Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves
There is a variety of multi-fuel stoves exempt from defra regulations. Defra approved stoves comply with government regulations and are engineered for efficient combustion and low emissions.
This is especially important when you live in a smoke-control area. Even if you don't need to, a Defra Stove is better for your chimney, and your neighbors.
Defra Approved
You might have noticed that on our website, several wood-burning stoves are listed either as DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. To the average home owner, these terms may appear to be jargon that homeowners don't have to pay attention to however this could not be further from the reality.
DEFRA is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They are accountable for the policies and regulations related to food, agriculture, and the environment. Defra approved products have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they meet the government's strict guidelines regarding smoke emissions during operation. They're also designed to burn approved fuels like wood and coal more efficiently, which means that they produce far fewer pollutants.
This is a great news for those living in a Smoke Control Area since the law currently bans the release of smoke in these areas unless you use a DEFRA approved stove and an authorised fuel. In the past, it has been possible to install a non-Defra certified stove in a Smoke Control Area as long as you used only approved fuels like wood. However, from January 2022 the laws are changing and stoves that aren't approved will not be allowed to be used unless they have been fitted with secondary or tertiary burning system that can dramatically reduce the production of particulate matter NOx, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous compounds.
In the case of our Defra approved stoves, they are equipped with a mechanism which prevents you from closing the top air vent all the way down as this can cause the fire to smolder and release smoke into your home. These stoves come with an adjustable air feed that allows you to open the top vent a small amount and still have a safe, efficient burn.
A Defra-approved stove can also be fitted with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is important as there are many building regulations which state that you must have an unlined chimney that has at least 5 inches of diameter.
Smoke Control Areas
If you live in a zone of smoke control, you'll need a Defra-approved stove to burn wood legally within your home. These stoves have been tested by DEFRA to ensure that they meet the strict smoke emissions standards required in smoke control areas. On the Defra website, you can see a list of areas that require a Defra-approved stove.
Multi Stoves Fuel
A Defra approved stove, also referred to a DEFRA multi fuel or wood burning stove will have passed a rigorous test designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency is responsible for protecting our natural environment, supporting the agriculture and food industries and ensuring a vibrant rural economy. The tests that Defra approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance only produces low levels of smoke and grit when it is in use.
Many of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are also multi fuel stoves that allow you to burn authorised smokeless fuels and seasoned wood. These stoves are referred to 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 multi-fuel and woodburning stoves have secondary and tertiary air systems in order to ensure that the wood is completely burned prior to it leaving the chimney. This is a better method than simply putting a piece of wood on the fire for long periods of time. It also reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that could be produced.
If you live in an 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 sustainable, but it will help to minimise the nuisance smoke that could upset your neighbors.
You are still able to use open fires, barbecues, and pizza ovens in your yard but remember that excessive or toxic smoke could be a statutory nuisance and could result in a fine. In click through the up coming document , you are not permitted to use open fires or stoves to burn damp, rotten, or wet wood or any other fuels.
Burning Other Fuels Other Than Petroleum
Defra Approved Stoves are made to burn a variety of fuels, including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they are in compliance with strict emission regulations of the government when operating in smoke control zones. This means that you can use them legally in any smoke control area as long as you're burning authorised fuels such as logs, pellets and Briquettes. Stoves that are Defra Approved will often be denoted with a 'SE' logo which signifies Smoke Exempt.
A Defra-approved stove is different from a standard multifuel stove due to its secondary air vents that pre-heat air before it enters into the firebox. This pre-heated, heated air ensures that the fuel is ignited in order to create a cleaner burning. This also helps prevent the accumulation of soot that can block the chimney. Defra stoves also come with internal baffle plates which help to regulate the flames and ensure even heat distribution.
The use of non-Defra-approved stoves in areas that are smoke-free could result in substantial fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). If you want to avoid being prosecuted by Defra, only use a DEFRA approved stove that has been inspected in accordance with the guidelines of the government.
DEFRA stoves can also be called Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with all kinds of fuel but they are best suited to wood that is dry and soft. The air vents can't be closed completely, so there is always oxygen available to aid in pure combustion.
This technology is not just compliant with the current government's standards for air quality, but also future Ecodesign requirements which will come into effect in 2022. Many of the Stovax multi-fuel and wood burning stoves we sell will bear this SIA Ecodesign Ready mark which indicates that they comply with the new, stricter emission standards. These new standards are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to keep the air we breathe healthy and clean.
Installation
If you live in a smoke control area then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove will aid you in observing the rules. These wood-burning and multi fuel appliances have been tested independently in order to ensure that they comply with the strict standards of smoke emission required in a Smoke control zone. These appliances can burn wood, or other fuels, such as coal without concern about the level of smoke they generate.
Stoves that are DEFRA approved can reduce smoke levels through advanced combustion technology that creates less smoke. They usually employ a second phase of combustion, which re-burns some of the waste products that were discarded from the initial stage, making them even more efficient and cleaner. These stoves can reduce not only the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, but also the amount of soot that gets into the chimney and flue.
This is great news for those who reside in a smoke-free area as it means that you can enjoy a real fire more often and longer, with the added benefit of lower 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 are able to use a wider range of materials than other stoves.
A simple kit offered by the manufacturer can make many stoves DEFRA-exempt. This alters the air vents on the stove to stop them from closing at night. This is referred to as slumbering. It allows part-burned combustibles and flammables to escape into the air instead of going up the chimney where they could cause obstruction to the flue. DEFRA approved stoves do not slumber and are better for the environment. They also block chimneys less often.
To get the most out of your DEFRA approved stove it is recommended you have it installed professionally by an HETAS Registered Installer or by an official from the Building Control Office. You'll be able to rest in assurance that the installation was completed according to the correct specifications, and is compliant with the latest regulations. It will also protect your warranty as the installer is able to self-certify their work.