What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?

If you're considering buying an electric stove that burns wood and live in a smoke-free area then it is important to select the DEFRA exempt or approved stove. This is because stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt can starve the burner of air, which can result in the fuel smouldering and generating excessive emissions.

Clean Burn Technology

If you choose a DEFRA approved stove, you are doing your part to reduce air pollution. The wood-burning stoves are specifically designed to meet the stringent smoke emission standards set by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The DEFRA stoves that we sell feature clean burn technology, which guarantees that any solid or wood fuel you use will be completely burned before it can escape up the chimney. This is achieved through secondary and sometimes even tertiary intakes air that ensure that every bit of smoke is burnt before it is released from the stove. This keeps your chimney cleaner for longer, and your stove will consume less fuel.

Our selection of DEFRA stoves offers a wide choice of traditional and modern styles. This is because not everyone would like their new stove to be the main focal area of their living space and you may prefer a more subtle option that will blend in with your decor. There is also a selection of freestanding and inglenook stoves that can be used with DEFRA approval, so you'll be able to choose the right stove for your fireplace chamber or inglenook.

You can also choose from a selection of DEFRA permitted stoves multi-fuel stoves, which allow you to enjoy the flexibility to burn a range of approved fuels. When you combine this with a range of colours and finishes you are sure to find the ideal DEFRA wood burner or multi-fuel stove to suit your home.

We are pleased to offer a wide selection of DEFRA stoves cost wood burners that have been independently verified by HETAS to meet the stringent DEFRA emission standards and to legally permitted to be used in Smoke Control Areas. If you are in Smoke Control Area then it is essential to buy a DEFRA stove since using an appliance that is not approved could result in you being fined. You can determine whether you reside in a Smoke Control Area by visiting the DEFRA website or talking to your local authority.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that they can be used in smoke-controlled areas. Bowland Stoves offers a range of DEFRA wood burning stoves that offer clean combustion, reduced emission and the possibility of saving money. You can pick from a range of styles to complement your home's design.

Smoke Control Areas are regulated by local authorities. The primary reason for this is to stop the accumulation of large amounts of smog in cities and towns across the UK. In the past, people used to use whatever fuel they liked in their homes. This resulted in heavy pollution in many areas and led to health issues for the local population. In the past there was no law governing this, but now we must adhere to the regulations.

Defra regulations have been formulated to ensure public safety. They define which stoves are allowed in specific areas, and which fuels are allowed. If you live in an area that is smoke-free it is only possible to make use of the DEFRA approved stove and burn only authorised fuels such as coal, logs or pellets. If you purchase a non DEFRA stove and you use prohibited fuels that are not permitted, you could be fined as much as PS1000.

A Defra approved stove delivers the minimum amount of air for combustion which in turn produces the least amount of smoke emissions. This is the only way to be sure that you are able to legally burn wood and other authorised fuels in a Smoke Control Area.

To be DEFRA approved, wood burners and multi-fuel stoves have to have a moisture content of less than 20% to prevent excessive smoke. To achieve this the wood must be well-seasoned and most importantly, sourced from the Forestry Commission's 'Woodsure Ready to Burn' scheme.

If you are buying an appliance for use in a Smoke Control Area, make sure that it has a Defra logo or a slash after its name. This means that the stove is smoke-free. The Defra logo is very easily identifiable and is widely accepted by the industry.

Conforms to Building Regulations

When a stove is DEFRA wood-burning stoves certified this means it has passed rigorous tests and complies with building regulations. This ensures that the stove is safe to operate and that it has a properly installed flue system. This reduces the risk of fire and reduces the indoor air pollution. This is especially important for those living in areas of smoke control in which it is illegal to burn fuels that are not authorized.

DEFRA stoves are available in a range of styles, sizes and finishes. This allows you to find the perfect stove for your home. We have models available that are modern and traditional with inglenook, freestanding and inset styles to match any style. Depending on your requirements you can pick either a wood burner or a multi-fuel version. All of our DEFRA stoves are equipped with clean-burn technology, so you can be certain that they burn your preferred fuels efficiently and cleanly.

DEFRA stoves also adhere to strict regulations regarding the emission of smoke in areas that are smoke-controlled. These regulations are primarily created to limit the amount of particulate matter that is released into the air during combustion.

The most modern DEFRA wood-burning stoves have been designed for this purpose, using advanced combustion systems that do not restrict airflow in the firebox. This allows the wood to be burnt faster and more thoroughly, reducing the release of particles into the air. DEFRA stoves also feature an additional combustion system that reduces emissions further by re-burning unburned combustion fuels.

Although it is possible to install a non-DEFRA compatible stove, this will often require significant changes to the chimney and flue system. This will require a structural change that could require planning permission. To avoid this, it is best to choose a DEFRA-compliant stove when buying a new fireplace that burns wood.

A DEFRA-approved stove will typically also have a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This allows you to use a 5" vitreous flue liner and save money on installation. This is a great idea for those with a tight budget or if the chimney stack has some difficult bends to navigate.

Emissions Reduction

You will encounter many terms when looking for a wood-burning stove. One of them is the term DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stoves, which means it can be used in smoke-controlled areas in the UK.

These stoves have been tested to ensure they are compliant with UK smoking laws. They do this by incorporating the newest clean burn technology that uses secondary and tertiary combustion to help create cleaner air for your home. This also reduces your consumption of fuel as the fuel is burned more efficiently which reduces the carbon footprint.

The latest technology in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves makes them more eco-friendly in comparison to traditional open fires or stoves. When utilized correctly, the stove made of wood is carbon neutral as trees absorb carbon dioxide throughout their growth. It is then returned to the atmosphere after they are burned. They are therefore a greener alternative to fossil fuels.

The main concern when using an electric fireplace with wood burning is the emissions. The smoke that is produced by a wood-burning stove contains ultrafine particulates that are known to cause serious health problems. These particulates can cause breathing problems, worsen asthma symptoms, and cause you to feel unwell. They can also increase the risk of developing heart disease or cancer.

The UK's domestic wood burning industry is now the largest source of PM2.5 pollution, producing three-times more pollution as road traffic. This is because conventional wood stoves have outdated technologies that don't use modern technology for clean burning to assist in the production of PM2.5. This is why it is essential to buy a DEFRA exempt stove if you live in a smoke-free area, or even if you don't, as they are more beneficial for the environment and your chimney.

At Bowland Stoves, we stock an extensive range of DEFRA approved stoves from the top manufacturers like Arada, Stovax and Burley. If you're unsure which type of stove is right for your home, we suggest talking to a member of our team. If you select a DEFRA-approved stove, you can be assured that it has undergone extensive testing to ensure that it can be used in smoke-free areas.