Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a wide range of multi-fuel stoves exempt from the defra regulations. Defra approved appliances comply with government regulations and are designed for efficient combustion and low emissions.

This is particularly important if you reside in a smoke-free zone. But even if don't, it is still advisable to have a Defra stove is safer for your chimney as well as your neighbors.

Defra Approved

You might have noticed that on our website, a variety of wood-burning stoves are described as defra stove exempted or recommended Defra stoves DEFRA approved. To the average homeowner these terms may appear to be jargon that they don't need to be aware of however this is not the truth.

DEFRA stands for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and they handle regulations and policies in relation to the environment, agriculture and food. Defra approved stoves have passed a rigorous test to ensure they adhere to the strict guidelines of the government for smoke emission levels during operation. They are designed to burn fuels like coal and wood more efficiently. This means they generate less pollutants.

This is good news for those who live in a Smoke Control Area since the law currently prohibits the emission of smoke within these areas unless using a DEFRA approved stove and a fuel that is authorised. In the past it was possible to install an non Defra approved wood stove in a Smoke Control Area, as long that you used only authorized fuels. From January 2022, the laws will change and non-approved stoves aren't allowed to be used unless they are equipped with a secondary and tertiary system that can reduce their productions of particulate carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and organic gaseous substances.

In the case of our Defra approved stoves, they're also equipped with a mechanism that stops you from closing the top air vent all the way down as this can cause the fire to smoulder and emit smoke into your space. These stoves feature an adjustable air flow that allows you to open the top vent a small amount and still have an efficient, safe combustion.

Another benefit of purchasing a Defra approved stove is that it comes with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is crucial since there are a variety of building regulations which state that you need an unlined chimney that has at least a 5-inch diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you reside in a zone of smoke control you'll need a Defra approved stove if you want to legally burn wood in your home. The stoves have been tested by DEFRA to ensure that they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions required in smoke control zones. On the Defra site, you will find a list of areas that require a Defra-approved stove.

Multifuel stoves and stoves exempt from Defra

A Defra approved stove, also known as a DEFRA multi wood or fuel stove will have passed a rigorous test designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency responsible for protecting our natural environment, assisting the food and agriculture industries and maintaining a thriving rural economic. The tests that Defra Approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance only produces very little smoke and grit when it is in operation.

Stove Supermarket has a range of Defra Exempt Stoves that are multi-fuel stoves. This means you can use smokeless wood that is authorised and seasoned fuels. They are often called Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners and they are often abbreviated to SE.

In contrast to older stoves that are not suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, the latest Defra woodburning and multi-fuel stoves have secondary and tertiary air systems in order to ensure that the wood is completely burned before it exits the chimney. This is a much cleaner process than just leaving a fire in the fire to burn for long periods and it reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that is generated.

If you are in a Smoke Control Area, or if you are thinking of moving to one, a Defra exempt stove is the best choice for your home. Not only will it be more eco-friendly, but it will help to reduce the amount of smoke that can upset your neighbors.

You are still able to use an open flame, barbecues and a pizza oven in your backyard. However, excessive or toxic smoke may be considered a nuisance and you could be fined. You are also not allowed to burn wet, damp or rotting wood, or other fuels on an open fire or stove within a Smoke Control Area.

Burning Other Fuels

Defra Approved Stoves are engineered to burn various fuels, recommended defra stoves including wood. They burn wood so efficiently that they are in compliance with strict regulations of the government for emissions when operating in smoke zones for control. This means that you can use them legally in any smoke control area in the event that you're burning approved fuels such as logs, pellets and briquettes. Stoves that have been certified by Defra will bear a mark with a SE' logo which means Smoke Exempt.

What is it that makes the Defra approved stove different from standard multifuel stoves is that they have air vents which pre-heat the air before it enters the firebox. This pre-heated air helps ensure that all the fuel is ignited and burned, resulting in a cleaner combustion process. It also reduces soot build up and prevents the chimney from becoming blocked. Defra stoves are equipped with internal baffles which help to regulate the flames, and maintain a uniform heat distribution.

The use of non-Defra-approved stoves in smoke controlled areas could result in hefty fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). To avoid being prosecuted by Defra you should purchase and make use of a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested to the government's strict requirements.

DEFRA stoves are also known as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used for any type of fuel however, they are most effective with wood that is soft and dry. They are designed with air vents that cannot be completely closed so the stove will always receive oxygen to help ensure the clean combustion process and reduce the risk of the risk of noxious gases and soot.

This technology is not just compatible with the current air quality standards of the government as well as with the future Ecodesign standards that will come in effect in 2022. Many of the Stovax wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves we sell will bear this SIA Ecodesign Ready mark which confirms that they meet the new, stricter emission standards. These new standards are being introduced as a part of the ongoing efforts by the government to keep the country's air clean and healthy.

Installation

If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and you are in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt multi stove can help you comply with the rules. These wood burning and multi fuel stoves have been tested independently to ensure that they meet the strict smoke emission standards required in a Smoke control zone. These appliances can burn wood or other fuels like coal, without worrying about the level of smoke they generate.

Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can lower smoke levels using advanced combustion techniques that produce less smoke. These stoves employ the second stage of combustion, which burns the waste products that were burned in the first stage. This makes them cleaner and more efficient. These stoves reduce not only the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, but also the amount of soot in the chimney and flue.

If you live in a region that is smoke-free it is a good thing to be aware of. You can use a fireplace more often and longer. Plus, you will reduce your utility bills. Because of the reduced levels of pollution, these types of wood burning and multi fuel stoves are eco-friendly since they can be used to use a wider range of materials than other stoves.

A simple kit provided by the manufacturer can make many stoves DEFRA-exempt. This kit can alter the air vents on the stove to ensure that they do not close at night. This is referred to as slumbering and allows part-burned combustibles which would otherwise block the flue to be released into atmosphere. DEFRA approved stoves do not slumber and are therefore much better for the environment and less likely to block the chimney.

To get the most benefit of your DEFRA approved stove It is recommended DEFRA stoves that you have it professionally installed by a HETAS Registered Installer or by an official from the Building Control Office. This will provide you with the assurance that the installation was done to the proper specifications and is in compliance with the latest regulations. It will also help protect your warranty since the installer can self-certify their own work.