What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?
A defra-approved multi fuel stove is one that has passed the Defra smoke tests. They can also be called SE (smoke exempt) stoves.
The government's
DEFRA compliant stoves list department is responsible for implementing rules and regulations concerning the environment, farming and rural issues. The
DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews test ensures you can burn wood or approved smokeless fuels, such as Anthracite ovals within an area that is smoke-free without upsetting your neighbours with noisy smoke.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly stoves emit less carbon dioxide, while using fuel efficiently and utilising sustainable materials. Eco-friendly stoves are generally designed to burn wood, or in combination with other approved fuels. There are numerous eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves and log burners that are available, ranging from modern to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves even use dung (the excreta of domesticated livestock) as a highly efficient and carbon-free alternative to wood.
The most important thing you can do to make your stove green is to make sure that the fuel is properly seasoned, or dried in a kiln. This helps reduce the moisture content and allows the wood to burn more efficiently, generating less smoke. It is recommended to purchase only wood that has been procured from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when purchasing wood to guarantee that it has been dried at the right level.
The majority of modern stoves meet strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require that stove manufacturers create wood burning stoves that are energy efficient and with environmental protection in the back of their minds. Manufacturers must consider emissions, resource efficiency, and waste reduction when they design Ecodesign stoves. These are among the most eco-friendly and cleanest stoves on the market today.
Another way to make your stove eco-friendly is to replace the grates with ceramic. Ceramic is not only aesthetically pleasing but also anti-smoking and helps to reduce the amount of sulphur oxide that is in the air. Ceramic grates are easy to maintain and last longer than steel inserts into grates.
While you can still take pleasure in the comfort of cozy wood burners or a multi fuel stove in a Smoke Control Area It is vital to only use Defra approved fuels. You could be breaking the law if you do not. You should only make use of fuels that have been approved by Defra like anthracite-based round manufactured by Defra in your stove.
Clean Burning
A Defra approved
multi fuel stove defra approved fuel stove is able to be used in smoke controlled areas, provided it burns smokeless fuel only. This can be a type of naturally occurring or manufactured smokeless log or anthracite and it must adhere to specific regulations to meet the criteria for an Defra approved wood burning stove. The stove manufacturers must also adhere to the regulations for selling a DEFRA-exempt wood burner. Here at The Stove Yard we have an incredible selection of DEFRA approved wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves from top brands like Arada, Parkray, Burley, Stovax and many more.
These types of Defra exempt stoves feature the most advanced combustion technology, designed to reduce emissions and tar build up in your chimney and flue system. The stoves employ secondary and tertiary systems that ignite particulates, tar gases and other pollutants before they go into the air. This is why Defra approved wood burning stoves are much healthier than open fires as well as older generation stoves.
The design of the Defra approved stove is also different The majority of our stoves has a hidden mechanism within the stove that allows a small, continuous circulation of air into the fire even if the air vents are shut. This prevents soot and ash being pushed up the fireplace, which could cause dangerous chimney fires.
This is an essential feature for anyone who lives in a smoke control area, the new Defra approved stoves don't allow you to shut the vents completely and slumber your stove overnight which could release part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere.
A DEFRA-approved stove will also have a longer burning duration compared to stoves that aren't DEFRA-approved. However it is possible to switch your approved fuel with smokeless coal to slumber the stove overnight and reduce the time of the burn as the constant air supply required to slumber would reduce the combustion of smokeless fuel.
Reduced Emissions
When used properly when it is properly used, a DEFRA exempt stove can create very low levels of emissions. These emissions are usually PM2.5 particles, which could cause a variety of health problems, including heart conditions and lung diseases, if inhaled.
The high efficiency of combustion provided by a DEFRA-approved wood burning device reduces the amount of harmful particles and pollutants released during the process of burning. This minimizes the impact of the burning process on the environment.
The efficiency of a stove can reduce the cost of heating your home. Making use of an DEFRA approved wood burning stove over a conventional gas boiler can reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills.
If you live in a region where smoke is controlled, it's vital that your stove be DEFRA Approved (or Smoke Exempt) as this permits you to burn Defra Approved fuels like manufactured smokeless ovals like Anthracite or Homefire and dried wood and other fuels that are authorised. This will allow you to relax in the fireplace, without worrying about how the stench of smoke could be a nuisance to your neighbors.
In addition to being approved by DEFRA, many stoves are also tested to meet the requirements of clearSkies and can be labelled with the clearSkies mark. The clearSkies scheme is an independent scheme that requires stove makers to provide information about the efficiency and emissions of their products, allowing consumers make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating as well as emissions, along with the type and size of the stove.
It's important to remember that, as with Ecodesign, clearSkies regulations represent minimum standards. Manufacturers can go above and over these. ESSE, for example has designed its latest stoves to be more efficient and less polluting with less particles, without sacrificing performance or control. This latest innovation utilizes patented Twin Catalytic Combustion Technology that burns all smoke particles and reduces their impact on the atmosphere.
In fact it's true that if you're in an smoke controlled zone and use a DEFRA Approved stove with a high-quality, kiln-dried or seasoned log, you'll be able to generate as much, or even more, heat from the same amount of dry wood as if were burning it in a non-DEFRA approved stove. It could be up to 24 per cent less expensive to heat your home by using an newest DEFRA Approved Stove than with gas boilers.
Conforms to Building Regulations
If you live in a Smoke Control Area, it's important to have a DEFRA approved multi fuel stove. They have passed tests to ensure that they don't emit any smoke when burning approved fuel, so you can use them in areas that are typically heavily populated by buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a variety of DEFRA approved log burners from the top brands including Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.
You can also safely burn wood, peat and other solid fuels by using a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. Be aware that some fuels are not permitted in Smoke Control Areas, so it's essential to familiarise yourself with local regulations and restrictions.
Proper ventilation is vital for safe operation of a multi fuel stove because it helps to reduce carbon monoxide accumulation within your home. DEFRA approved stoves have a built-in ventilation system that provides sufficient air to the combustion process. This ensures your home is always well ventilated and safe to use.
Additionally,
DEFRA approved stoves have minimum flue sizes of 550mm2, so they can be used with a standard twinwall system. Our wide range of flue liners are compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, which means you can utilize them to improve your fireplace and ensure that it is in line with the most recent emission requirements.
Look for the DEFRA symbol on the stove's packaging, or online. Numerous reputable stove retailers will include this information on their websites and in-store displays to help you identify which stoves comply with the requirements.
It is essential to employ an experienced professional who is certified if you are planning to install a multi-fuel fireplace. This will ensure that the installation is in compliance with the building codes. If you don't follow the correct instructions for installation and procedures, you could face the issuance of a fine or damage to your home. We recommend choosing an HETAS approved installer to handle your stove installation, as they are well-versed in the guidelines of the manufacturer and building regulations.
