Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves
There are a range of multi-fuel stoves exempt from defra regulations. Defra approved stoves comply with the regulations of the government, and are designed for efficient combustion and low emissions.
This is particularly crucial when you live in a smoke-control area. Even if you aren't need to, a Defra Stove is better for your chimney and for your neighbors.
Defra Approved
You may have noticed that on our website, a number wood-burning stoves are described as DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. To the average homeowner these terms might seem like jargon homeowners don't have to pay attention to however this could not be further from the reality.
DEFRA stands for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and they handle regulations and policies regarding the environment, farming and food. Defra approved stoves have tested rigorously to ensure that they comply with the strict regulations of the government regarding emissions of smoke during operation. They're also designed to burn authorised fuels like wood and coal more efficiently, which means they produce far fewer pollutants.
This is a good thing for those living in a Smoke Control Area because the law currently prohibits the emission of smoke within such areas unless using an DEFRA approved stove and an authorised fuel. In the past it was possible to install an non Defra approved wood stove in a Smoke Control Area, as long you used only approved fuels. In January 2022, the laws will change and non-approved stoves aren't allowed to be used unless they're equipped with a secondary or secondary system that reduces the production of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous substances.
Our Defra approved ranges are also equipped with a mechanism to prevent you from closing down the top air vent completely. This could lead to the fire to ignite and release smoke into your home. Instead, these stoves come with an adjustable air flow that will allow you to open the top vent just a bit and still keep a safe and efficient burn.
Another benefit of buying a Defra approved stove is that it can be fitted with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is crucial because the majority of codes require a chimney to be at least 5 inches in diameter.
Smoke Control Areas
If you live in a smoke-free zone you'll require a Defra approved stove if you want to legally burn wood in your home. DEFRA has examined these stoves to make sure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions that are required in smoke control zones. You can find the list of areas for which you will require a Defra approved stove on the Defra website.
Multifuel stoves and Defra exempt stoves
A Defra approved wood stove, also called a DEFRA Multi Wood Burning Stove or Fuel, will have passed a strict test designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The UK government body who are responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting the farming and food industry and sustaining a flourishing rural economy. The tests that Defra approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance produces minimal levels of smoke and grit when it is operating.
Stove Supermarket offers a variety of Defra Exempt Stoves that are multi-fuel stoves. This means you can burn authorised smokeless wood and seasoned fuels. These stoves are also known as Defra stoves, Defra approved wooden burners and are abbreviated SE.
Unlike older stoves, which are often unsuitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, the latest Defra woodburning and multi-fuel stoves come with secondary and tertiary air systems to ensure that the wood is fully burned before it exits the chimney. This is a more efficient procedure than leaving a fire in the stove to burn for long periods and reduces the amount smoke that is generated.
If you are in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, or in the process of moving into one, then a Defra exempt stove is the best choice for your home. It is not only more eco-friendly however, it also helps to reduce the amount of smoke that can make your neighbors angry.
www.fireplacesandstove.com are still able to use open fires, barbecues, and pizza ovens in your garden but be aware that smoke that is toxic or excessive could be a nuisance for the law and you could be fined. You are also not permitted to burn damp, wet or rotting wood or other fuels in an open flame or stove inside the Smoke Control Area.
Burning Other Fuels
Defra Approved stoves are engineered to burn a wide range of fuels including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they comply with the strict government regulations for emissions when operating in smoke zones for control. You can use them in any smoke control area so long as they're burning approved fuels, such as logs, briquettes and pellets. Stoves that are Defra Approved will usually be identified by the an 'SE' logo that stands for Smoke Exempt.
A stove that is Defra-approved differs from a typical multifuel stove because it has secondary air vents which pre-heat air prior to it entering the firebox. This pre-heated air helps ensure that all the fuel is ignited and burned, leading to an efficient combustion process. It also prevents the build-up of soot in the chimney and keeps it from becoming blocked. Defra stoves also have internal baffle plates that help to regulate the flames and ensure an evenly distributed heat distribution.
The use of non-Defra-approved stoves in smoke controlled areas could result in substantial fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). If you wish to avoid being accused of being prosecuted by Defra, only use a DEFRA approved stove that has been inspected in accordance with government criteria.
DEFRA stoves can also be called Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with all kinds of fuel, but are especially suited to dry hard and soft wood. The air vents can't be closed completely, meaning there is always oxygen available to support the clean combustion.
This technology is not just in line with the current standards for air quality of the government as well as with the future Ecodesign requirements that will be in effect in 2022. Many of the Stovax wood burning and multi-fuel stoves we offer will carry this SIA Ecodesign Ready mark which confirms that they meet these new stricter emissions standards. These new standards are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to keep the air in the country healthy and clean.
Installation
If you live in a zone of smoke control then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove can help you comply with the rules. These wood-burning and multi fuel appliances have been tested by independent experts to ensure that they comply with the strict smoke emission standards required in a smoke control area. They can burn wood, or other fuels, such as coal, without worrying about the amount of smoke they produce.
Stoves that are DEFRA approved can reduce the amount of smoke produced by advanced combustion technologies that produce less smoke. These stoves use the second stage of combustion, which recycles waste products from the first stage. This makes them more efficient and cleaner. In addition to the reduction in emissions they also reduce the amount of soot that builds up in the chimney and flue.
If you live in an area which is smoke-free it is a good idea to know. You can use a fireplace more often and longer. Plus, you will save money on your energy bills. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are great for the environment because they emit less pollution. They can also be utilized to burn more materials than other stoves.
The majority of stoves can be made DEFRA exempt with an easy manufacturer-supplied kit. This kit alters the vents for air on the stove so that they do not close at night. This is known as slumbering and it allows part-burned combustibles to escape into the air instead of going up the chimney where they can hinder the flue. DEFRA approved stoves don't sleep and are, therefore, more eco-friendly and less likely to block a chimney.
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. You will have peace of peace of mind knowing that the installation was done according to the correct specifications, and is compliant with the current regulations. It will also help protect your warranty, as the installer is able to self-certify their work.