25 Amazing Facts About Defra Approved Wood Stoves

· 6 min read
25 Amazing Facts About Defra Approved Wood Stoves

Defra Approved Wood Stoves

If you live in an area where smoke is restricted (most UK cities and large towns), you will need 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-fuels are burned without releasing excessive amounts of smoke.

Cleaner Burning

The latest combustion technology is employed to reduce emissions and smoke in Defra-exempt stoves or "clean burning" wood burners. They achieve this by using preheated tertiary (hotter) air to make fuel burn more efficiently, reducing harmful particulates released into the air. The result is an efficient, cleaner fire that produces less smoke and a much more efficient heating system.

Modern wood stoves aren't just more efficient but also have been designed to be more gentle on your chimney and flue. They don't generate as much creosote like their predecessors, meaning you can keep your flue and chimney clean for longer.

If you reside in the Smoke Control Area (most major towns and cities) then you must make use of a Defra Approved Stove or Wood Burner to avoid violating the law and risking the possibility of a huge fine. Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area, it is still advisable that you buy a Defra Approved Stove as they produce less nuisance smoke and will also help reduce your heating costs and carbon footprint.

In the past, numerous manufacturers made wood stoves that were filthy and performed poorly when compared to their EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency) emissions ratings. This was due to a number of factors, such as the selection and size of the stove and fireplace, how wood was stored and burned, and the operation of the stove.

Today, all new wood stoves must comply with an even higher standard of EPA emissions than their non-certified predecessors. The most recent wood stoves, like the Vermont Castings Defiant and Encore NC 1450 have an EPA rating of less than 1 gram per hour.

There is a lot of potential for further advancements in the production of wood stoves. The Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates, that if all the old stoves were replaced with modern ones that meet Defra standards, then more than a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to climate change, could be avoided each year.

Reduced Emissions

Stove Supermarket offers the latest DEFRA-approved wood-burning stoves that utilize the most up-to-date clean burn technology to ensure that they can burn smokeless coal and solid fuel at a lower combustion temperatures. This means they emit significantly less harmful emissions than previous models which allows you to legally use your stove in a smoke-control area.

Fine particulate matter is the main pollutant released by solid fuel combustion. These tiny particles are so tiny that they can penetrate the human respiratory system, and cause health problems including heart disease and stroke. Researchers from the University of Sheffield published a study that revealed that wood burning stoves could release large amounts of particles with the size PM2.5 into the home. The level of harmful particles reached its highest every time the stove door was opened to replenish the fire.

DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves come with an air-wash system that ensures the glass is free of soot and ash. This will keep your stove looking fresh for longer, and will reduce the cost of maintenance and cleaning.

While the advantages of a wood stove are a fact, the decision to buy a stove that will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area is a significant one. In the past, when people could simply open their fires and let their wood burn as they wanted, towns and cities were plagued by unhealthy levels of smog which caused breathing issues for many residents.

In Smoke Control areas, a Defra Approved Stove will be the only option for homeowners who want to use their fire legally. If you're considering buying a wood-burning stove, or replacing your open fire, it is a Defra Approved Stove is the best choice to ensure compliance with smoke control regulations.

Stove Supermarket stocks a range of Defra-approved Wood Burning Stoves from the top brands such as Arada, Burley and Parkray, so you can pick the one that is right for you. Our Defra Approved stoves are all Ecodesign compliant and come with an Defra Certificate of Conformity, so you can be confident that your new woodburning stove is compliant with the most recent regulations for use in a smoke control zone.

High Efficiency

This will lower the carbon footprint of your home and energy costs. This will be especially advantageous as electricity and gas prices continue to increase each year. By switching to a defra approved wood stove, you can begin to reduce your household expenses and save money in the long run.



A stove that is approved by Defra will comply with the Government's regulations on smoke controlled zones, so you are able to use it in smoke-free areas. If you see a wood stove with the word 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 lower levels of particulate emissions than the older versions of wood burners and open fires. The most modern stoves from the top manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all feature secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the total emissions from the stove. A lot of these stoves that burn wood are also SIA EcoDesign Ready, meaning they are more environmentally friendly than DEFRA Approved and will be able meet future emission goals.

A Defra-approved stove is not just more eco friendly however, it will also burn your wood more efficiently than older stoves and open fires. This will result in lower levels of particulate emissions which is a good thing for those who live in smoke-free zones. Additionally, a DEFRA Approved stove can also help reduce your fuel expenses. If you choose a stove which can burn more wood in an hour than an open flame, you can save money by not having to feed it as often.

A Defra Approved Stove is a great option for anyone who wants to be environmentally friendly and lower their energy costs. Alongside offering energy 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 live in an area where smoke is controlled, you will need to use a DEFRA-approved stove to burn wood at home. Defra is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which is responsible for regulations on environmental and countryside matters. The Smoke Control Area Regulations prohibit the emission dark smoke from chimneys, unless you are using an exempt appliance, or authorized fuels like smokeless coal. Stoves that are approved by Defra are the only appliance that can be legally used in these areas, without breaking the law and causing fines of upto PS1,000.

Look for the EPA certification label to make sure that you purchase a stove that is smoke-free. This signifies that the stove has passed rigorous tests to be able to say it can be used in a smoke control area. It will also be classified as a high-efficiency burner, which means it provides the highest heat output from less fuel. This efficiency can save homeowners money on heating expenses and cut down on the amount of wood they need to heat their homes.

Another important consideration is whether it is a Defra approved wood-burning stove has been designed with environmentally conscious features.  relevant webpage  is a great example of a stove that combines a variety of environmentally friendly features. It is designed to meet or exceed 2022 Ecodesign standards, which means that it emits extremely low levels of carbon dioxide which reduce the environmental impact. This results in an eco-friendly operation that improves the quality of air for everyone. Additionally, it makes the stove safer for your chimney and flue systems too.

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