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Why You Should Concentrate On Improving DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved
What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?

If you reside in an zone where smoke is controlled and are looking to purchase a wood-burning fireplace it is essential to select a DEFRA approved or exempt stove. Stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt can cause starvation to the burner and cause excessive emissions and smouldering fuel.

Clean Burn Technology

When you opt for a DEFRA approved stove you will be contributing to reduce air pollution. These stoves that burn wood are made to meet the stringent smoke emission standards laid out by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The DEFRA stoves that we sell feature clean burn technology that ensures that any wood or solid fuel you use will be burned fully before it is able to escape down the chimney. This is accomplished through secondary and sometimes even tertiary intakes of air that ensure that every bit of smoke is burned before it leaves the stove. This will keep your chimney clean for longer, and your stove will consume less fuel.

Our range of DEFRA stoves comes with a broad choice of modern and traditional styles. This is because not everyone needs a stove that draws the most the attention of their room. You might want something that is more discrete and blends into your decor. We also have a choice of freestanding and inglenook stoves that are suited for DEFRA approval, so you will be able to find the perfect stove for your fireplace or inglenook.

You will also be able to choose from a range of DEFRA stoves which are multi-fuel compatible to allow you to enjoy the flexibility of being able burn a wide range of authorised fuels. You can find the perfect DEFRA multi-fuel stove or wood burner for your home when you combine these features with a range of finishes and colors.

We are proud to offer a variety of DefrA wood burners that have been independently tested by HETAS to meet the stringent DEFRA emissions standards and be legally allowed for use in Smoke Control Areas. If you are in Smoke Control Area then it is important to purchase a DEFRA stove because using an appliance that is not approved could see you fined. You can find out whether you are in a Smoke Control Area by visiting the DEFRA website or talking to your local authority.

Smoke Exempt

Stoves that are DEFRA wood burning stoves that have been approved have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they can be used in smoke controlled areas. Bowland Stoves offers a range of DEFRA wood burning stoves that offer low emissions, clean combustion and the ability to save money. You can choose from a variety of designs to suit your home's aesthetic.

Local authorities have designated Smoke Control Areas to reduce smog levels in UK towns and cities. In the past, people would use whatever fuel they liked in their homes. This resulted in heavy pollution in many areas and caused health issues for the local population. In the past, there was no law that governed this, but we must follow the rules.

Defra regulations have been created to ensure public safety. They define the stoves that are permitted in certain areas, and which fuels are allowed. This means that should you reside in a smoke-free area then you must only make use of a DEFRA stove and only burn authorised fuels like pellets, logs or coal. If you buy a non-DEFRA stove and use fuels that aren't permitted, you could be punished up to PS1000.

A stove that is approved by Defra will provide the minimum amount air to burn and will result in the least amount of smoke emissions. This is the only way to guarantee that you can burn wood or other approved fuels in Smoke Control Zones.


To be DEFRA-approved, wood burners and stoves that use multiple fuels must have minimum moisture content of 20% to avoid excessive smoke. To get this to happen the wood must be properly seasoned and procured from the Forestry Commission's 'Woodsure Ready to Burn' scheme.

If you are buying a stove to use in a Smoke Control Area then make sure it's got the Defra logo or a 'SE' after its name, this signifies that it's smoke-free. The Defra logo is very easy to recognize and has been widely adopted by the industry.

In compliance with Building Regulations

If a wood burning stove is DEFRA approved, it means that it has been thoroughly tested and meets building regulations. This means that it is safe to use and the flue system is correctly installed. This reduces indoor air pollution and prevents fire dangers. This is particularly crucial for those living in smoke control zones, where it is illegal to use unauthorised fuels.

Our range of DEFRA stoves come in different sizes and styles, so you can find the ideal stove for your home. We offer freestanding models, inglenook and even inset in both traditional and modern styles to suit any decor. You can also choose between a wood burner or multi-fuel model according to your requirements. All DEFRA stoves feature clean-burn technology, which means you can rest assured that they will burn your fuels efficiently and safely.

DEFRA stoves are also designed to comply with strict regulations concerning smoke emissions in smoke-controlled areas. These regulations are primarily designed to minimize the amount of particulate matter released into the air when the stove is burning.

The most recent DEFRA wood-burning stoves have been designed specifically for this purpose, and feature advanced combustion systems that do not restrict airflow in the firebox. This allows the wood to be burned more efficiently and quickly which decreases the release of particulate matter into the air. In addition, DEFRA stoves are equipped with a secondary combustion system which reduces emissions by re-burning any unburnt combustibles from the earlier combustion process.

It is possible to install an appliance that doesn't comply with DEFRA regulations, however this will require major modifications to your chimney and flue. This will likely involve an alteration to the structure that could require planning permission. To avoid this, we suggest always choosing a DEFRA compliant stove when purchasing a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.

A DEFRA-approved stove will typically also include a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This means that you can choose a 5" vitreous enamel flue liner that will help you save money on installation costs. This is a good option for those who are budget conscious or if the chimney stack has some awkward bends to navigate.

Reduced Emissions

You will encounter many terms when searching for a wood-burning stove. The term DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt stoves mean that it can be used in smoke-controlled areas in the UK.

These stoves have been tested to ensure they are compliant with UK smoking laws. This is achieved by incorporating the latest clean burn technology that makes use of third-level combustion and secondary combustion to create cleaner air in your home. This helps to reduce the use of fuel, since it is burned more efficiently.

The modern technology used in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves makes them more environmentally friendly than older open fires or stoves. When used correctly an appliance that burns wood is carbon neutral. This is due to the fact that wood absorbs carbon dioxide when they grow and release it back into the atmosphere when they are burnt. DEFRA approved contemporary stoves are therefore a greener alternative to fossil fuels.

However, the main concern with using a wood-burning stove is the emission generated. The smoke produced by a wood-burning stove has ultrafine particles that are known to cause serious health problems. These particles can get deep into the lungs causing breathing difficulties, exacerbate asthma symptoms and leave you feeling unwell. They can also increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and premature death.

The British wood-burning industry is the largest source of PM2.5 pollution, causing three times more pollution than road traffic. This is due to the fact that conventional wood stoves do not utilize clean burning technologies. It is essential to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove when your area is smoke-free or isn't. They are safer for your chimney and the environment.

At Bowland Stoves, we stock a wide selection of DEFRA approved stoves from leading manufacturers like Arada, Stovax and Burley. We recommend you speak to one of our staff members for advice if you're not sure which kind of stove is appropriate for your home, but if you do decide on a DEFRA approved stove, you can rest assured it has been through extensive testing and inspection to be certain that it can be used in Smoke Controlled Areas.

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