated venting. Stove manufacturers also have developed secondary and tertiary technology for combustion to reduce the emissions of their stoves. This is not only good for the environment, but will also save you the cost of heating. If you are purchasing the stove to be used in a smoke control area be sure to make use of dry, properly prepared wood. In addition to potential legal consequences and insurance coverage, a failure to follow wood stove safety guidelines and emission guidelines can expose your home to risk. Most insurers require homeowners to adhere to the regulations to receive insurance coverage for fire related incidents. If you're found to be violating these standards during an investigation or inspection the insurer may deny to cover any fire-related damage that result from your stove that is not in compliance.