Why Buying a DEFRA Stove is Important If You Live in a Smoke Control Area
Buying a wood stove is a decision that is entirely personal and there are a variety of factors to consider. If you live in a region that has smoke control it is essential to use a DEFRA-approved stove.
DEFRA approved stoves, also known as smoke exempt stoves are multi fuel wood-burning appliances that have been independently tested and proved to be able to reduce the amount of emissions. This permits them to burn approved fuels like lekto night, or to heat logs in Smoke Control Areas.
Cleaner Burning
Wood burning stoves are becoming more popular because people are realizing that they can help reduce greenhouse gases and save money on their electricity bills. This is great news for the environment, but it is essential to only use dry, clean wood in your stove to ensure that the emissions are as low as is possible. You can relax in the fire and not be concerned about the impact it will have on the environment if purchase a DEFRA-approved stove.

A Defra approved appliance (also known as a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance) has been tested to ensure that it complies with the strict government standards regarding the amount of smoke produced. These stoves are able to be used in smoke controlled areas where burning fuel that is not approved is not permitted, and they will also work with a wider range of fuels than non-Defra approved models.
The Defra logo is usually displayed on the product's page. The UK government department DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) is very strict in its rules regarding what is allowed to be burned in smoke control areas. A stove that is not approved could result in a fine. The Defra approval means that you can be certain that your stove will be safe to use with approved fuels in zones of smoke control, and it is a good idea to determine if your home is located in a Smoke Control Area prior to buying the stove.
The DEFRA woodburner can reduce particle emissions by up to 80 percent compared to older stoves. These stoves have been shown to reduce particulate emissions up to 80% due to the cleaner combustion technology built into them. This helps to improve the quality of indoor air and reduces the health risks posed by pollution of the air, particularly in low income households that rely on traditional wood stoves for heating.
Better Heat Output
DEFRA stoves have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that they are in compliance with the UK government's strict regulations. They are emission-free and a high efficiency of combustion which aids in cutting down on waste. As well as being environmentally friendly, it means you'll receive a higher heat output from your stove, which means you'll need less wood to keep your home warm.
The stoves approved by Defra can also be used in smoke control zones and with fuels like peat and wood. They have been independently tested and proved to burn wood so efficiently that it does not produce smoke. Air wash systems are attached to them, helping to cleanse the glass and get rid of any tar deposits.
In fact, they are so effective in cutting down smoke that the UK government has enacted legislation to prevent people from burning fuel that is not authorized in their homes. It is unlawful to release dark smoke from any chimney, unless it is exempted or burning a fuel that is authorised, such as wood. If you live in an area that has smoke controls you'll need an approved DEFRA-approved stove or Ecodesign ready wood burner.
Stovax Edge is one of our most sought-after DEFRA approved stoves. This stunning multi-fuel burner comes with five kW of heat output. It is designed to be as energy-efficient as is possible and has been awarded the highest quality of environmental standards - ClearSkies 5.
It's important to know that DEFRA approval doesn't mean that your stove is efficient. However it is important to look for models with an efficient rating. The more efficient the stove the greater the amount of fuel can be converted into heat and lower your heating bills.
If you're looking for a wood-burning stove with a Defra approved design, check out for models that have a 5" flue outlet as they can be used with a 5" liner. This is a great choice if your chimney stack cannot accommodate a 6" liner. DEFRA stoves installation could also help you save money on installation. The Stove Yard installed a number Defra-approved wood stoves that have 5" outlets as a result and found the customers happy because they were able to avoid the cost of upgrading to larger chimney liner.
Reduced Emissions
It is essential to make use of a DEFRA approved stove if you live in an area where smoke control is enforced. These stoves are able to burn coal, wood and other kinds of smokeless fuels without releasing any smoke. This is because they've been tested to ensure they adhere to strict regulations set by the government. In the end, DEFRA multi-fuel stoves have become popular. They are available from many online retailers as in retail stores all over the UK.
The term DEFRA approved stove is often mistaken for the more formal title of the DEFRA exempt stove, but these are two different things. The term DEFRA exempt refers to the fact that the stove has been pre-approved by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) so that you are legally able to burn certain fuels in your home. If you reside in a smoke-free area and do not have a DEFRA exempt stove, you'll be penalized by PS1000.
Stoves that have been approved by DEFRA have met the stringent requirements of the Ecodesign Directive. This directive sets an upper limit of 40 micrograms for each cubic metre the amount of airborne particulates which can be released by the flue gases from a stove in normal operation. In the end, modern, clean burning stoves such as those made by Arada produce considerably lower levels of particulates. If you replace an older stove with a more modern model, you can cut down your emissions of particulates by up to 90%..
A Defra-approved stove can be used to burn a variety of fuels that include smokeless coal, briquettes and logs. The stove will generate a lot of light, heat, and flames with the fuels that you select. It will also provide the highest level of combustion, so you will be able to gain the most heat from your fuel as you can.
The primary pollutant produced by solid fuels, such as wood is ultra-fine particulate matter, often referred to as PM2.5. This can cause irritation of the eyes and aggravate asthma symptoms. Switching an older stove to one that is DEFRA approved stove can cut particulate emissions by up to 80 percent, while replacing an open fire would reduce them by up to 90%!
Easy Maintenance
When choosing a stove for the home, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. Take into consideration the design, materials, the output of heat and more. If you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, there's another important thing to keep in mind choosing an DEFRA approved stove.
Defra approved appliances can burn a wide range of smokeless and wood fuels and do not emit any noxious smoke. They have been thoroughly inspected to ensure they meet the strict requirements for emissions and smoke levels.
A stove that is Defra-approved is more environmentally friendly than older stove generations. The latest models are designed with clean-burning technology, making them less harmful emissions. Many stove manufacturers like Arada, Stovax, and Hi-Flame, have developed secondary and tertiary-burning systems to further reduce the emissions from their stoves, which has decreased the amount of smoke they release.
A Defra stove is also easier to maintain. Because they burn cleaner and efficiently, you'll notice that you don't need to clean the stove or flue system quite often. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your stove and keep it working efficiently for a longer period of time.
You may have heard about a DEFRA wood stove, but you're not sure what it is. A Defra stove is a wood burner that has been endorsed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) to allow it to be employed in Smoke Control Areas. You might have a wood burning stove in your home, but it's not Defra approved so you could be in violation of the law using it.
Buying a Defra stove will not only help you stay clear of the possibility of breaking the law, but it will also save you money on fuel costs and make your neighbors happy. There are numerous reasons to consider why a Defra stove is the best choice for your home and don't hesitate to contact us at Choice Stoves if you have any concerns.