What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A defra-approved multi fuel stove is one that has been cleared of the Defra smoke tests. They are also sometimes referred to as SE (smoke exempt) stoves.

The government's DEFRA regulations stoves department handles rules and regulations related to the environment, agriculture and rural issues. The Defra test guarantees that you can burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite in an area that is smoke-free without upsetting your neighbours with noisy smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves use sustainable materials and DEFRA Approved stylish Stoves fuels to reduce emissions. They typically burn wood or a mixture of authorised fuels and are designed with environmental considerations in mind. There are many eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves as well as log burners available, 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 make your stove eco-friendly is ensure that the fuel is properly seasoned or dried and kiln-fired. This reduces the amount of moisture and lets the wood burn more efficiently, and produce less smoke. It is recommended to buy only wood that has been sourced from sustainable forests. When buying wood, look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' label to confirm that it has been dried properly.

The majority of newer stoves meet strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require that stove makers design wood burning stoves that have energy efficiency and environmental protection in mind. Manufacturers must take into account emissions as well as resource efficiency and waste reduction when designing Ecodesign stoves. This makes them some of the greenest and most environmentally friendly stoves available.

Another way to make your stove eco-friendly is to replace the grates with ceramic. It is not just attractive but also has the added benefit of not being a smoker and reducing sulphur dioxide in the air. Ceramic grate liners also have a longer life span and are easier to clean than steel inserts into grates.

In a Smoke Control Area you are able to use a wood-burner or multi-fuel stove, but it is crucial to use only fuels that have been approved by DEFRA guidelines stoves. You could be breaking the law if you don't. Only use fuels approved by Defra, such as anthracite-based round manufactured by Defra in your stove.

Clean Burning

Multi fuel stoves that have been approved by Defra are only permitted to be used in areas that are smoke-controlled if they burn only authorised smokeless fuel. It can be a smokeless log, anthracite or naturally occurring or manufactured product. The stove makers must follow the regulations to sell a DEFRA-exempt wood burner. Here at The Stove Yard we have an amazing selection of DEFRA approved stoves for wood burning and multi fuel stoves from top brands like Arada, Parkray, Burley, Stovax and many more.

These stoves that are Defra exempt use the latest technology for combustion to reduce the amount of tar and emissions in your chimney or flue system. The stoves employ secondary and tertiary systems to ignite particulates, tar gases and other pollutants before they go into the air. This is the reason Defra approved wood burning stoves are so much more clean than open fires and older models of stoves.

The design of a Defra approved stove is different too Most of our range will have a hidden mechanism inside the stove that allows a small, continuous flow of air to the fire even when the air vents are shut. This prevents soot and ash from being sent up the chimney which can cause obstruction to your stove and lead to dangerous chimney fires.

This is an essential feature for those who live in a smoke control area The latest Defra approved stoves don't allow you to close off the air vents completely and slumber your stove overnight which can send part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere.

A DEFRA approved stove also has the longest burn time than non-Defra models, although it's worth noting that if you swapped your approved fuel for smokeless coal and wanted to slumber your stove overnight then this could reduce the burn time as the continuous supply of air needed for slumbering would reduce the combustion of the smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

If used properly the DEFRA-exempt stove will produce very low levels of emissions. These emissions are usually PM2.5 particles, which can cause a variety of health problems that include heart ailments and lung diseases when inhaled.

The high efficiency of combustion of a DEFRA approved wood burner decreases the amount of harmful particles and pollutants released during the combustion process. This greatly reduces the impact on the environment, particularly in urban areas where pollution levels are high.

In addition to cutting harmful emissions The efficiency of a stove decreases the cost of heating your home. If you use a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove place of a gas boiler you can reduce your carbon footprint while saving the cost of your energy.

If you live in a smoke controlled zone, it's important to ensure that your fireplace is DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt because this permits you to burn Defra Approved fuels, such as manufactured smokeless coal ovals like Anthracite and Homefire and dried wood and other authorised solid fuels. This will allow you to enjoy your fireplace without having to worry about whether the smoke will disturb your neighbours.

In addition to being DEFRA approved, many stoves are also tested to clearSkies standards and are able to be identified with the clearSkies mark. The clearSkies mark is an independent system that requires stove manufacturers to display information about their appliances efficiency and emissions so that consumers can make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating, emissions, and the type and size.

It's important to keep in mind that, like with Ecodesign clearSkies regulations set minimum standards. Manufacturers can go above and above these. ESSE, for example, has engineered its new stoves to be more efficient and less polluting, producing less particulates without compromising on performance or control. This latest development uses Twin Catalytic Combustion Technology that reburns all smoke particles, reducing their impact on the atmosphere.

If you live in a smoke-controlled zone and are using a DEFRA Approved Stove with a top-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, you will get as much heat, or more in the same amount of dry wood than when it was burned in the non DEFRA Approved Stylish stoves Approved Stove. It is up to 24 percent less expensive to heat your home using an newest Defra Approved Stove than using a gas boiler.

In compliance with Building Regulations

If you live in an area under smoke control, it is important to use a multi-fuel stove approved by DEFRA. The stoves have been tested to ensure they don't emit smoke when burning approved fuel. Therefore, you can use them in areas that have significant amount of buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a range of DEFRA approved log burners from the top brands like Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.

A DEFRA approved multi fuel stove will allow you to burn peat, wood and DEFRA approved stylish stoves other solid fuels in a safe manner. You should be aware that certain types of fuel are not permitted in Smoke Control Areas, so it's essential to be familiar with local regulations and restrictions.

To allow a multi-fuel stove to be safe to use, it is essential that you have the appropriate ventilation. This will reduce the buildup of carbon monoxide inside your home. DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves come with an integrated venting system that automatically delivers 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 size of 550mm2, meaning they can be used in combination with a standard dualwall system. Our vast selection of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, meaning you can use them to enhance your fireplace and ensure that it is in line with the latest emissions requirements.

Look for the DEFRA symbol on the stove's packaging or online. This information is also available on many reputable retailers' websites and in the store displays.

It's important to hire an expert who is certified when you are planning to install a multi-fuel fireplace. This will ensure that the installation is in line with the building codes. If you fail to follow the correct instructions for installation, it could lead to a fine or damage to your home. We suggest that you select an HETAS-approved installer to set up your stove, because they are familiar with the manufacturer's guidelines and building codes.