Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves
There are a wide range of multi-fuel stoves exempt from the regulations of defra. Defra approved stoves are compliant with government regulations and are designed to efficiently burn fuel with low emissions.
This is particularly crucial when you live in a smoke-control area. Even if you don't, it is important to know that a Defra Stove is better for your chimney, and your neighbors.
Defra Approved
You may have noticed across our website that many of our wood-burning stoves are listed as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. To the average home owner, these terms could seem like jargon homeowners don't have to be aware of however this isn't the truth.
DEFRA stands for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and they oversee policies and regulations regarding the environment, farming and food. Defra approved products have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they meet the strict guidelines of the government for smoke emissions when operating. They are also designed to burn approved fuels such as wood and coal more efficiently, meaning that they produce far fewer pollutants.
It is good news for those who live in a Smoke Control Area since the law currently prohibits smoke emissions in these areas unless using an approved DEFRA stove and an approved fuel. In the past, it has been possible to install a non-Defra approved stove in a Smoke Control Area as long as you used only approved fuels such as wood. In January 2022, the rules will change and non-approved stoves won't be allowed to be used unless they are equipped with a secondary or tertiary system that can reduce their productions of particulate nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous substances.
Fireplaces And Stove approved ranges are also equipped with a mechanism to prevent you from closing the top air vent completely. This could result in the fire to smolder and release smoke into your home. Instead, these stoves have an adjustable air flow that will allow you to open the top vent a little while still maintaining the safety and efficiency of your fire.
Another benefit of purchasing a Defra approved stove is that it comes with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is crucial because many codes for building require chimneys to have a minimum 5-inch diameter.
Smoke Control Areas
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, you will need a Defra approved stove to legally burn wood in your home. These stoves have been tested by DEFRA to ensure that they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions required in smoke control areas. On the Defra site, you will find a list of places which require a stove that has been approved by DEFRA.
Multifuel stoves and stoves exempt from Defra
A Defra approved stove, also referred to as a DEFRA multi wood or fuel stove has passed a rigorous test developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency responsible for ensuring the protection of our natural environment, assisting the food and agriculture industries and ensuring a vibrant rural economic. The tests that Defra approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance produces only minimal amounts of grit and smoke when it is in operation.
Stove Supermarket stocks a number of Defra Exempt Stoves that are multi-fuel stoves. This means you can burn authorised smokeless wood as well as well-seasoned fuels. They are often described as Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners, and they are often abbreviated to SE.
The most recent Defra stoves for woodburning and multi-fuel come with secondary and tertiary ventilation systems that ensure that the wood is completely burned before it leaves the chimney. This is a more efficient procedure than leaving a log fire on the fire to burn for a long time and reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that is generated.
If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, or in the process of moving to one, a Defra exempt stove is the best choice for your property. It's not only more sustainable and efficient, but it also helps reduce the amount of smoke that can upset your neighbors.
You can still enjoy open fires, barbecues, and pizza ovens in your garden but be aware that smoke that is toxic or excessive could be a statutory nuisance and you could be fined. In a Smoke Control Area You are not permitted to use open flames or stoves to burn damp, rotten or wet wood or any other fuels.
Burning Other Fuels Besides Cars
Defra Approved Stoves are engineered to burn different types of fuels including wood. They burn wood so efficiently that they meet the strict regulations of the government for emissions when operating in smoke control zones. They can be used in any smoke-control area, provided they are burning approved fuels such as logs, briquettes and pellets. Stoves that are Defra approved will often be denoted with an 'SE' logo that signifies Smoke Exempt.
A stove that is approved by Defra differs from a conventional multifuel stove in that it has secondary air vents that heat air prior to entering the firebox. This pre-heated, heated air ensures that the fuel is ignited in order to ensure a cleaner combustion. It also reduces soot build up and prevents the chimney from clogging. Defra stoves are equipped with internal baffles that help regulate the flames, and maintain an even heat distribution.
Defra could impose severe penalties on anyone who uses appliances that are not approved by Defra in areas that are smoke-free. If you wish to avoid being accused of being prosecuted by Defra, only make use of a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance that has been tested in accordance with the government's guidelines.
DEFRA stoves are also known as Clean Burn stoves. They are compatible with all kinds of fuel, but are particularly suited to dry hard and soft wood. Air vents cannot be shut completely, which means there is always oxygen available to aid in pure combustion.
This technology is not just compliant with the current air quality standards of the government but also with the upcoming Ecodesign requirements that will be in place in 2022. Stovax wood-burning and multifuel stoves will be branded with the SIA Ecodesign Ready label, which means they are compliant with the new emission standards that are more stringent. These new standards are being introduced as part of the ongoing efforts by the government to keep the nation's air clean and healthy.
Installation
If you live in a smoke-free zone then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove can assist you in complying with the rules. This is because these wood burning and multi fuel stoves have been independently tested to ensure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions required in a Smoke Control Area. They can be used to burn wood or other approved fuels, such as coal, without worrying about the levels of smoke they generate.
Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can lower smoke levels using advanced combustion technologies that create less smoke. These stoves use a second stage of combustion that re-burns waste products from the first stage. This makes them more efficient and cleaner. In addition to the reduced emissions the stoves also lessen the amount of soot build-up within the flue and chimney.
If you live in a region that is smoke-controlled this is an important idea to be aware of. You can enjoy a real fireplace more often and for a longer time. In addition, you'll save money on your energy bills. These wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves are good for the environment as they produce less pollution. They can also be used to burn more materials than other stoves.
The majority of stoves can be transformed into DEFRA exempt with the simple kit supplied by the manufacturer. This kit can alter the vents for air on the stove to ensure that they do not close at night. This is referred to as slumbering. It allows part-burned combustibles and flammables to escape into the atmosphere rather than being pushed up the chimney where they can hinder the flue. DEFRA approved stoves don't slumber, and are better for the environment. They also prevent chimneys from being blocked less often.
To get the most benefit of your DEFRA approved stove it is recommended you have it installed professionally by an HETAS Registered Installer or an Building Control Officer. This will provide you with the assurance that your installation has been done to the correct specifications and complies with the most current regulations. In addition, it can also help ensure your warranty since the installer can self-certify their work.