What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A defra approved stove is a wood-burning stove that has been tested and passed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This permits them to be used in Smoke Control Areas within the UK.
Defra is an English government department with responsibility for environmental protection and food production, as well as 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 don't prohibit wood stoves from being used in smoke control zones however, they limit the amount of smoke that can be produced by the stoves.
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 stoves that are Defra-approved have the latest technology for clean burning. This means that they are equipped with secondary and
DEFRA stoves Ratings tertiary combustion systems that help to reduce emissions, resulting in less nuisance smoke coming from the chimney and leaving a greener footprint.
Defra approved products can be used for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces, such as farms, buildings and vehicles. The Animal and Plant Health Agency maintains the Defra approved list of disinfectants. They charge a fee for the introduction of new back-to-back approval of trade names. 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 a sample.
Approved for Smoke Control Areas
Smoke Control Areas are found in many parts of the UK. This means that you are able to only use exempt devices or burn fuels that have been approved. This is done to reduce air pollution that can be caused by burning unauthorised fuels, which create nuisance smoke and ash. The majority of cities and towns are in this category. To avoid violating the law and obtaining a fine you must only use the DEFRA approved fireplace, stove or fire to burn wood logs. Stovax has a range of multi-fuel stoves and wood stoves and fireplaces that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
They have passed the rigorous DEFRA emissions tests and have met the minimum smoke levels that are permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn a variety of fuels including logs, semi-anthracite or anthracite, briquettes or manufactured smokeless fuels like heat logs. They can also be used to burn electricity, gas, steam coal with low volatile, or a combination of these. On the DEFRA website, you will find a complete list of approved fuels.
Look for the DEFRA Logo on the manufacturer's website or in their showrooms if you are considering the stove. If they've got the DEFRA logo, then you are aware that the stove is Defra approved to be used in smoke-free zones and is able to use wood to cook in these areas. You will still need to use a suitable chimney liner, however the narrower 5kW stoves are usually easier and cheaper to fit than larger models since they can be used with 5" twin wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6" liner.
You may be able get an authorization from your local authority if don't own a
defra stoves-approved stove. This will permit you to burn fuels not approved for use in your home. You'll need to go to the DEFRA website to see whether you are eligible for an exemption. There are certain rules to be adhered to for example, having a smoke detector installed. It is also important to note that if you own an open fire, BBQ or garden chimineas, you will be required to follow the same guidelines as Smoke Control Areas.
Approved for Smokeless Fuels
To be approved by Defra, wood burners need to be able burn smokeless fuels authorised by the government without producing excessive emissions. These fuels are often called 'Smokeless Coal' or 'Heat Logs' and have undergone rigorous tests to ensure they meet the requirements set by
DEFRA regulations stoves for Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a fantastic alternative to real logs as they are cleaner and produce less fumes than the seasoned logs.
Before the rules for smoke control zones were in place, residents could burn whatever they wanted and this caused an abundance of air pollution that caused health issues for people living in areas with built-up structures. Since the regulations were put in place, Defra worked to reduce the amount of pollutants that are present in these areas. They did this by regulating the kinds of fuel that could be burnt in stoves and fireplaces.
If you live in a smoking area, it is important that your stove be Defra approved to avoid hefty fines. Even if you don't reside in a smoking-controlled area purchasing a defra exempt stove is worth it. They are safer for your chimney system as well as 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 you purchase a new stove, make sure it is equipped with the Defra approval badge so that you can be sure that it is compliant with the necessary legislation.
There are two main methods to get Defra approved. One method is to make your stove and the fuels Defra approved by having them tested, which can be very expensive. You can also purchase a stove that is Defra-approved and use only fuels that are approved by Defra. It is more affordable to use a Defra approved stove, but you should inquire with your local council first if not sure if you reside in a smoke-free zone.
In England in England, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for protecting the environment and controls for air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations on environmental, agricultural and fisheries issues. The department was created 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 a part of the Home Office. It is overseen by an appointed cabinet member who reports to the Prime Minister and other members of the cabinet.
Approved for Multi Fuel Stoves
DEFRA approved stoves have been tested for low emissions and high efficiency. These stoves are suitable for smoke-free environments and can be used to burn logs, coal and wood. These stoves are available in different sizes and styles, and can be installed or freestanding. They are the ideal stove for those who wish to reduce their heating costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
The Defra Logo is easily identifiable and is widely used by the industry. It is often found on the title and specification sheets of various stoves and indicates that the appliance can be used to burn authorised fuels in smoke controlled areas. Some stoves will also have an SE (smoke-exempt) logo which means they are legal to use in a smoke-controlled area when burning approved fuels.
Wood burning stoves that have been inspected by Defra offer the latest technology for clean combustion and are typically more efficient. A number of top stove makers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have created secondary and tertiary combustion systems to further enhance the efficiency of their stoves.
If you reside in a smoke-free zone and are not using a DEFRA approved stove, then you could be punished up to PS1000. You can get around this by making sure that the stove you buy is
DEFRA stoves ratings-approved before purchasing it.
A DEFRA approved stove is the best option to heat your home while being eco-friendly.