What is a
DEFRA stoves features 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 allows
affordable stoves to be used in Smoke Control Areas in the UK.
Defra is an English government department that is responsible for protecting the environment, food production and standards agriculture, as well as an thriving economy of the countryside. Defra has also created robust protocols to manage notifiable diseases.
Approved by Defra
Defra approved stoves, also referred as Defra smoke exempt stoves, are wood burning and multi fuel stoves that meet 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 can produce while in operation.
At ESSE we are pleased to stock a great range of defra-approved stoves from the top manufacturers, including Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra-approved stoves come with the most modern clean burning technology. This means that they are equipped with secondary and tertiary 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 for cleaning and disinfecting 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 a fee to approve new back-to-back approval trade names for disinfectants. APHA can also test a disinfectant's efficacy at anytime. This is performed without submitting a sample, and the results will be then 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 use fuels that are authorised or appliances that are exempt from being used. This is to lessen the pollution of the air caused by burning unauthorised fuels which can cause nuisance smoke and ash. Most towns and cities are in this category, and to avoid breaking the law and receiving an infringement charge, you must use an DEFRA approved stove, fire or fireplace to burn wood logs. Stovax has a range of wood and multi-fuel stoves and fireplaces that are DEFRA-approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
The stoves have passed the strict DEFRA emissions tests and meet the minimum levels of smoke permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used with a variety fuels like logs, anthracite and semi-anthracite coal Briquettes, briquettes, or 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 can find a complete list of approved fuels.
Look for the DEFRA Logo on the website of the manufacturer or in their showrooms when choosing a stove. If the stove you choose has the logo, you can be sure that it has been approved by Defra for use in smoke-controlled areas and can burn wood within these zones. You'll still need to install an appropriate chimney liner but the 5kW smaller stoves are usually simpler and less expensive to install than larger models because they can be used with a 5" twin wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6" liner.
You may be able get an approval from your local authority if don't own a DEFRA-approved stove. This permits you to use fuels that are not approved for use in your home. You'll need to go to the DEFRA website to find out if you can apply for an exemption. There are certain guidelines to follow for example, installing a smoke detector. You must also follow the rules for Smoke Control Areas if you have a garden chiminea or BBQ.
Approved for Smokeless Fuels
To be defra-approved, wood burners need to be able to burn fuels that are smokeless authorised by the government, without generating excessive emissions. These fuels are often referred to as 'Smokeless Coal or 'Heat Logs which have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure they meet the requirements set by Defra for Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a great alternative to logs made from real wood, because they are less smoky and emit less smoke than traditional logs.
Before the smoke control zones were erected residents were able to burn whatever they wanted. This led to pollution of the air and health issues for people who lived in urban areas. Since the rules were put in place, Defra worked to reduce the amount of pollution in these areas. They achieved this by regulating the kinds of fuels that can be burned in stoves and fireplaces.
If you live in a smoking area, it is crucial that your stove be Defra approved to avoid hefty fines. Even if you do not live in a smoke-controlled area buying a defra-exempt stove is worth it. They are safer for your chimney system as well as the environment.
Defra approves wood burning stoves as well as multi fuel stoves that have been tested for conformity with the UK's Smoke Control Areas legislation. If you're buying a new stove make sure it has a Defra approved badge. This will guarantee that it meets all the necessary legislation.
There are two primary methods to become approved by Defra. The first method to become Defra-approved is to have the stove and fuels tested. This is a very expensive process. You can also buy a stove that is Defra-approved and only use fuels that are Defra-approved. It is cheaper to buy a Defra approved stove, but you should still check with your local council first if you are not sure if you reside in a zone of smoke control.
In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for environmental protection and control including air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations on environmental, agricultural and fisheries issues. The department was established in 2001 as a result of the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and
Affordable Stoves is a part of the Home Office. It is overseen by an appointed cabinet member who is accountable to the Prime Minister and other cabinet members.
Approved for Multi-fuel Stoves
DEFRA approved stoves have been tested for low emissions and high efficiency. These stoves can be used in smoke exempt zones and can burn a variety of fuel types including wood, coal, and logs. They come in a variety of styles and sizes and can be inset 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 recognized and is widely used by the industry. It is typically seen on the titles and specification sheets of various stoves, and signifies that the appliance is capable of burning authorised fuels in smoke-controlled areas. Some stoves may also feature an SE (smoke-exempt) logo which means that they are legal to install in a smoke-controlled area when burning approved fuels.
Wood burning stoves that have been inspected by Defra feature the latest in clean combustion technology and are typically more efficient. Numerous top stove manufacturers, 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 an area where smoke is regulated and you're not using a DEFRA-approved stove, you could face penalties of 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 environmentally friendly method of heating your home.