What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A defra-approved stove is wood-burning stove that has been approved by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This allows them to be used in Smoke Control Areas in the UK.
Defra is an English government department with responsibility for environmental protection as well as food production and standards, agriculture, and an thriving economy of the countryside. Defra has also developed robust protocols for tackling notifiable illnesses.
Approved by Defra
Defra approved wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves meet the emission standards set by the government for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards don't prohibit the use of wood stoves in these areas, but only impose restrictions on how much smoke they can produce while operating.
At ESSE we are proud to stock a great selection of defra approved stoves from leading manufacturers including Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra-approved stoves have the latest technology for clean burning. They feature secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. This means less smoke coming out of the chimney and also leaves a smaller ecological footprint.
Defra approved products are suitable to disinfect and clean hard surfaces such as farms, buildings and vehicles. The Animal and Plant Health Agency maintains the Defra approved list of disinfectants. They charge a fee for new back-to-back approvals of trade names. APHA can also test the effectiveness of a product at any time. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants without the requirement to submit samples.
Approved for Smoke Control Areas
Many areas of the UK are classed as Smoke Control Areas, meaning you can only burn authorised fuels or appliances exempt from the regulations. This is in order to reduce air pollution from burning unauthorised fuels that cause nuisance smoke and ash build up. Many cities and towns fall in this category, and to avoid breaking the law and receiving an infringement charge, you must use the DEFRA approved fireplace, stove or fire to burn wood logs. Stovax offer a broad range of wood and multi fuel fireplaces, stoves, and fires that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
These stoves have passed strict DEFRA emissions tests and have met the minimal smoke levels allowed in Smoke Control Areas. These stoves can be used with a variety of fuels, including logs, semi-anthracite and anthracite coal Briquettes, briquettes, or smokeless fuels like the heat logs. They can also be used to burn gas, electricity or low volatile steam coal or a combination of these. On the DEFRA website, you will see a complete list approved fuels.
Look for the DEFRA Logo on the manufacturer's website or in their showrooms if you are considering a stove. If the stove is marked with the DEFRA logo then you can be sure that the stove is Defra approved for use in smoke-controlled zones and is able to burn wood in these zones. You will still need to install a suitable chimney liner, however the narrower 5kW stoves are typically simpler and less expensive to install than larger models as they can be fitted with a 5" twin wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6" liner.
If you don't have a DEFRA approved stove you may be eligible to obtain an authorization from your local authority to burn unapproved fuels in your home. You will need to visit the DEFRA website to find out if you can apply for an exemption. There are specific rules that must be followed for example, having a smoke detector installed. Also, you must comply with the rules for Smoke Control Areas if you have an outdoor barbecue or garden chiminea.
Approved for Smokeless Fuels
In order to be approved by the Defra wood burners must be able to burn authorised smokeless fuels and not cause excessive emissions. These fuels, also known as 'Smokeless Coal ' or 'Heat Logs They have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that they meet the specifications of Defra's Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a great alternative to real logs since they are less pollutant and produce less fumes than traditional logs.
Before the regulations for smoke control areas were put in place residents could burn whatever they wanted to and this led to a lot of air pollution which caused health issues for people living in urban areas. Since the rules came into place, Defra has worked to reduce the amount of pollutants in these areas by regulating what is allowed to be used in stoves and fireplaces.
If you live in a smoke-free zone, it is essential that your stove be Defra approved to avoid hefty fines. However, even if do not reside in a smoke controlled area it's still worthwhile to invest in a defra exempt stove as they are better for the environment and your chimney too.
Defra approves wood burning stoves as well as multi fuel stoves that have been tested for conformity with the UK's Smoke Control Areas legislation. When purchasing a new stove, make sure that it's got the Defra approval badge so that you can be sure that it is compliant with the regulations required.
There are two main ways to become Defra approved. The first way to be Defra-approved is to have your stove and fuels tested. This is a very expensive procedure. The other way is to purchase a Defra approved stove and make use of Defra approved fuels. It is cheaper to use an approved stove by Defra however, you must inquire with your local council first if you are you aren't sure if you live in a zone of smoke control.
In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for protecting the environment and monitoring for air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations on environmental, agricultural and fisheries issues. recommended DEFRA stoves was created in 2001 through the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food as well as the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and a portion of the Home Office. It is managed by a cabinet member who reports to the Prime Minister and other cabinet members.
Approved for Multi Fuel Stoves
DEFRA approved stoves are tested for low emissions and efficiency. These stoves are suitable for areas with no smoke and can be used to burn logs, coal or wood. These stoves come in various sizes and designs, and can be installed or freestanding. They are perfect for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on heating bills.
The Defra logo is easily recognized and is widely accepted by the industry. It is commonly seen on the title and specification sheets of various stoves and indicates that the appliance is capable of burning authorised fuels in areas that are smoke-controlled. Some stoves also sport a SE (smoke-exempt) logo, which indicates that they are legal to install in a smoke-controlled location when burning approved fuels.
Defra-approved wood burning stoves offer the latest technology for clean combustion and are often more efficient. A number of top stove makers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have developed secondary and tertiary combustion systems to improve the efficiency of their stoves.
If you reside in a smoke-free zone and you do not have a DEFRA approved stove, you could be penalized up to PS1000. To avoid this, you should ensure that the stove is DEFRA approved before buying it.
A DEFRA approved stove is the best option to heat your home while being environmentally friendly. A DEFRA approved wood burning stove can help you save on your energy costs, and prevent smoke from bothering neighbors. There's a wide selection of multifuel and wood burning stoves that are DEFRA approved, so you're sure to find the perfect one for your home. There are even a few models that are both DEFRA approved and Eco Design 2022 compliant to give you the best of both options! Explore the options and find out the options available.