What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?
A multi-fuel stove that is defra-approved is one which has passed the Defra test for smoke. These stoves are often referred to as SE (smoke-exempt) stoves.
The government's Defra department is responsible for implementing rules and regulations related to the rural, agricultural and environmental issues. The Defra test demonstrates that you are able to burn wood or approved smokeless fuels, such as Anthracite ovals within an area that is smoke-free without causing any disturbance to your neighbors by emitting nuisance smoke.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly stoves make use of sustainable materials and fuels to reduce emissions. They typically burn wood or a mixture of authorised fuels and are designed with environmental considerations in the back of their minds. There are numerous eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves as well as log burners to choose from, ranging from modern to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves even make use of dung (the excreta of domesticated livestock) to provide an extremely efficient and carbon-free alternative to wood.
The most important thing you can do to ensure that your stove is eco-friendly is to ensure that the fuel is properly seasoned or dried and kiln-fired. This helps reduce the moisture content and lets the wood burn more efficiently, generating less smoke. It is also a great idea to purchase only wood that is sourced from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when purchasing wood to guarantee that it has been dried at an appropriate temperature.
Most modern stoves are designed to meet strict EU EcoDesign standards. These standards require that stove makers create wood burning stoves that are energy efficient and with environmental protection in mind. Ecodesign stoves should be designed to take into consideration the environment, energy efficiency, and the reduction of waste. They are among the most eco-friendly and clean stoves on the market.
Another option to make your stove more green is to substitute the grates with ceramic. Ceramic is not only attractive, but it is also anti-smoking and reduces sulphur oxide in the air. In addition, ceramic grates are easy to maintain and last longer than steel grate inserts.
While you may still enjoy the comfort of cozy wood burning stoves or multi fuel stove in a Smoke Control Area, it is essential to only use Defra approved fuels. If you do not then, you could be in breach of the law and face getting a fine from your local council. It is recommended to only use approved fuels by Defra for example, a manufactured anthracite round, in your stove.
Clean Burning
A Defra approved multi fuel stove can be used in smoke-controlled areas, provided it burns smokeless fuels only. how you can help can be a type of natural or manufactured smokeless log or anthracite and it must conform to certain regulations in order to meet the requirements for an Defra approved wood burning stove. The stove makers must comply with the rules for selling an exempt from DEFRA wood burner. The Stove Yard has a huge choice of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves as well as wood burning stoves by leading brands such as Arada, Parkray and Burley.
These Defra-exempt stoves use the latest combustion technology to reduce emissions and tar accumulation in your chimney or flue system. They employ the most advanced secondary and tertiary airflow systems that ignite particulates and tar gases before they escape into the atmosphere - this is the reason why an Defra approved stove so much cleaner than older generation stoves that burn wood and open fires.
The design of a Defra approved stove is different too, most of our range include a hidden mechanism inside the stove that allows for a small, continuous circulation of air into the fire even when the vents for air are shut. This prevents ash and soot being pushed into the fireplace, which can cause dangerous chimney fires.
The new Defra-approved cooktops don't permit you to completely shut the vents to let air in and then sleep on the stove overnight, which can send part-burned combustibles to the air.
A DEFRA approved stove also has an extended burn time than non-Defra models, however it's important to note that if you swapped your authorised fuel for smokeless coal, and wanted to rest your stove over night then this could reduce the burn time too as the constant supply of air required for slumbering would reduce the combustion of the smokeless fuel.
Reduced Emissions
If used correctly when it is properly used, a DEFRA exempt stove can generate very low levels of emission. These emissions are usually PM2.5 particles, which, if inhaled, could cause various health problems, including heart diseases and lung diseases.
The high efficiency of combustion of a DEFRA approved wood burner decreases the amount of harmful particles and pollution released during the burning process. This helps reduce the impact of the burning process on the environment.
In addition to cutting harmful emissions, the efficiency of a stove can reduce the cost of heating your home. If you use a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove in place of a gas boiler you can lower your carbon footprint while saving money on your energy bill.
If you live in an area where smoke is controlled, it's crucial that your stove is DEFRA-approved (or Smoke Exempt) because this permits you to burn approved Defra fuels like manufactured smokeless ovals, such as Anthracite or Homefire and dried wood and other authorised fuels. This will let you enjoy the fireplace without worrying about how the stench of smoke could disturb your neighbors.
Many stoves are, in addition to being DEFRA certified, are tested to meet clearSkies standards and are able to be identified with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies mark is an independent scheme that requires stove manufacturers to disclose information about their appliances efficiency and emissions, making it easier for consumers to make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating, emissions, and type and size.
It is important to keep in mind that, just as with Ecodesign the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards and manufacturers can exceed these. ESSE, for example has developed its new stoves to be more efficient and cleaner burning, producing less particulates without sacrificing performance or control. This latest innovation utilizes patented Twin Catalytic Combustion Technology that recycles all smoke particles, reducing their impact on the environment.
In fact when you're in a smoke controlled zone and use a DEFRA Approved stove with a high-quality, kiln-dried or seasoned log, you'll get as much, or even more heat from the same amount of dry wood as you would if you were burning it in a non-DEFRA Approved stove. It is up to 24 percent cheaper to heat your home with a new DEFRA Approved Stove than using gas boiler.
Conforms to Building Regulations
If you live in an area under smoke control, it's crucial to select a multi-fuel stove that is approved by DEFRA. These stoves have been tested to ensure they do not emit smoke when burning approved fuel. You can therefore use them in areas with a lot of buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a variety of DEFRA approved log burners from top brands like Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.
You can also safely burn wood, peat, and other solid fuels with a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. It is important to be aware that certain types of fuel are restricted for use in Smoke Control Areas, so it's essential to be familiar with local regulations and restrictions.
Proper ventilation is essential for safe operation of a multi fuel stove, since it will help minimize carbon monoxide build-up within your home. DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves have an inbuilt venting system that can automatically supply an adequate amount of air to the combustion process, ensuring that your home will always be fully ventilated and safe to use.
DEFRA approved stoves also have a minimum dimension of 550mm2, which means they can be used combination with a standard dualwall flue system. Our wide selection of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, which means you can utilize them to upgrade your existing fireplace and ensure that it is in line with the most recent emission requirements.
When choosing the DEFRA approved stove look for the 'DEFRA' symbol on its packaging or in the manufacturer's details online. Numerous reputable stove retailers will also display this information on their websites and on their displays in the store, so you can easily identify which stoves comply with the regulations.
If you're thinking of installing a multi-fuel stove, it's essential that you get the job done by a certified professional to ensure that you are in compliance with building regulations. Failure to follow the proper guidelines for installation could lead to a fine and damage to your property. We suggest you choose an HETAS-approved installer to set up your stove, since they are familiar with manufacturer's guidelines and building codes.