14 Common Misconceptions About Defra Approved

What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A defra-approved stove is a wood-burning stove which has been approved by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This allows them to use in Smoke Control Areas within the UK.

Defra is an English government department which is responsible for the environment, food production standards, agriculture and a thriving rural economy. Defra has also developed robust protocols for tackling notifiable illnesses.

Approved by Defra

Defra approved stoves, also referred to as Defra smoke exempt stoves, are 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 employed in smoke control areas however they restrict the amount of smoke that can be generated by these stoves.

At ESSE we are pleased to stock a great range of stoves that are defra approved from the top manufacturers, including Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra-approved stoves feature the latest in clean burning technology. They feature secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions. This means less smoke coming out of the chimney, and leaves a less carbon-based footprint.

Defra approved products can be used for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces, such as buildings, farm equipment and vehicles. The Defra approved disinfectants list is maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which charges an annual fee to approve the new back-to-back approved trade names for disinfectants. APHA may also retest a disinfectant's efficacy at anytime. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants without the requirement of submitting samples.

Approved for Smoke Control Areas

A lot of areas in 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 to help reduce air pollution caused by burning unauthorised fuels that cause nuisance smoke and ash builds up. To avoid violating the law or being fined, DEFRA Approved contemporary stoves you should only burn wood logs in a DEFRA-approved stove, fire or fireplace. Stovax have a wide range of wood and multi fuel fireplaces, stoves, and fires that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.

They have passed the rigorous DEFRA emissions tests and meet the low smoke levels permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn a variety of fuels including logs, anthracite or semi-anthracite, briquettes or manufactured smokeless fuels like heat logs. They can also be used to burn gas, electricity or steam coal that is low volatile or any combination of these. You can find an exhaustive list of approved fuels on the DEFRA website.

When you are choosing a stove for your home, search for the DEFRA logo, which can be found on the manufacturers website or at their showrooms. If the stove you choose has the DEFRA logo, you can be assured that it has been approved by Defra for use in smoke-controlled zones and can burn wood within these zones. It is still necessary to use a suitable chimney liner but the 5kW smaller stoves are usually more affordable and easier to install than larger models since they can be fitted with a 5" twin wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6" liner.

If you do not have an DEFRA approved stove, you might be able to obtain an approval from your local authority to burn non-approved fuels in your home. You'll need to check the DEFRA website to determine if you can apply for an exemption, and there are specific rules that must be followed like installing a smoke detector. You must also follow the rules for Smoke Control Areas if you have an outdoor chiminea or BBQ.

Approved for Smokeless Fuels

In order to be defra-approved, wood burners must be able to use authorised smokeless fuels, without causing excessive emissions. These fuels are commonly called 'Smokeless coal' or 'Heat Logs' and have undergone stringent tests to ensure that they meet the requirements set by Defra for Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a great alternative to real logs since they are less smoky and produce less smoke than traditional logs.

Before the rules for smoke control areas were put in place residents could burn whatever they wanted to and this led to lots of air pollution which caused health issues 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 can be burned in stoves and fireplaces.

If you live in a smoking area, it is crucial that your stove is defra approved contemporary stoves approved to avoid costly fines. However, even if do not reside in a zone that is smoke-free, it is still worthwhile to consider an exempt stove from defra as they are better for the environment and the chimney system too.

Defra has approved wood-burning stoves as well as multi-fuel stoves that have passed the UK Smoke Control Areas legislation. If you are buying a new stove, ensure that it has a Defra approved badge. This will ensure that the stove is compliant with all required regulations.

There are two main methods to get Defra approved. One option is to make your stove and fuels Defra approved by having them tested, which is very expensive. You can also buy a stove that is Defra-approved and only use fuels that are DEFRA stoves reviews-approved. This can be cheaper, but it is still best to check with your local council if are unsure if you reside in a Smoke Control Area.

In England, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for environmental protection and control for air quality, among other things. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations on environmental, agricultural and fisheries issues. The department was created in 2001 when it was merged with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and part of the Home Office. The department is managed by a cabinet minister, who reports directly to the Prime Minister.

Approved for Multi-fuel Stoves

DEFRA approved stoves have been tested for low emissions and high efficiency. They are suitable for areas with no smoke and can burn logs, coal or wood. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and are installed or freestanding. They are perfect for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their heating costs.

The Defra logo is easy to spot and is widely accepted by the industry. It is typically found on the title and specification sheets of various stoves, and signifies that the appliance is capable of burning authorised fuels in smoke-controlled areas. Some stoves may also feature an SE (smoke-exempt) logo, which indicates that they are legal to use in a smoke-controlled space when burning approved fuels.

Defra approved wood burning stoves are usually more efficient than older models and come with the most recent clean combustion technology. Numerous top stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have developed secondary and tertiary combustion systems to further enhance the efficiency of their stoves.

If you reside in a smoke-free zone and do not have a DEFRA approved stove, then you could be penalized up to PS1000. You can avoid this by ensuring that the stove you purchase is DEFRA-approved before purchasing it.

A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance is the most eco-friendly way to heat your home. A DEFRA approved wood burning stove can aid in reducing your energy costs, and will also stop smoke from causing trouble to neighbours. You're bound to find the perfect DEFRA-approved wood burning or multifuel stove for your home. There are some models that are both DEFRA approved and Eco Design 2022 compliant to provide you with the best of both options! Explore the options to find the options available.