Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a range of multi-fuel stoves that are exempt from the defra regulations. Defra approved stoves comply with government regulations and are designed to burn fuel efficiently with low emissions.

This is especially important when you live in a smoke-control zone. But even if don't need to, it is still advisable to have a Defra stove is safer for your chimney and neighbours.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed that on our website, several wood burning stoves are listed as DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. These terms may seem like an esoteric term to the average homeowner, but they're not.

DEFRA is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They are accountable for policies and regulations relating to food, DEFRA guidelines stoves agriculture and the environment. Defra approved products have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they adhere to the strict guidelines of the government for smoke emissions when operating. They are additionally designed to burn authorized fuels like coal and wood more efficiently, meaning that they emit less pollution.

This is a great news for those who live in a Smoke Control Area since the law currently prohibits the emission 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 stove in a Smoke Control Area as long as you only used approved fuels like wood. However, as of January 2022, the law is changing and stoves that are not approved are not allowed to be installed unless they've been fitted with secondary or tertiary burning system which can drastically reduce their production of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, NOx and organic gaseous compounds.

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 the safety of a clean, efficient combustion.

A stove that is DEFRA guidelines stoves-approved can be fitted with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is important because numerous building codes require a chimney to be at least 5 inches in diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you live in a smoke control area you'll require a Defra approved stove if you wish to legally burn wood in your home. The stoves have been tested by DEFRA to ensure that they meet the strict standards of smoke emissions that are required in areas of smoke control. You can see the list of areas in which you need a Defra approved stove on the Defra website.

Multi Stoves for Fuel

A Defra approved stove, also known as a DEFRA multi fuel or wood burning stove has passed a rigorous test that was developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency responsible for protecting our natural environment, supporting 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 minimal levels of smoke and grit when it is in use.

Many of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are multi fuel stoves that allow you to burn approved smokeless fuels, as well as seasoned wood. They are usually described as Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners, and they are often abbreviated as SE.

The latest Defra multi-fuel stoves and woodburning stoves are equipped with secondary and tertiary venting systems that ensure the wood is completely burned before it exits the chimney. This is a more efficient process than just leaving a fire in the stove to burn for long periods of time and reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that can be generated.

If you live in a Smoke Control Area, or in the process of moving to one, a Defra exempt stove is the best DEFRA stoves choice for your property. Not only will it be more environmentally friendly but it will also help 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 can be considered to be a nuisance and you could be fined. In an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, you are not permitted to use open fires or stoves to burn damp, rotten or wet wood or any other fuels.

Burning Other Fuels

Defra Approved stoves are engineered to burn a wide variety of fuels, including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they are in compliance with strict regulations of the government for emissions when operating in smoke zones of control. This means that they can be used legally in any smoke control zone in the event that you're burning authorised fuels such as pellets, logs and Briquettes. Stoves that have been authorised by Defra will be marked with a SE' logo, which stands for Smoke Exempt.

A Defra-approved stove is different from a standard multifuel stove in that it has secondary air vents that heat air prior to entering the firebox. The pre-heated, heated air ensures that the fuel is ignited in order to produce a cleaner combustion. It also reduces soot build up and prevents the chimney from getting blocked. The Defra stoves come with internal baffles which help to regulate the flames and ensure a uniform heat distribution.

Stoves that are not approved by DEFRA in areas with smoke control 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 make use of a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance that has been tested according to the government's guidelines.

DEFRA stoves are also referred to as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with most kinds of fuel, but are especially suited to dry hard and soft wood. The air vents can't be closed completely, so there is always oxygen available to ensure clean combustion.

This technology is not just compliant with the current standards for air quality of the government but also with the upcoming Ecodesign requirements that will be in effect in 2022. A large portion of Stovax wood burning and multi-fuel stoves we sell will have this SIA Ecodesign Ready mark which signifies that they are in compliance with the new, stricter emission standards. These new standards are being introduced as part of the government's continued efforts to keep the nation's air healthy and clean.

Installation

If you reside in a zone of smoke control then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove will assist you in complying with the regulations. These wood-burning and multi fuel stoves have been independently tested in order to ensure they meet the strict standards of smoke emission required in a Smoke control area. They can burn wood or other fuels like coal, without worrying about the level of smoke they produce.

Stoves that are DEFRA approved can lower the amount of smoke produced by advanced combustion technologies that produce less smoke. They typically employ a second phase of combustion that re-burns some of the waste products that were discarded from the initial stage, making them less polluting and more efficient. In addition to the reduction in emissions the stoves also lessen the amount of soot that builds up within the flue and chimney.

If you live in a region which is smoke-free, this is a great thing to be aware of. You can enjoy a real fireplace more often and longer. Plus, you will reduce your utility bills. As a result of the reduced levels of pollution, these kinds of wood burning and multi fuel stoves are beneficial to the environment since they are able to use a wider range of materials than other stoves.

A simple kit supplied by the manufacturer can make most stoves DEFRA-exempt. This changes the air vents on the stove, preventing them from closing at night. This is called slumbering, and it allows part-burned combustibles that would otherwise block the flue to be released into atmosphere. DEFRA approved stoves don't slumber and are more sustainable for the environment. They also prevent chimneys from being blocked less often.

To get the most out of your DEFRA approved stove it is recommended you have it installed professionally by a HETAS Registered Installer or an Building Control Officer. You'll be able to rest in peace of mind knowing that the installation was done in accordance with the correct specifications, and is in compliance with the current regulations. It will also protect your warranty since the installer can self-certify their own work.