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Defra Approved Wood Stoves: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier
Defra Approved Wood Stoves

If you live in a region where smoke is controlled (most UK cities and large towns), you will have to use a DEFRA approved stove to ensure that you are not in violation of UK laws. These Defra Smoke Exempt Appliances are designed to ensure that the wood or multi-fuel is burnt without releasing excessive amounts of smoke.

Cleaner Burning

Wood stoves that are exempt from Defra or 'clean burning' wood burners, as they are commonly referred to, utilize the most modern combustion technology to reduce smoke and emissions. They accomplish this by using pre-heated tertiary air to help burn the fuel more efficiently and decrease harmful particulates emitted into the atmosphere. The result is less smoke and a more efficient flame and a more effective heating system.

In addition to increasing the efficiency of the stove, modern wood stoves have been designed to be more gentle to your flue and chimney. They don't produce nearly as much creosote than their predecessors, meaning you can keep your chimney and flue system in good condition for longer.

If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area (most major towns and cities) then you must only use a Defra Approved Stove or Wood Burner to avoid violating the law and incurring the possibility of a huge fine. Even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area, it is recommended to purchase a Defra Approved Stove as they produce less nuisance smoke and will also help reduce your heating cost and carbon footprint.


In the past, many manufacturers produced wood stoves which were very dirty and had poor performance when compared to their EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency) emissions ratings. This was due to a variety of factors, such as the selection and size of the fireplace and stove as well as the method of storage, managed and burnt, and the operation of the stove.

Nowadays, all new wood stoves must meet the higher standards of EPA emissions than their non-certified predecessors. The most modern wood stoves come with an EPA rating of less than 1 grams of smoke per hour.

There is plenty of potential for further advancements in the manufacturing of wood stoves. The Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates that if all of the old stoves were replaced with modern stoves that meet Defra standards, then a few billion tonnes of carbon dioxide that is a greenhouse gas could be avoided each year.

Reduced Emissions

Stove Supermarket stocks the new DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves which utilize the most up-to-date clean burn technology to ensure they can burn smokeless coal and solid fuel at lower temperatures of combustion. affordable DEFRA stoves produce considerably less harmful emissions than previous models, allowing you to legally use your stove in a smoke-control area.

Fine particulate matter is the primary pollutant produced by burning of solid fuels. These tiny particles are so small that they can penetrate the human respiratory system, and cause health problems including heart disease and stroke. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Sheffield found that wood-burning stoves release large amounts of PM2.5 inside the home. The amount of these harmful particles peaked every time the stove door was opened to refuel the fire.

DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves come with an air-wash system that ensures the glass is free of ash and soot. This helps keep your stove looking like new for much longer, and reduces maintenance costs and time spent cleaning the stove.

While the benefits of a wood stove are undeniable, the choice to purchase a stove that will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area is a serious one. In the past, when people could simply open their fires and let their wood burn as they wished, towns and cities were plagued by unhealthy levels of smog that caused breathing problems for a lot of residents.

A Defra Approved Stove is the only legal option in Smoke Control areas for homeowners looking to legally use their fire. If you're considering buying a new wood-burning stove, or replacing your open fire, an Defra Approved Stove will be the best option to comply with the smoke control regulations.

Stove Supermarket offers a wide range of Defra Approved Wood Burning Stoves by leading brands like Arada, Burley, and Parkray. You can choose the model that is right for you. Our Defra Approved Stoves are all Ecodesign Compliant and come with a a Defra Certificate Of Conformity. You can be confident that your new fireplace will comply with the latest regulations to be used in a smoke control area.

High Efficiency

This will decrease your carbon footprint and your energy costs. This is particularly important since the price of electricity and gas continue to rise. By switching to a defra-approved wood stove, you can begin to reduce your household costs and save money in the long run.

A Defra approved wood stove is compliant with the regulations of the Government concerning smoke-free zones and therefore you can use it in smoke exempt zones. If you see a stove that has Defra Approved in its title that means it is in compliance with the strict specifications of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

They can produce much less particulate emission than earlier versions of open fires. The latest stoves made by top manufacturers such as Arada, Burley Parkray, and Stovax feature secondary and tertiary burners that reduce the overall emissions of the stove. A lot of these wood-burning stoves are also SIA EcoDesign Ready, meaning they are more eco-friendly than DEFRA Approved and will be capable of meeting the future emission goals.

A stove that is approved by Defra is not just more environmentally sustainable however, it will also burn wood more efficiently than older stoves and open fires. This will result in lower levels of particulate emission which is a good thing for those who live in smoke-free zones. A DEFRA Approved Stove will also help you keep your fuel costs down. You can save money if you choose a stove that can burn more wood in an hour than a fireplace.

A Defra Approved Stove is a great investment for any homeowner looking to be green and lower their energy costs. These stoves are not only efficient and clean, but also are available in a variety of styles to match your personal preferences.

EPA Certification

If you reside in an area where smoke is controlled, then you must use an approved DEFRA stove to burn wood at home. Defra is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which handles regulations pertaining to environmental and rural issues. Its Smoke Control Area regulations prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys, unless using an exempt device or authorised fuels like smokeless coal. Stoves that are approved by Defra are the only devices that can legally be used in these areas without breaking the law and causing fines of up to PS1,000.

The best way to make sure you buy a smoke-controlled stove is to search for the EPA 2020 certification label. This label indicates that the stove has passed rigorous tests to ensure that it is suitable for installation in a smoke control area. The stove will also be classified as an efficient burner, making sure that it delivers maximum heat while using less fuel. This efficiency means that homeowners will make monetary savings on their heating costs and also a reduction in the amount of wood required to keep their homes warm.

Another crucial aspect to consider is whether it is a Defra approved wood burning stove has been designed with environmentally conscious features. The Country 4 BLU stove is an excellent example of a stove that is Defra-approved that combines a variety of eco-friendly features. It is designed to meet or exceed the 2022 Ecodesign standard that means it produces very little emissions and reduces the environmental impact. This means a cleaner, more eco-friendly operation for everyone. It also makes your chimney and flue systems more secure.

A wood-burning stove that is approved by Defra can provide you with many benefits, aside from meeting UK government smoke control standards. They reduce air pollution by complying with strict emission standards. This can help those who have sensitive lungs. They also come with long burn times that result in significant cost saving through less wood consumption and lower cost of fuel. These stoves can be paired with an energy-efficient heating system. energy efficient to offer a green and responsible alternative for your home.

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