The shift toward sustainable energy and eco-friendly heating options has never been more evident than in the upswing of DEFRA-approved wood-burning stove sales. As the world grapples with climate change and the need to reduce our carbon footprints, consumers are seeking out innovative solutions. That’s where DEFRA-approved wood-burning stoves come in. These stoves are centrepieces not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their environmentally conscious designs.


Growth in Sales: A Sign of the Times

The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) reports a commendable leap in the sales of DEFRA-approved wood-burning stoves. Within a single year, these stoves jumped to capturing 36% of the market share – a significant rise from the previous year. And they weren’t the only ones seeing growth. DEFRA-approved multifuel stoves also saw sales soar, from 12% to 21%.


Learn more: What is DEFRA?

The Consumer Perspective

These figures aren’t just about numbers. They indicate a deeper trend in consumer preferences and knowledge. HETAS, the official body recognised by the government to approve biomass and solid fuel domestic heating appliances, weighed in on the matter. They say that consumers are increasingly valuing air quality and understanding the profound environmental benefits of wood-burning stoves.

“This growth in sales confirms consumers are interested in air quality and that they increasingly understand the environmental benefits of wood burning stoves.” - HETAS


Why This Surge?

Several towns and cities, especially those in the North, Midlands, and across Central and Southern Scotland, lie within smoke control areas. With the update of the smog laws from the mid-20th century by the Clean Air Act 1993, there’s been a renewed emphasis on penalising the burning of unauthorised fuels. Violators might be slapped with hefty fines, sometimes up to £1000.

Stove manufacturers, sensing both an obligation and an opportunity, have risen to the challenge. In their endeavours to align with the law and the demands of an environmentally aware market, there’s been a surge in the production of DEFRA-approved stoves.


A Decade of Technological Advancements

The wood-burning stove of today is miles ahead of its counterparts from a decade ago. Thanks to relentless innovation, current stoves boast heat efficiencies of over 70%. This is a stark improvement over the meagre 30% of open fires. And these advancements aren’t just about efficient heating. The introduction of secondary and tertiary combustion systems drastically reduces harmful emissions. Households adopting these stoves can significantly shrink their carbon footprints – by up to 36% compared to using an LPG decorative gas fire and by 22% with a mains gas appliance.


DEFRA Approved: What Does it Mean?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is a significant entity in environmental regulations in the UK. An approval from DEFRA isn’t merely a rubber stamp. It’s an assurance that a particular wood-burning or multifuel stove meets the strict standards set for smoke emissions. The DEFRA approval essentially means that the stove is permitted to burn specified fuels in smoke control areas; otherwise, it prohibits the burning of wood and other non-authorised fuels.


The Importance of DEFRA Approval

Smoke control areas are zones where conventional wood burning is restricted to combat air pollution. With increasing urbanisation, these areas have become crucial for maintaining air quality. Within these regions, only DEFRA-approved stoves can be used to burn wood. Manufacturers strive for this approval as a seal of quality and a promise to consumers that they’re purchasing a product that not only provides warmth but does so responsibly.


Criteria for DEFRA Approval

For a stove to receive DEFRA approval, it must undergo rigorous testing. This testing ensures the stove can operate in smoke control areas without emitting large amounts of smoke. The stove must be able to burn DEFRA-exempt fuel without producing more than a specified amount of smoke. Plus, the stove must be designed so that it can’t be easily modified by users, ensuring its compliance even after purchase.


Smoke Control Areas: Breathing Clean

The legacy of smoke control areas dates back to the severe smog effects of the 1950s and 60s. These episodes, particularly the Great Smog of London in 1952, led to thousands of deaths. This highlighted the urgent need for cleaner air in urban areas. The Clean Air Act 1993, updating older ‘smog laws’, was a pivotal piece of legislation. It ensured cleaner burning practices in urban areas and gave rise to smoke control areas.


Learn more: How to Have a Wood Burning Stove in a Smoke Control Area

Why are Smoke Control Areas Crucial?

Urban areas, particularly those with dense populations and industrial activities, are prone to high levels of air pollution. Smoke from household fires is a significant contributor to this pollution. By regulating what can be burnt, smoke control areas play a vital role in the following:

  • Protecting public health: Air pollution directly impacts health, exacerbating conditions like asthma and increasing the risk of heart and lung diseases. By ensuring cleaner combustion in domestic settings, smoke control areas help safeguard public health.
  • Preserving the environment: Beyond health, unchecked emissions contribute to broader environmental problems, including global warming. Smoke control areas help reduce the release of particulates and greenhouse gases.

Locating and Living in a Smoke Control Area

While smoke control areas are common in many parts of the UK, residents must be aware if they reside within one. Local councils provide information on these zones, and homeowners should check before installing a heating appliance.

Living within a smoke control area doesn’t mean compromising on warmth. Instead, it’s about making environmentally sound choices. DEFRA-approved stoves, with their clean-burning capabilities, ensure that residents can enjoy the comfort of a wood burner while staying within the law.


Looking for a DEFRA-approved stove for your home? Browse our range here. With free delivery to the UK mainland, 14-day no-hassle returns, and finance options available to spread the cost, upgrading your stove has never been easier.

Got questions? Our friendly customer service team are always happy to assist. Contact them at [email protected], call 0161 516 2923 or visit our showrooms.