So , You've Purchased Defra Approved ... Now What?
What is a Defra Approved Stove? A defra-approved stove is wood-burning stove that has been approved by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This permits stoves to be used in Smoke Control Areas in the UK. Defra is an English government department with responsibility for environmental protection as well as food production and standards, agriculture, and a flourishing rural economy. Defra also establishes solid protocols to deal with notifiable diseases. Approved by Defra Defra approved wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves are compliant with the emission standards set by the government for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards do not restrict the use of wood stoves in these areas, but they do impose restrictions on how much smoke they emit when operating. We are pleased to offer an extensive selection of defra-approved stoves from top brands like Arada, Burley Parkray, and Stovax. All of our Defra approved stoves offer the most recent clean burning technology. This means that they are equipped with secondary and third-party combustion systems that aid to cut down on emissions, which results in less noxious smoke coming from the chimney, and leaving a smaller environmental footprint. Defra approved products are suitable to clean and disinfect hard surfaces like buildings, farm equipment and vehicles. The Animal and Plant Health Agency maintains the Defra approved list of disinfectants. They charge a fee for new back-toback approval trade names. APHA may also retest a disinfectant's efficacy at any time. This can be performed without submitting a sample, and the results will then be added to the approved list of disinfectants. Approved for Smoke Control Areas Many areas of the UK are classed as Smoke Control Areas, meaning you are only allowed to burn fuels that are approved or appliances exempt from the regulations. This is in order to reduce air pollution caused by burning fuels that are not approved, causing nuisance smoke and ash builds up. The majority of cities and towns are in this category, and to avoid breaking the law and getting an infringement charge, you must make use of the DEFRA approved fireplace, stove or fire to burn wood logs. Stovax offers a variety of multi-fuel stoves, wood, fireplaces and fires that are DEFRA-approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas. They have passed strict DEFRA emissions tests and meet the low levels of smoke allowed in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn various fuels, including logs, semi-anthracite or anthracite briquettes, and manufactured smokeless fuels such as heat logs. They can also be used to burn electricity, gas and low volatile steam coal or a combination of these. On the DEFRA site, you can see a complete list approved fuels. When selecting a stove to your home, search for the DEFRA logo, which can be found on the website of the manufacturer or in their showrooms. If the stove is marked with the DEFRA logo then you are aware that the stove is Defra approved to be used in smoke-free zones and is able to burn wood in these zones. You'll still require an appropriate chimney liner, however, smaller 5kW stoves can be equipped with a 5” twin-wall stainless steel liner rather than the standard 6” liner. If you don't have an DEFRA approved stove, you might be able to obtain an approval from your local authority to use non-approved fuels in your home. You'll need to check the DEFRA website to determine whether you qualify for an exemption, and there are rules that must be followed such as having a smoke detector installed. You must also follow the rules for Smoke Control Areas if you have an outdoor barbecue or garden chiminea. 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 referred to as 'Smokeless Coal or “Heat Logs' and have undergone rigorous tests to ensure they meet the standards set out by Defra for Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a great alternative to real logs as they are cleaner and emit less smoke than traditional logs. Before the smoke control zones were established residents were allowed to burn whatever they wanted. This resulted in pollution of the air and health issues for those living in urban areas. Since the rules were put in 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 smoke controlled area, it is essential that your stove is Defra approved so that you don't risk paying huge fines for breaking the rules. Even if you do not live in a smoke-controlled area purchasing a defra exempt stove is worthwhile. They are safer for your chimney system as well as the environment. Defra has endorsed wood burning stoves as as multi-fuel stoves that have passed the UK Smoke Control Areas legislation. If you're buying a new stove make sure it has a Defra approved badge. This will guarantee that it meets all the legal requirements. There are two main ways to become Defra approved. One method is to make your stove and the fuels Defra approved by having them tested, which can be very expensive. You can also buy a Defra-approved stove and use only fuels that are approved by Defra. This is less expensive, but it is still best to check with your local council if you aren't sure if are in a Smoke Control Area. In England in England, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for environmental protection and control for air quality. 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, 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 are tested for low emissions and efficiency. These stoves can be used in smoke-free zones and can burn a variety of fuel types such as coal, wood and logs. They are available in a range of sizes and styles and can be inset 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 easily recognized and is widely used by the industry. It is commonly seen on the specifications and titles sheets of various stoves, and signifies that the appliance can be used to burn authorised fuels in areas that are smoke-controlled. Some stoves will also have a SE (smoke-exempt) logo which means that they are legal to install in a smoke-controlled space when burning approved fuels. Wood burning stoves that have been inspected by Defra provide the most recent technology for clean combustion and are generally more efficient. Many top stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have created secondary and tertiary combustion systems to enhance the efficiency of their stoves. If you live in a zone of smoke control and do not have a DEFRA approved stove, then you could be punished up to PS1000. You can get around this by making sure that the stove you purchase is DEFRA approved prior to buying it. A DEFRA approved stove is the most efficient way to heat your home while being environmentally friendly. Whether you live in a smoke control area or not, a DEFRA approved stove will help you save on your energy bills and will prevent nuisance smoke from causing trouble for neighbors. You're bound to find the perfect DEFRA-approved wood burning or multifuel stove for your home. You can even find some models that are both DEFRA approved and Eco Design 2022 compliant to give you the best of both worlds! Browse the range to discover what's available.