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 stoves to be used in Smoke Control Areas in the UK.
Defra the English government department which is responsible for the environment, food production, standards, agriculture and a thriving rural economy. Defra also has robust protocols to manage the spread of notifiable diseases.
Approved by Defra
Defra approved stoves, also referred to as Defra smoke exempt stoves, are wood burning and multi fuel stoves that satisfy the requirements of the government’s emission standards for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards do not restrict the use of wood stoves in these areas, but rather restrict the amount of smoke they emit when in operation.
At ESSE we are pleased to offer a wide selection of defra approved stoves from leading manufacturers including Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our stoves that are Defra-approved have the latest technology for clean burning. They have secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions. This means less smoke coming from the chimney and leaves a less carbon-based footprint.
Defra approved products can be used to clean and disinfect hard surfaces like buildings, farm equipment and vehicles. The Defra approved disinfectants list is maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which charges a fee to approve new back-to-back approval trade names used for disinfectants. APHA can also retest the effectiveness of disinfectants at any time. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants without the need to submit samples.
Approved for Smoke Control Areas
Many areas of the UK are classified as Smoke Control Areas, meaning you can only burn authorised fuels or exempt appliances. This is to help reduce the amount of air pollution created by burning fuels that are not approved, causing nuisance smoke and ash build up. To avoid violating the law or being fined, you should only burn wood logs using an approved DEFRA stove, fire or fireplace. Stovax offer a variety of wood and multi fuel stoves, fires and Fireplaces And Stove that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
These stoves have passed strict DEFRA emissions tests and meet the low smoke levels permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used with a variety fuels like logs, semi-anthracite and anthracite coal brquettes, as well as manufactured smokeless fuels, such as the heat logs. They can also be used to burn electricity, gas, steam coal with low volatile, or any combination of these. On the DEFRA website, you can get a complete list of approved fuels.
Look for the DEFRA Logo on the website of the manufacturer or in their showrooms if you are considering the 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 areas. It is still necessary to have an appropriate chimney lining however, the smaller 5kW stoves can be equipped with a 5″ twin-wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6″ liner.
You could be eligible for a license from your local authority if do not have a DEFRA-approved stove. This will allow you to burn fuels not permitted in your home. You’ll have to check the DEFRA website to determine whether an exemption is available. There are a few guidelines to follow for installing smoke alarms. It’s also worth noting that if you have an open fire, barbecue or garden chiminea, you will have to adhere to the same guidelines as Smoke Control Areas.
Approved for Smokeless Fuels
To be approved by Defra wood burners must be able to burn smokeless fuels that are approved by the government without producing excessive emissions. These fuels, also referred to as ‘Smokeless coal’ or Logs’, have been tested to ensure that they meet the requirements of Defra’s Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a great alternative to real logs as they are cleaner and produce less smoke than traditional logs.
Before the rules for smoke control zones were in place, residents could use any kind of fuel they wanted, which caused an abundance of air pollution, which resulted in health issues for people living in built-up areas. Since the rules were put in place, Defra has worked to reduce the amount of pollution in these areas by regulating what can be burned in fireplaces and stoves.
If you live in a smoke-free area, it is crucial that your stove is Defra approved to avoid heavy fines. However, even if aren’t in a zone that is smoke-free it’s worthwhile to consider an exempt defra stove since they are better for the environment and your chimney system as well.
Defra has endorsed wood burning stoves as as multi-fuel stoves that have passed the UK Smoke Control Areas legislation. When you purchase a new stove, be sure it is equipped with the Defra approval badge so that you can be assured that it meets the requirements of the law.
There are two ways to get Defra-approved. One option is to make your stove and fuels Defra approved by having them tested, which can be very expensive. Another option is to purchase a Defra approved stove and make use of Defra approved fuels. It is cheaper to buy an approved stove by Defra however, you must consult your local council first if you aren’t sure if you live in a smoke control area.
In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for protecting the environment and controls including air quality. It also leads for the United Kingdom in international negotiations on agricultural, fisheries and environmental matters. The department was created in 2001 following the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and a part of the Home Office. The department is managed by one cabinet member, who reports directly to the Prime Minister.
Approved for Multi-fuel Stoves
DEFRA approved stoves have been tested for low emissions and high efficiency. They are suitable for smoke-free areas and can burn logs, coal and wood. These stoves come in various sizes and styles, and are installed or freestanding. They are perfect for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their heating bills.
The Defra Logo is easily identifiable and widely used in the industry. It is often found on the title and specification sheets of many stoves, and signifies that the stove is able to burn authorized fuels in areas that are smoke-controlled. Some stoves will also have an SE (smoke-exempt) logo which means they are legal to install in a smoke-controlled location when burning approved fuels.
Defra approved wood burning stoves are often more efficient than older models and come with the most recent clean combustion technology. Many top stove makers, such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have developed secondary and third-generation combustion systems to increase the efficiency of their products.
If you live in a smoke control area and do not have a DEFRA approved stove, you could be punished up to PS1000. You can avoid this by ensuring that the stove you buy is DEFRA approved prior to buying it.
A DEFRA approved stove is the most efficient way to warm your home whilst being eco-friendly. A DEFRA approved wood burning stove can aid in reducing your energy bills, and prevent smoke from bothering neighbours. We have a large choice of multifuel and wood burning stoves that are defra stoves approved, so you’re sure to find the right one for your home. There are even a few models that are DEFRA approved and Eco Design 2022 compliant to provide you with the best of both worlds! Explore the selection to find what’s available.