Why Buying a DEFRA Stove is Important If You Live in a Smoke Control Area
Buying a wood stove is a personal decision and there are many aspects to consider. However, if you reside in a Smoke Control Area then it is vital to have a DEFRA approved stove.
DEFRA approved stoves or smoke exempt stoves are multi fuel wood-burning appliances that have been independently tested and proven to produce ultra-low levels of emissions. This allows them to burn approved fuels, such as lekto night and heat logs in Smoke Control Areas.
Cleaner Burning
The use of wood burners to heat homes is becoming more popular than ever before, as people realise that it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also reduce electric bills. It's a win for the environment. However it is crucial to only use dry, clean wood in your stove. This will ensure that emissions are kept at a minimum. If you choose to purchase a DEFRA stove, you will be in a position to enjoy your fire without worrying about the impact it is having on the atmosphere, and you can rest assured knowing that you are doing your part for the planet!
A Defra approved stove (also called a DEFRA smoke-free appliance) has been tested and verified to meet strict government requirements regarding the amount of smoke it can produce. These stoves are suitable for smoke-controlled environments where the burning of unauthorised fuels is prohibited. They are also able to work with a larger variety of fuels compared to other models that are not Defra approved.
You can recognize a DEFRA stove by the Defra logo, which is usually shown on the product's page. The UK government department that is responsible for DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) has very strict rules regarding what can be burned in smoke control zones, and using an unapproved stove in these areas could result in fines. You can be certain that your stove is safe to use in smoke-control areas that have fuels that are approved and thanks to the Defra approval. It is a good thing to verify if your house is in a Smoke Control Area prior to purchasing a new stove.
The DEFRA woodburner reduces particulate emissions by as much as 80 percent when compared with older stoves. Due to the more efficient combustion technology integrated into these stoves they have been proven to reduce emissions of particulate matter by up to 80%. This improves the quality of indoor air and reduces the health risks that are associated with the aer that is contaminated.
Better Heat Output
DEFRA stoves have gone through rigorous testing to ensure that they comply with the UK government's strict regulations. Low emissions and a high efficiency of combustion can help reduce waste. This is not only eco green but also means you will receive more heat from your stove and need less wood.
The stoves that are Defra-approved are also suitable for use in areas with smoke control and are able to be used with authorized fuels like peat and wood. This is because they've been independently tested and proven to burn wood so efficiently that they do not emit smoke. Air wash systems are attached to them, which help to clean the glass and remove any tar deposits.
In fact, they are so effective in cutting down smoke that the UK government has introduced laws to stop people from burning unauthorised fuel in their homes. It is unlawful to release dark smoke from any chimney unless it is exempted or burning a fuel approved by the government such as wood. If you live in an area that has smoke controls, you will need a DEFRA-approved stove or Ecodesign-ready wood burner.
Stovax Edge is one of our most popular DEFRA approved stoves. This is an impressive multi-fuel stove that has a high heat output of 5kW. It is designed to be energy efficient and has been awarded with the highest environmental rating and ClearSkies 5.
It is important to understand that DEFRA approval doesn't mean that your stove is efficient. However, you should look for an appliance with an efficient rating. The greater the efficiency, the more fuel is transformed into heat and the lower your heating bill.
If you're seeking a wood burning stove with a Defra approved design, check out for models with five" flue outlet, as they can be used with a 5" liner. This is a great option if your chimney stack cannot accommodate a 6" lining. It can also reduce the cost of installation. The Stove Yard installed a number Defra-approved wood stoves with 5" outlets due to this and found the customers happy because they were able to avoid the additional expense of upgrading to an even larger chimney liner.
Reduced Emissions
If you reside in a smoke control area it is important to use a DEFRA approved stove. These stoves are able to burn coal, wood and other types of smokeless fuels without generating any smoke. This is because they've been tested to make sure that they are in compliance with the strict rules that were set by the government. In the end, DEFRA multi-fuel stoves are very well-known. These stoves are available at a variety of online retailers as well as in stores all over the UK.
The term DEFRA-approved stove is often confused with the more formal definition of a DEFRA exempt stove. But, they are two distinct things. The term"DEFRA exempt" means that the stove has been pre-approved by DEFRA to ensure that you are allowed to use certain fuels legally within your home. If you reside in a smoke-free area and do not have an DEFRA exempt stove, you will be penalized by PS1000.
Stoves endorsed by DEFRA have been able to meet the strict specifications of the Ecodesign Directive. This directive restricts the amount of airborne particles that are released from a stove's flue gasses during normal operation to 40 micrograms per cubic metre. In the end, modern stoves that burn clean such as those made by Arada produce considerably lower levels of particulates. By replacing an old stove with a modern model, you can cut down the amount of particulate emissions by up to 90%..
A Defra approved stove can burn a variety of fuels including charcoal, smokeless coal and briquettes. It will provide a generous degree of flames, heat and light from any fuel you decide to burn in it. It also provides the best level of combustion so that you make the most heat of your fuel as possible.
The primary pollutant produced by solid fuels, such as wood is ultra-fine particulate matter, more commonly known as PM2.5. This can cause irritation of the eyes and worsen asthma symptoms. Switching defra stove to a DEFRA approved stove can reduce particulate emissions by up to 80%, while replacing an open fire would reduce them by up to 90 percent!
Easy Maintenance
When you are choosing a stove to use in the home, there are many aspects to take into consideration. You have to consider the design, materials the heat output, and many more. If you live in an area which is in the Smoke Control Area (SCA), it's important to get a DEFRA-approved stove.
Defra approved appliances can burn a wide range of woods and smokeless fuels and do not emit any noxious smoke. They have been rigorously inspected to ensure they meet the strict requirements for emissions and smoke levels.
A Defra approved stove is also much greener than the older generations of stoves. This is due to the fact that the newer models are designed with clean burning technology which means they produce less harmful emissions when you use them. As well as this, many stove manufacturers like Arada, Stovax and Hi-Flame have been developing secondary and tertiary combustion methods to reduce their stoves' emissions and has helped cut down on the amount of smoke they produce.
In addition to being more environmentally friendly As well as being more environmentally friendly, a Defra stove is also simpler to maintain. It isn't necessary to clean your stove or flue more often since they burn more efficiently. This will prolong the lifespan of your appliance and allow it to run efficiently for longer.
You might have heard of a DEFRA wood stove, but you aren't sure what it is. A Defra Stove is a wood stove that has been approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. You might have a wood burning stove in your home, but it's not Defra approved, and you could be breaking the law by using it.
Defra stoves are not only an excellent way to avoid breaking the law, but also to save fuel and make your neighbours satisfied. There are a myriad of reasons to consider why an Defra stove is the most suitable choice for your home and don't hesitate to contact us at Choice Stoves if you have any concerns.