What You Must Forget About The Need To Improve Your Defra Approved Wood Stoves

· 6 min read
What You Must Forget About The Need To Improve Your Defra Approved Wood Stoves

Defra Approved Wood Stoves

If you live in an UK smoke control area (most cities and towns) then you'll need a DEFRA approved stove to ensure that you are not breaking the law. These Defra Smoke Exempt appliances are designed to ensure that wood or multi fuel is burned without creating excessive smoke.

Cleaner Burning

Defra exempt wood stoves or 'clean burning' wood burners, as they are commonly referred to, utilize the latest combustion technology to reduce smoke and emissions. The wood stoves achieve this by using preheated tertiary (hotter) air to make fuel burn more efficiently, and reduce harmful particles that are released into the atmosphere. The result is less smoke and a more efficient flame and a more effective heating system.

Alongside enhancing the efficiency of the stove, modern wood stoves have been designed to be more gentle to your chimney and flue system. Modern wood stoves produce less creosote compared to their older counterparts. This allows you to keep your chimney system and flue system cleaner for longer.

If you are in a zone of smoke control (most large cities and towns) it is essential to make use of a Defra approved stove or wood burner to avoid breaking the law and incurring the hefty penalty. However, even if you are not in a Smoke Control Area it is still recommended to purchase a Defra Approved stove as they will not only produce much less noxious smoke, but will help you reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint as well.

In the past, numerous manufacturers made wood stoves that were filthy and performed poorly in comparison with their EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency) emissions ratings. This was due to several factors, including the size and kind of stove and fireplace used, the way wood was stored and burned, and how the stove was operated.

Today, all new wood stoves have to meet the higher standards of EPA emissions than their predecessors that were not certified. The latest wood stoves have an EPA rating less than 1 gram of smoke per hour.

There is plenty of potential for further improvements in the manufacture of wood stoves. The Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates that if all of the old stoves were replaced with modern ones that are in line with Defra standards, then several billion tonnes of climate-changing carbon dioxide could be avoided each year.

Reduced Emissions

Stove Supermarket has the latest DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves that use the latest clean-burn technology to ensure that they can burn smokeless coal and solid fuel at lower temperatures of combustion. This means they emit substantially less harmful emissions than earlier models and allow you to legally use your stove in a smoke-control area.

The main pollutant emitted from burning solid fuels is fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These tiny particles can infiltrate the respiratory system of humans and cause heart disease and stroke. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Sheffield found that wood burning stoves can release large amounts of PM2.5 in the home. The harmful particles were at their highest level every time the stove was turned on to replenish fuel.

DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves come with an air-wash system which keeps the glass clear of soot and ash. This keeps your stove looking like new for a long time, and reduces maintenance costs and time spent cleaning the stove.



The benefits of a wood stove are obvious however the decision to buy one that allows you to burn wood legally in Smoke-Control Area is a significant choice. In the past, people had the ability to burn wood in any way they wanted, creating unhealthy levels of smog in towns and cities.

A Defra Approved Stove is the only legal option in Smoke Control areas for homeowners looking to legally operate their fire. If you're considering purchasing a new wood burning stove or replacing your old open fire, it is recommended that you purchase a Defra Approved Stove from a reputable manufacturer will offer the most effective option to ensure compliance with smoke control regulations.

Stove Supermarket offers a wide range of Defra Approved Wood Burning Stoves made by top brands like Arada, Burley, and Parkray. You can choose the model that is best for you. Our Defra Approved Stoves are all Ecodesign compliant and come with a Defra Certificate Of Conformity. You can be assured that your new fireplace will meet the latest regulations to use in a smoke-control zone.

High Efficiency

This will reduce the carbon footprint of your home and energy bills. This is particularly important considering the cost of electricity and gas continue to rise. Making the switch to a wood-burning stove that is defra-approved will allow you to regain control of your household costs and save money over time.

A Defra-approved wood stove will comply with the Government's regulations regarding smoke-free zones, so you are able to use in smoke exempt areas. If you spot a stove that bears the words Defra Approved or 'SE' in its name it means that it meets the strict requirements of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

These stoves are able to produce much less particulate emissions than the older versions of wood burners and open fires. The latest stoves from leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all come with secondary and tertiary combustion methods that reduce the total emissions from the stove. Many of these wood burning stoves are also SIA EcoDesign Ready meaning they are even more environmentally friendly than the DEFRA Approved standard and will be able to meet the future emission targets.

A Defra-approved stove is not just more eco green but will also burn your wood more efficiently than older stoves and open fires. This means lower levels of particulate emission, which is great news for those living in smoke control areas. A DEFRA approved stove will also help keep your fuel costs down. By using a stove that can burn more wood per hour than an open flame it will help you save money since you don't have to feed it as often.

A Defra Approved Stove is an excellent investment for any homeowner who wants to be environmentally friendly and reduce their energy bills. As well as offering efficient and clean heating, these stoves also come in a wide range of styles that can be adapted to any style preference.

EPA Certification

If you reside in a zone of smoke control, you'll require a DEFRA approved stove to allow you to legally use wood in your home. Defra, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for regulating matters relating to issues pertaining to the countryside and environment. 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 appliance that are legal to use 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 look for the EPA 2020 certification label. This signifies that the stove has passed stringent tests to be able to be used in a smoke control area. It will also be rated as a highly efficient burner, ensuring it provides the highest heat output from less fuel. This efficiency means homeowners will make monetary savings on their heating bills and also an increase in the amount of wood needed to keep their homes warm.

Another crucial aspect to consider is whether the Defra approved wood burning stove is made with eco-friendly features.  their website  is a great example of a Defra-approved stove that combines a variety of environmentally conscious features. It was designed to meet and surpass 2022 Ecodesign standards, meaning it has exceptionally low emissions that reduce its environmental impact. This means greener, cleaner operation for everyone. It also makes your chimney and flue systems more secure.

A Defra approved wood burning stove will offer you many benefits, in addition to conforming to UK government smoke control regulations. These stoves reduce air pollution by adhering to strict emission standards. This is beneficial for those who suffer from sensitive lung. They also have long burn times which can translate into significant savings in fuel and wood consumption. They can also be combined with an energy-efficient heating system. energy efficient to provide an environmentally friendly and sustainable option for homes.