What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A defra approved stove is a stove that burns wood that has been tested and passed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This allows them to use in Smoke Control Areas within the UK.
Defra, an English government department, is responsible for the environment, food production standards agriculture, and a flourishing rural economy. Defra has also developed effective protocols for tackling notifiable illnesses.
Approved by Defra
Defra approved wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves meet the government's emission standards for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards do not prohibit wood stoves from being used in smoke control zones, but they do limit the amount of smoke that can be produced by these stoves.
At ESSE we are pleased to carry a large range of defra-approved stoves from top manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra approved stoves offer the most recent clean burning technology. They feature secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. This results in less smoke coming out of the chimney and leaves a less carbon-based footprint.
Defra approved disinfectants are able to clean and disinfect surfaces, including farms, buildings, containers and vehicles. The Animal and Plant Health Agency maintains the Defra approved list of disinfectants. They charge a fee to obtain new back-to-back approvals of trade names. APHA can also retest a product's efficacy any time. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants, without the requirement of submitting a sample.
Approved for Smoke Control Areas
Many areas of the UK are classed as Smoke Control Areas, meaning you can only use fuels that are authorised or appliances exempt from the regulations. This is to help reduce air pollution caused by burning unauthorised fuels, which can cause nuisance smoke and ash to build up. To avoid breaking the law or getting fined, you should only burn wood logs in an approved DEFRA stove, fire or fireplace. Stovax offer a broad range of wood and multi fuel stoves, fires and fireplaces that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
The stoves have passed the strict DEFRA emissions tests and are able to meet the minimum levels of smoke that are permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn different types of fuels like logs, anthracite and semi-anthracite briquettes, and manufactured smokeless fuels, such as heat logs. They can also be used to burn electricity, gas, steam coal with low volatile, or any 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 when you are looking for the stove. If the stove is marked with the DEFRA logo then you can be sure that the stove is Defra approved for use in smoke-controlled zones and is able to use wood to cook in these areas. It is still necessary to use a chimney liner that is suitable, however the narrower 5kW stoves are usually more affordable and easier to install than larger models as they can be used with 5" twin wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6" liner.
If you do not have an DEFRA approved stove, you might be eligible to obtain an approval from your local authority to use non-approved fuels in your home. You'll have to check the DEFRA site to see if an exemption is available. There are a few guidelines to follow for installing a smoke alarm. You must also comply with the rules for Smoke Control Areas if you have an outdoor chiminea or BBQ.
Approved for Smokeless Fuels
To be approved by Defra, wood burners need to be able to burn fuels that are smokeless authorised by the government, without generating excessive emissions. These fuels, referred to as 'Smokeless Coal ' or 'Heat Logs are tested to ensure they comply with the requirements of the Defra's Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a great alternative to real logs as they are less smoky and produce less smoke than seasoned logs.
Before the regulations for smoke control areas were put in place residents could burn whatever they wanted to and this led to an abundance of air pollution which caused health problems for those living in built-up areas. Since the rules came into place, Defra has worked to reduce the amount of pollutants in these areas by regulating what is allowed to be burned in fireplaces and stoves.
If you live in a smoke controlled area, then it is crucial that your stove is Defra approved so that you don't have to pay huge fines for breaking the rules. However, even if aren't in a smoke controlled area it's still worthwhile to consider a defra exempt stove as they are better for the environment and the chimney system as well.
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 are buying a new stove, make sure it is branded with a Defra approved badge. This will guarantee that the stove is compliant with all necessary legislation.
There are two primary ways to become Defra approved. One method is to make your stove and the fuels Defra approved by having them tested, which is very expensive. Another option is to purchase a Defra approved stove and make use of Defra approved fuels in it. It is more affordable to use an approved stove from Defra, however, you must check with your local council first if you are not sure if you reside in a smoke-free zone.
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 in international negotiations on agricultural, fisheries and environmental issues. The department was created in 2001 through the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food as well as the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and a portion of the Home Office. The department is managed by one cabinet member, who reports directly to the Prime Minister.
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 various types of fuel including wood, coal, and logs. They come in various sizes and styles, and are installed 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 recognizable and widely used by the industry. The Defra logo is often located on the title and specification sheets of various stoves. It signifies that the appliance can burn approved fuels in smoke-controlled areas. Some stoves also sport a 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 technology for clean combustion and are typically more efficient. Many top stove manufacturers such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have developed secondary and third-generation combustion systems to boost the efficiency of their products.
If you live in a zone of smoke control and do not have a DEFRA approved stove, then you could be penalized up to PS1000. To avoid this, ensure that the stove is DEFRA approved prior to buying it.
order DEFRA stoves online -approved stove is the best and most environmentally friendly way to heat your home. A DEFRA approved wood burning stove can help you save on your energy bills, and also prevent smoke from affecting neighbours. 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, so you can have the best of both! Browse the range and discover what's available.