What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A defra-approved stove is a wood-burning stove that has been approved by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This permits them to use in Smoke Control Areas within the UK.
Defra is an English government department that is responsible for the environment, food production, standards, agriculture and a thriving rural economy. Defra has also developed effective protocols to manage notifiable diseases.
Approved by Defra
Defra approved stoves, also referred as Defra smoke-free stoves, are wood burning and multi fuel stoves that meet the government's emission requirements for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards do not prohibit wood stoves from being used in smoke control areas however, they limit the amount of smoke that can be generated by the stoves.
We are pleased to offer an extensive selection of defra-approved stoves from top brands like Arada, Burley Parkray, and Stovax. All of our Defra-approved stoves have the latest clean burning technology. They feature secondary and tertiary systems that cut down on emissions. This results in less smoke coming out of the chimney and also leaves a smaller ecological footprint.
Defra approved disinfectants are able to clean and disinfect surfaces, including farms, buildings, containers and vehicles. The Defra approved disinfectants list is maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which charges an amount to approve new back-to-back approved trade names for disinfectants. APHA can also retest a product's efficacy any time. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants without the requirement to submit a sample.
Approved for Smoke Control Areas
Many areas of the UK are classed as Smoke Control Areas, meaning you are only allowed to burn fuels that are approved or appliances that are exempt from being used. This is in order to reduce air pollution caused by burning unauthorised fuels, which can cause nuisance smoke and ash build up. To avoid violating the law and getting fined, you must only burn wood logs in an approved DEFRA stove, fire or fireplace. Stovax offer a broad range of wood and multi fuel fireplaces, stoves and fires that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
The stoves have passed the strict DEFRA emissions tests and have the lowest levels of smoke that are permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn different types of fuels like logs, anthracite or semi-anthracite Briquettes, or manufactured smokeless fuels such as heat logs. They can also be used to burn electricity, gas and steam coal that is low volatile or any combination of these. On the DEFRA website, you can find a complete list of approved fuels.
When choosing a stove for your home, look for the DEFRA logo, which can be found on the website of the manufacturer or at their showrooms. If they have the 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 areas. You will still need an appropriate chimney lining however, the smaller 5kW stoves are able to be fitted with a 5" twin-wall stainless steel liner rather than the standard 6" liner.
If you don't have a DEFRA approved stove you may be able to obtain an authorization from your local authority to burn non-approved fuels in your home. You'll need to look on the DEFRA site to see whether an exemption is available. There are other rules to follow, such as installing smoke alarms. You must also adhere to the rules of 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 and not cause excessive emissions. These fuels, referred to as 'Smokeless Coal or Heat Logs They have been tested to ensure they meet the requirements of Defra's Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are an excellent alternative to logs made from real wood, since they are less pollutant and emit less smoke than traditional logs.
Before the smoke control zones were established, residents could burn whatever they wanted. This led to health issues and air pollution for those living in urban areas. Since the rules came into place, Defra has worked to reduce the amount of pollution in these areas by regulating what is allowed to be used in stoves and fireplaces.
If you live in a smoke controlled area, it is essential that your stove is Defra approved to ensure that you don't risk paying huge fines for violating the rules. However, even if you don't live in a zone that is smoke-free, it is still worth investing in a defra exempt stove as they are safer for the environment and the chimney system too.
DEFRA legislation stoves approves wood-burning stoves and multi fuel stoves that have been tested to ensure compliance with the UK's Smoke Control Areas legislation. If you're buying a new stove, ensure that it is branded with a Defra approved badge. This will guarantee that it complies with all required regulations.
There are two primary ways to get Defra-approved. One way is to make your stove and fuels Defra approved by having them tested, which is very expensive. You can also purchase an approved stove from Defra and use only fuels that are approved by Defra. It is cheaper to use a Defra approved stove, however, you must consult your local council first if you aren't sure if you live in a zone of smoke control.
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 regarding agricultural, environmental 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 cabinet members.
Approved for Multi-fuel Stoves
DEFRA approved stoves are tested for low emissions and efficiency. These stoves are suitable for use in smoke exempt areas and can burn various types of fuel such as coal, wood and logs. These stoves are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and can be installed or freestanding. They are the ideal stove for those looking to reduce their heating costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
The Defra Logo is easily identifiable and widely used in the industry. It is often seen on the titles and specification sheets of various stoves and indicates that the stove can be used to burn authorised fuels in smoke-controlled areas. In certain instances, the stove may also bear an SE (smoke exempt) logo, which indicates that the stove can be legally installed in a smoke-control area when burning fuels that are approved.
Defra approved wood burning stoves are typically more efficient than older models and offer the latest clean combustion technology. Numerous top stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have developed secondary and tertiary combustible systems to improve the efficiency of their stoves.
If you live in an area where smoke is regulated and you're not using a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance, you could face a fine of up to PS1000. You can avoid this by making sure that the stove you purchase is DEFRA approved prior to buying it.
A DEFRA-approved stove is the best and most green method of heating your home. A DEFRA approved wood burning stove will aid in reducing your energy costs, and prevent smoke from bothering neighbors. We have a large choice of multifuel and wood burning stoves that are DEFRA approved which means you're bound to find the ideal one for your home. There are a few models which are both DEFRA-approved and Eco Design-2022 compliant which means you get the best of both! Explore the selection to find the options available.