What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A defra-approved stove is a stove that burns wood that has been tested and passed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This allows them to use in Smoke Control Areas within the UK.
Defra the English government department, is responsible for the environment, food production, standards agriculture, and a thriving rural economy. Defra also establishes solid protocols to deal with known diseases.
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 do not restrict the use of wood stoves in these areas, but only limit the amount of smoke they emit when operating.
At ESSE we are pleased to stock a great selection of defra approved stoves from top manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra-approved stoves have the latest technology for clean burning. This means they come with secondary and third-party combustion systems that aid to reduce emissions, resulting in less noxious smoke coming from the chimney and leaving a smaller environmental footprint.
Defra approved products are suitable to clean and disinfect hard surfaces such as buildings, farm equipment and vehicles. The Defra approved disinfectants list is maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which charges an amount to approve new back-to-back approval trade names used for disinfectants. APHA can also test a product's efficacy any time. This can be performed without submitting a sample, and the results will be then added to the approved disinfectants list.
Approved for Smoke Control Areas
Smoke Control Areas are found in several areas of the UK. This means that you are able to only use exempt devices or burn fuels that have been approved. This is to reduce air pollution caused by burning fuels that are not approved, causing nuisance smoke and ash to build up. Most towns and cities are in this category. To avoid violating the law and obtaining a fine you must only make use of the DEFRA approved stove, fire or fireplace to burn wood logs. Stovax have a wide range of wood and multi-fuel stoves, fires and fireplaces that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
The stoves have passed the strict DEFRA emissions tests and have met the minimum smoke levels that are permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used with a variety of fuels like logs, anthracite, semi-anthracite coal brquettes, as well as manufactured smokeless fuels, such as the heat logs. You can also use them to burn electricity, gas or low volatile steam, or a mixture of these. On the DEFRA website, you can see a complete list approved fuels.
When choosing a stove for your home, search for the DEFRA logo which is found on the manufacturers website or in their showrooms. If they have the logo then you can be sure that the stove is Defra approved for use in smoke-controlled areas and can be used to use wood to cook in these areas. It is still necessary to have an appropriate chimney liner, but the smaller 5kW stoves can be equipped with a 5" twin-wall stainless steel liner rather than the standard 6" liner.
If you do not have a DEFRA approved stove you may be able to obtain a licence from your local authority to burn unapproved fuels in your home. You will need to visit the DEFRA website to find out whether you qualify for an exemption, and there are specific rules that must be followed for example, installing a smoke detector. Also, you must adhere to the rules of Smoke Control Areas if you have an outdoor barbecue or garden chiminea.
Approved for Smokeless Fuels
To be defra-approved wood burners must be able burn smokeless fuels that are approved by the government without producing excessive emissions. These fuels are commonly referred to as 'Smokeless Coal' or 'Heat Logs and have passed rigorous tests to make sure that they meet the requirements set out by Defra for Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are an excellent alternative to logs made from real wood because they are less smoky and produce less smoke than traditional logs.
Before the rules for smoke control areas were put in place, residents could burn whatever they wanted and this caused an abundance of air pollution, which caused health issues for those living in built-up areas. Since the rules were enacted, Defra worked to reduce the amount of pollutants that are present in these areas. They did this by regulating kinds of fuel that could be used in stoves and fireplaces.
If you reside in a smoke-free area, then it is crucial that your stove is Defra approved to ensure that you don't face hefty fines for breaking the rules. Even if you do not live in a smoke-controlled area, investing in a defra-exempt stove is a good idea. They are safer for your chimney and the environment.
Defra approves wood-burning stoves and multi fuel stoves that have been tested for compliance with the UK's Smoke Control Areas legislation. When buying a new stove, be sure it is equipped with the Defra approval badge to be assured that it meets the requirements of the law.
There are two methods to get Defra approved. One method is to make your stove and the fuels Defra approved by having them tested, which is very expensive. You can also purchase an approved stove from Defra and use only fuels that are approved by Defra. This may be less expensive, but it is still recommended to consult your local council if you are unsure if you live in the Smoke Control Area.
In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for protecting the environment and control including air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom in international negotiations on agricultural, fisheries and environmental issues. The department was created in 2001 when it was merged with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and some of the Home Office. The department is overseen by a cabinet member who is directly accountable to the Prime Minister.
Approved for Multi Fuel Stoves
DEFRA approved stoves have been tested for low emissions and high efficiency. These stoves are suitable for use in smoke exempt zones and can burn different types of fuel including coal, wood, and logs. They are available in a range of sizes and styles. my explanation can be either freestanding or inset. They are the ideal stove for those who wish to reduce their heating costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
The Defra logo is easy to spot and has been widely adopted by the industry. It is often seen on the title and specification sheets of many stoves, and signifies that the stove is capable of burning authorised fuels in smoke-controlled areas. In some cases the stove will also have an SE (smoke exempt) logo that signifies that the stove is able to be legally installed in a smoke control area when burning fuels that are approved.
Defra approved wood burning stoves are typically more efficient than older models and offer 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 boost the efficiency of their products.
If you live in a smoke control area and do not have a DEFRA approved stove, then you could be penalized up to PS1000. You can avoid this by making sure that the stove you purchase is DEFRA-approved prior to purchasing it.
A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance is the most green way to heat your home. A DEFRA approved wood burning stove can help you save money on your energy costs, and prevent smoke from bothering neighbors. You're sure find the perfect DEFRA-approved wood burning or multifuel stove for your home. You can even find some models that are both DEFRA approved and Eco Design 2022 compliant to give you the best of both options! Browse the range and discover the options available.