What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A defra-approved stove is a wood burning stove that has been inspected and approved by the UK Government's 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 responsible for protecting the environment as well as food production and standards, agriculture, and a flourishing rural economy. Defra has also developed robust protocols to manage notifiable diseases.
Approved by Defra
Defra approved wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves comply with the standards of emission set by the government for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards do not prohibit the use of wood stoves in these areas, but only restrict the amount of smoke they can produce while operating.
At ESSE we are pleased to carry a large range of defra-approved stoves from the top manufacturers, including Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our approved stoves come with the most modern technology for clean burning. They have secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. This results in less smoke coming out of the chimney and leaves a more eco-friendly footprint.
Defra approved products can be used to disinfect and clean hard surfaces like farm equipment, 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 approval of trade names. APHA can also retest the effectiveness of a product at any time. This can be done without submitting an actual sample. The results will be added to the approved list of disinfectants.
Approved for Smoke Control Areas
A lot of areas in the UK are classified as Smoke Control Areas, meaning you can only burn authorised fuels or exempt appliances. This is in order to reduce air pollution from burning unauthorised fuels, which can cause nuisance smoke and ash to build up. The majority of cities and towns are in this category, and to avoid breaking the law and receiving an infringement charge, you must make use of an DEFRA approved fireplace, stove or fire to burn wood logs. Stovax has a range of wood and multi-fuel stoves as well as fireplaces and fires that are DEFRA-approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
These stoves have passed strict DEFRA emissions tests and are able to meet the minimum levels of smoke that are permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn a variety of fuels including logs, anthracite and semi-anthracite Briquettes, or manufactured smokeless fuels like heat logs. They can also be used to burn gas, electricity, low volatile steam coal or any combination of these. On the DEFRA website, you will find a complete list of approved fuels.
Look for the DEFRA Logo on the website of the manufacturer or in their showrooms when you are looking for a stove. If the stove is marked with the DEFRA logo then you can be sure that the stove is Defra approved to be used in smoke-free areas and can be used to burn wood in these zones. You'll still require 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.
You may be able get an authorization from your local authority if you don't have a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance. This will allow you to burn fuels that are not permitted in your home. You'll need to look on the DEFRA site to see whether an exemption is available. There are also certain rules to follow for installing smoke alarms. 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 defra approved wood burners must be able to burn approved smokeless fuels, without causing excessive emissions. These fuels, referred to as 'Smokeless coal' or Logs', have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure they meet the requirements of Defra's Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are an excellent alternative to real logs, because they are less smoky and emit less smoke than seasoned logs.
Before the smoke control zones were put in place, residents could burn whatever they wanted. This led to pollution of the air and health issues for those living in urban areas. Since the regulations were put in place, Defra worked to reduce the amount pollutants in these areas. They achieved this by regulating the kinds of fuels that can be burnt in fireplaces and stoves.
If you reside in a smoke-free area, then it is essential that your stove is Defra approved to ensure that you don't risk paying huge fines for violating the rules. Even if you don't live in a smoke-controlled area buying a defra-exempt stove is a good idea. They are safer for your chimney and the environment.
Defra has approved wood burning stoves as well multi-fuel stoves which have passed the UK Smoke Control Areas legislation. When buying a new stove, be sure that it has the Defra approval badge so that you can be assured that it meets the regulations required.
There are two main methods to become Defra-approved. One option is to make your stove and fuels Defra approved by having them tested, which is very expensive. www.fireplacesandstove.com can also buy an approved stove from Defra and use only fuels that are approved by Defra. It is cheaper to buy a Defra approved stove, but you should check with your local council first if you are not sure whether you live in a smoke-free zone.
In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for protecting the environment and control, including those regarding air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations regarding agricultural, environmental and fisheries issues. The department was created in 2001 when it was merged with 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 overseen by an official in the cabinet who reports to the Prime Minister and other members of the cabinet.
Approved for Multi Fuel Stoves
DEFRA approved stoves are tested to ensure low emissions and high efficiency. These stoves are suitable for smoke-free environments and can burn logs, coal or wood. They are available in different sizes and designs, and can be installed or freestanding. They are the ideal stove for those looking to save money on heating bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
The Defra logo is easily identifiable and has been widely adopted by the industry. It is typically found on the title and specification sheets of various stoves, and signifies that the appliance is able to burn authorized fuels in smoke controlled areas. Some stoves may also feature the SE (smoke-exempt) logo, which indicates that they can be installed legally in a smoke-controlled location when burning approved fuels.
Wood burning stoves that are Defra-approved feature the latest technologies for clean combustion and are typically more efficient. Many top stove manufacturers such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have developed third-generation and secondary combustion systems to boost the efficiency of their stoves.
If you live in a smoke-free zone and do not have a DEFRA approved stove, then you could be fined up to PS1000. To avoid this, ensure that the stove is DEFRA approved prior to buying it.
A DEFRA-approved stove is the best and most environmentally friendly method of heating your home. A DEFRA approved wood burning stove can help you save money on your energy bills, and will also stop smoke from causing trouble to neighbors. You're bound to find the perfect DEFRA-approved wood burning or multifuel stove for your home. There are some models that are DEFRA approved and Eco Design 2022 compliant to give you the best of both worlds! Explore the options and find out the options available.