What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A defra-approved stove is a wood-burning stove which has been approved by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This permits them to be used in Smoke Control Areas in the UK.
Defra the English government department that is responsible for the environment, food production, standards agriculture, and a flourishing rural economy. Defra also sets solid protocols to deal with known diseases.
Approved by Defra
Defra approved stoves, also referred as Defra smoke-free stoves, are wood burning and multi fuel stoves that meet the emission standards of the government for use in Smoke Control Areas. The new standards don't bar wood stoves from being used in smoke control areas, but they do restrict the amount of smoke that can be produced by them.
At ESSE we are proud to offer a wide range of stoves that are defra approved from the top manufacturers, including Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra approved stoves offer the most recent clean burning technology. This means that they are equipped with secondary and secondary combustion systems that help to reduce emissions, resulting in less smoke emitted from the chimney, and leaving a more environmentally friendly footprint.
Defra approved products can be used to disinfect and clean hard surfaces like farms, buildings and vehicles. The Animal and Plant Health Agency maintains the Defra approved list of disinfectants. They charge a fee for new back-toback approval trade names. APHA can also test the effectiveness of a disinfectant at any time. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants, without the need to submit a sample.
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 appliances or burn fuels that have been approved. This is to reduce air pollution from burning unauthorised fuels that cause nuisance smoke and ash builds up. To avoid violating the law and getting fined, you must only burn wood logs using a DEFRA-approved stove, fire or fireplace. Stovax has a range of multi-fuel stoves, wood and fireplaces that are DEFRA-approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
The stoves have passed the strict DEFRA emissions tests and are able to meet the minimum smoke levels that are permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn different types of fuels like logs, anthracite or semi-anthracite briquettes, and manufactured smokeless fuels like heat logs. They can also be used to burn gas, electricity, steam coal that is low volatile or any combination of these. You can find a list of all the approved fuels on the DEFRA website.
When choosing a stove for your home, look out for the DEFRA logo, which can be found on the website of the manufacturer or in their showrooms. If the stove is stamped with the logo, you can be certain that it is Defra-approved use in smoke-controlled areas. It can burn wood within these zones. It is still necessary to install an appropriate chimney liner, however the narrower 5kW stoves are generally more affordable and easier to install than larger models since 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 able to get a licence from your local authority to burn unapproved fuels in your home. You'll need to go to the DEFRA website to determine if you can apply for an exemption. There are rules to be adhered to for example, installing a smoke detector. It's also worth noting that if you own an open fire, BBQ or garden chiminea, you'll be required to follow the same guidelines as Smoke Control Areas.
Approved for Smokeless Fuels
To be defra approved wood burners must be able to burn approved smokeless fuels and not cause excessive emissions. These fuels, referred to as 'Smokeless coal' or Logs', have been tested to ensure that they meet the requirements of the Defra's Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a fantastic alternative to logs made from real wood, because they are less smoky and produce less fumes than the seasoned logs.
Before the smoke control zones were established residents were allowed to burn whatever they wanted. This caused air pollution and health problems for people who lived in urban areas. Since the regulations were put in place, Defra worked to reduce the amount of pollution in these areas. They achieved this by regulating the types of fuel that can be burnt in fireplaces and stoves.
If you live in a smoking area, it is important that your stove is Defra approved to avoid heavy fines. Even if you don't reside in a smoke-free area purchasing a defra exempt stove is worth it. They are better for your chimney system and the environment.
Defra has endorsed wood burning stoves as well multi-fuel stoves which have passed the UK Smoke Control Areas legislation. If you are buying a new stove, make sure it has an Defra approved badge. This will guarantee that it complies with all legal requirements.
There are two primary methods to become approved by Defra. The first way to become Defra-approved is by having your stove and fuels tested. This is a very expensive procedure. You can also purchase an approved stove from Defra and only use fuels that are Defra-approved. This may be less expensive however it is best to check with your local council if you are unsure if you are in the Smoke Control Area.
In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for protecting the environment and control for air quality, among other things. It also leads for the United Kingdom in international negotiations regarding fisheries, agricultural 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 is part of the Home Office. It is overseen by an appointed 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. They are suitable for smoke-free areas and can burn wood, coal and logs. They are available in a range of sizes and styles and can be inset or freestanding. The stoves are ideal for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their heating costs.
The Defra logo is easy to spot and is widely used by the industry. The Defra logo can be seen on the specification sheets and title pages of many stoves. It signifies that the appliance can burn authorised fuels within smoke controlled areas. Some stoves will also have an SE (smoke-exempt) logo which means they can be installed legally in a smoke-controlled location when burning approved fuels.
Defra approved wood burning stoves are usually more efficient than older models and come with the latest clean combustion technology. Many top stove manufacturers such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have developed third-generation and secondary combustion systems to improve the efficiency of their products.
If you reside in an area where smoking is controlled and you're not using a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance, you could face a fine of up to PS1000. You can get around this by making sure that the stove you buy is DEFRA-approved prior to purchasing it.
A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance is the most green way to heat your home. www.fireplacesandstove.com approved wood burning stove will aid in reducing your energy bills, and prevent smoke from bothering neighbors. You're sure find the perfect DEFRA-approved multifuel or wood burning stove for your home. There are a few models that are both DEFRA approved and Eco Design 2022 compliant to give you the best of both worlds! Explore the options and find out the options available.