15 Reasons To Love Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There's a huge selection of defra-exempt multi fuel stoves that will fit in with any home. Defra approved stoves comply with government regulations and are designed to burn fuel efficiently with low emissions.

This is especially important especially if you reside in a smoke-free zone. Even if you don't need to, it is important to know that a Defra Stove is better for your chimney, and your neighbours.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed that on our website, a number wood-burning stoves are listed as DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. These terms may appear to be an esoteric term to the average homeowner, but they are not.

DEFRA is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They are responsible for policies and regulations relating to food, agriculture, and the environment. Defra approved products have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they adhere to the strict guidelines of the government for smoke emissions when operating. These stoves are specifically designed to burn the fuels of wood and coal more efficiently. This means they generate less pollution.

This is a good thing for anyone who lives in a Smoke Control Area as the law currently prohibits emissions of smoke within such areas unless using a DEFRA approved stove and a fuel that is authorised. In the past it was possible to install a non Defra approved wood stove in a Smoke Control Area, as long as you used only authorised fuels. But, as of January 2022, the rules are changing and stoves that aren't approved are not permitted to be installed at all unless they are equipped with secondary or tertiary burning system that can dramatically reduce the production of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, NOx and organic gaseous compounds.

In the case of our Defra approved stoves, they are also equipped with a mechanism that stops you from closing the top air vent completely down, as this could cause the fire to get smoldering and release smoke into your home. These stoves come with an adjustable air supply that allows you to open the top vent a small amount and still have a safe, efficient burn.

A stove that is approved by Defra can be fitted with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is crucial because the majority of codes for building require chimneys to have a minimum 5-inch diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you live in a smoke-free zone you'll require 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 of smoke emissions required in smoke control zones. 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 a DEFRA multi fuel or wood burning stove will have passed a rigorous test that was developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency is responsible for protecting our natural environment, assisting agriculture and food industry and ensuring a vibrant rural economic. The tests Defra approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance produces minimal levels of smoke and grit while it is in operation.

Many of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are multi fuel stoves that allow you to use authorised smokeless fuels and seasoned wood. They will often be referred to as Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners. They are usually abbreviated to SE.

Unlike older stoves, which are not suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, the latest defra approved efficient stoves multi-fuel and woodburning stoves come with secondary and tertiary air systems that ensure that the wood is fully burned prior to it leaving the chimney. This is a more efficient method than simply leaving a log fire on the fire to burn for a long time and reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that could be emitted.

If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, or if you are thinking of moving to one, then a Defra exempt stove is a great option for your home. It's not just more environmentally friendly however, it also helps reduce the nuisance smoke that could make your neighbors angry.

You are still able to use open fires, barbecues and pizza ovens in your garden but be aware that excessive or toxic smoke could be a nuisance for the law and you may be fined. You are also not allowed to use damp, wet or rotting wood or any other fuels in an open fire or stove inside an area designated as a Smoke Control Area.

Burning Other Fuels Other Than Petroleum

Defra Approved Stoves are designed to burn a variety of fuels, including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they are in compliance with the strict regulations of the government for emissions when operating in smoke control zones. You can use them in any smoke-control zone, DEFRA Approved Efficient Stoves so long as they're burning approved fuels such as logs, briquettes and pellets. Stoves that are DEFRA stoves reviews approved are usually identified with the an 'SE' symbol that stands for Smoke Exempt.

A stove that is approved by Defra differs from a typical multifuel stove in that it has secondary air vents that heat air prior to it entering the firebox. This pre-heated, heated air ensures that the fuel is ignited in order to produce a cleaner combustion. It also helps to reduce the build-up of soot up and prevents the chimney from clogging. The DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews stoves come with internal baffles that help control the flames and ensure a uniform heat distribution.

Defra could impose heavy penalties on anyone who uses an appliance that is not approved by DEFRA in smoke-controlled areas. To avoid being accused of trespassing by Defra you should only buy and use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested to the government's strict standards.

DEFRA stoves are also known as Clean Burn stoves. They are compatible with all kinds of fuel, but they are especially suited to dry hard and soft wood. Air vents cannot be closed completely, so there is always oxygen available to aid in clean combustion.

This technology is not only compliant with the current standards for air quality, but also future Ecodesign requirements that will go in 2022. A majority of Stovax multi-fuel and wood burning stoves we sell will have this SIA Ecodesign Ready mark which signifies that they are in compliance with the new standards for emissions. These new standards are part of the government’s continuous efforts to ensure that the air we breathe clean and healthy.

Installation

If you reside in a smoke-free zone then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove can aid you in observing the regulations. This is because these wood burning and multi fuel stoves have been independently tested to ensure they meet the strict standards of smoke emissions required in a Smoke Control Area. They can burn wood, or other fuels such as coal without worrying about the level of smoke they generate.

Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can reduce smoke levels using advanced combustion techniques that produce less smokiness. These stoves use a second stage of combustion, which re-burns waste products from the first stage. This makes them cleaner and more efficient. They reduce not just the amount of emissions but also the amount of soot in the chimney and flue.

If you live in a region which is smoke-free this is an important thing to be aware of. You can use a fireplace more often and longer. Plus, you will save money on your utility bills. As a result of the less pollution, these kinds of wood-burning and multi fuel stoves are also good for the environment as they can be used to burn a wider range of materials than other stoves.

A simple kit offered by the manufacturer can make most stoves DEFRA-exempt. This alters the air vents of the stove to prevent them from closing at night. This is referred to as slumbering and allows part-burned combustibles which would otherwise block the flue to be released into the atmosphere. DEFRA approved stoves do not sleep and are, therefore, better for the environment and less likely to block a chimney.

It is recommended that an HETAS registered installer or Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the best out of it. You will have peace of assurance that the installation was carried out in accordance to the correct specifications and that it is compliant with latest regulations. In addition, it can also help to protect your warranty as the installer can self-certify their work.