Defra Approved Wood Stoves
If you live in an area where smoke is restricted (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 the wood or multi-fuel is burned without releasing unnecessary amounts of smoke.
Cleaner Burning
Wood stoves that are exempt from Defra or 'clean burning' wood burners as they are typically referred to, use the most advanced combustion technology to reduce smoke and emissions. They achieve this by using preheated third (hotter) air to help burn fuel more efficiently, while reducing harmful particulates that are emitted into the air. The result is a cleaner, more efficient fire that produces less smoke and is a more effective heating system.
In addition to increasing the efficiency of the stove, modern wood stoves have also been designed to be more gentle to your chimney and flue system. They don't generate as much creosote like their predecessors, which means you can keep your chimney and flue system in good condition for a longer time.
If you live 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 to avoid breaking the law and committing a large fine. However, even if don't reside in a Smoke Control Area it is still recommended to purchase a Defra Approved stove as they produce less smoke, but also help reduce your heating costs and carbon footprint too.
Numerous manufacturers made wood stoves with poor performance and high emissions. This was due to the fact that they were not EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency), assessed. This was due a number 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.
Today, all new wood stoves must meet an even higher standard of EPA emissions than their predecessors that were not certified. The latest wood stoves have an EPA rating of less than one grams of smoke per hour.
There is a lot of potential for further advancements in the manufacture of wood stoves. The Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates that if all the older stoves were replaced by modern ones that are in line with Defra standards, then more than a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide that is a greenhouse gas could be sucked out each year.
Reduced Emissions
Stove Supermarket stocks the new DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves which utilize the most up-to-date clean burn technologies to ensure that they can burn solid fuel and smokeless coal at lower temperatures of combustion. This means that they produce considerably less harmful emissions than previous models which allows you to legally use your stove in a smoke control area.
The primary pollutant produced by burning solid fuels is fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These tiny particles can infiltrate the respiratory system of humans and trigger heart disease and stroke. Researchers from the University of Sheffield published a study that revealed that wood-burning stoves could release high levels of particles with the size PM2.5 into the home. The level of these harmful particles peaked each time the stove's door was opened to replenish the fire.
As well as reducing the amount of PM2.5 that the stove emits, DEFRA approved wood burning stoves also have built in air-wash systems that ensure the glass is free of soot and ash deposits. This keeps your stove looking fresh for longer and cut down on maintenance costs and cleaning time.
The benefits of a wood stove are obvious however the decision to purchase a stove which will allow you to burn wood legally in a Smoke-Control Area is a serious choice. In My Home Page when people could just open their fire and let their wood burn as they wanted, towns and cities were suffocated by unhealthy levels of smog, which caused breathing problems for many residents.
A Defra Approved Stove is the only legal option in Smoke Control areas for homeowners who want to legally use their fire. If you are thinking about purchasing a wood-burning stove or a replacement for your old open fire, a Defra Approved Stove from an established manufacturer is the most effective option to ensure compliance with the smoke control regulations.
Stove Supermarket stocks a range of Defra Approved Wood Burning Stoves from 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 the Defra Certificate Of Conformity. You can be sure that your new fireplace will be in compliance with the most recent regulations to use in a smoke-control area.
High Efficiency
This will decrease the carbon footprint of your home and energy bills. This is particularly advantageous as electricity and gas prices continue to increase year after year. By switching to a defra approved wood stove, you will be able to control your household expenses and save money over the long term.
A Defra-approved wood stove is in compliance with the Government's regulations regarding smoke-free zones, so you can use in smoke exempt areas. If you spot a stove that bears the words Defra Approved or "SE" in its name, it means that it meets the strict requirements of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
They have less emissions of particulate matter than older fires and wood burners. The most recent stoves from top manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all have secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the total emissions generated by the stove. Many of these wood-burning stoves are SIA EcoDesign Ready meaning they are even more environmentally friendly than the DEFRA Approved standard and will be able to meet future emission targets.
In addition to being environmentally responsible In addition, as well as being more environmentally responsible, a Defra approved stove will burn your firewood much more efficiently than older stoves or open fires. This will result in lower levels of particulate emission which is great news for those living in smoke control zones. In addition, a DEFRA-approved stove can also help keep your fuel costs down. You can save money when you choose a stove that can burn more wood in an hour than a fire.
A Defra Approved Stove is an excellent investment for any homeowner looking to be eco-friendly and lower their energy costs. These stoves are not just efficient and clean, but they also come in a variety of styles to fit your personal preferences.
EPA Certification
If you reside in a zone of smoke control, you will need a DEFRA approved stove that allows you to legally use wood in your home. Defra, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is the authority for regulations related to rural and environmental issues. Its Smoke Control Area regulations prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys unless using an exempt appliance or authorized fuels such as smokeless coal. Stoves that are approved by Defra are the only appliance that are legal to use in these areas without violating the law and incurring fines of upto PS1,000.
The best way to be sure you buy a smoke-controlled stove is to search for the EPA 2020 certification label. This indicates that the stove has passed rigorous tests to be able to say it can be employed in a smoke control area. The stove will also be rated an efficient burner, ensuring that it can provide maximum heat with less fuel. This efficiency will save homeowners money on heating expenses and will reduce the amount of wood they need to heat their homes.
Another crucial aspect to consider is whether it is a Defra approved wood burning stove is designed with environmentally conscious features. The Country 4 BLU stove is a great example of a stove that has a range of environmentally conscious features. It is designed to meet or exceed the 2022 Ecodesign standard, which means it emits very little emissions and reduces 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 conforming to UK smoke control regulations set by the government. These stoves help reduce pollution from the air by complying with strict emission standards. This can help those who have sensitive lungs. They also have long burn times, which translate into significant savings in fuel and wood consumption. When paired with a high-efficiency heating system, these stoves are the ideal choice for those who want to make a sustainable and green choice in the home.