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. These stoves are sometimes called SE (smoke-exempt) stoves.

The government's Defra department handles rules and regulations related to the rural, agricultural and environmental issues. The Defra test guarantees that you can burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals within a smoke controlled area without upsetting your neighbours with annoying smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves make use of renewable materials and fuels to reduce emissions. Eco-friendly stoves are usually designed to burn wood, or in combination with other approved fuels. There are many eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves and log burners available, from traditional to modern models. Some eco-friendly stoves utilize dung as an efficient and carbon-negative substitute for wood.

The most important factor in making sure your stove is eco-friendly is to make sure that the fuel you use is properly seasoned and kiln dried. This helps reduce the amount of moisture and allows the wood to burn more efficiently, producing less smoke. It is recommended to buy only wood that has been sourced from sustainable forests. When purchasing wood look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' label to confirm that it has been dried correctly.

The majority of newer stoves are built to meet the strict EU EcoDesign standards. These standards require stove manufacturers to design wood burning stoves that are energy efficient and with the environment in mind. Ecodesign stoves must consider the environment, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. These stoves are among the greenest and most environmentally friendly stoves available.

Replace the grill on your stove with ceramic grate. This will make it more eco-friendly. This material is not just attractive, but it is also anti-smoking, and helps reduce sulphur oxide in the air. Additionally, ceramic grate liners are easy to keep clean and last longer than steel inserts into grates.

While you can still relax in a cosy wood burner or multi fuel stove in a Smoke Control Area, it is essential to only use Defra approved fuels. You could be in breach of the law if you do not. Only use fuels approved by Defra like a manufactured anthracite round, in your stove.

Clean Burning

A Defra approved multi fuel stove is able to be used in smoke controlled areas if it burns authorised smokeless fuel only. This can be a type of natural or manufactured smokeless log or anthracite. it must adhere to specific regulations to meet the criteria for a Defra approved wood burning stove. The stove makers must follow the regulations to sell an exempt from DEFRA wood burner. Here at The Stove Yard we have a fantastic choice of DEFRA approved wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves made by top brands like Arada, Parkray, Burley, Stovax and many more.

These types of Defra exempt stoves come with the latest combustion technology designed to reduce emissions and tar build in your chimney and flue system. The stoves utilize secondary and tertiary systems that ignite particulates, tar gases and other pollutants before they are released into the air. This is why Defra approved wood burning stoves are so much more clean than open fires and older generation stoves.

The design of a Defra approved stove is also different The majority of our stoves include a hidden mechanism inside the stove that allows a small continuous flow of air through to the fire even when the air vents are closed. This prevents soot and ash being pushed through the fireplace, which can cause 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 then sleep on your stove for the night which can send part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere.

A DEFRA-approved stove can have a longer burn time compared to older stoves that are not defra compliant Stoves list-approved. However it is possible to swap your authorised fuel with smokeless coal to rest the stove for a night and reduce the time of the burning time due to the constant supply of air needed for slumbering would curtail the combustion of the smokeless fuel.

Emissions Reductions

When used correctly the DEFRA-exempt stove will produce very low levels of emissions. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles, which can cause a range of health issues that include heart ailments and lung diseases, if inhaled.

The high combustion efficiency provided by a DEFRA stoves cost-approved wood burner reduces the amount harmful particles and pollutants released by the process of burning. This reduces the environmental impact, particularly in urban areas where pollution levels are high.

The efficiency of a stove could reduce the cost of heating your home. Utilizing an DEFRA approved wood burning stove instead of a conventional gas boiler will reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills.

If you live in a zone where smoke is controlled, it's essential that your stove is DEFRA approved (or Smoke Exempt) since it allows you to burn approved Defra Fuels such as manufactured smokeless ovals, such as Anthracite or Homefire and dried wood and other fuels that are authorised. This will let you enjoy the fireplace without worrying about how the stench of smoke could be a nuisance to your neighbors.

Many stoves, in addition to being DEFRA-approved, are tested according to clearSkies requirements and are able to be labeled with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies scheme is an independent scheme which requires stove makers to provide information on the efficiency and emissions of their appliances to help consumers make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating, emissions, as well as the type and size.

However, it's important to remember that, as with Ecodesign the clearSkies guidelines are merely minimum standards, and manufacturers are able to exceed them. ESSE, for example has designed its latest stoves to be even more efficient and cleaner burning with less particles, without sacrificing performance or control. This latest advancement utilizes twin catalytic technology that burns off the smoke particles it releases drastically reducing their impact on the environment.

If you live in a smoke-controlled zone and you use a DEFRA Approved Stove with a top-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, you'll get the same amount of heat, or even more in the same amount of dry wood as the same amount of wood burned in the non DEFRA Approved Stove. It could be up to 24 percent cheaper to heat your home using an newest Defra Approved Stove than with gas boilers.

Compliant with Building Regulations

If you live in an area under smoke control, it's crucial to choose a multi-fuel stove that is approved by DEFRA. The stoves have been tested to ensure they do not emit smoke when burning approved fuel. You can therefore use them in areas that have large number of buildings. At Choice Stoves, DEFRA approved Clean burning stoves we supply and install a variety of DEFRA approved log burners from the 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 stoves price range-approved multi-fuel stove. It is essential to be aware that certain fuels cannot be used in Smoke Control Areas.

For a multi-fuel stove to be safe to use, it is important that you have the appropriate ventilation. This will minimize the accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home. DEFRA approved stoves come with an integrated ventilation system that supplies sufficient air to the combustion process. This ensures your home is always fully ventilated and safe for use.

DEFRA approved stoves also have a minimum size of 550mm2, which means they can be used conjunction with a standard dualwall system. Our vast range of flue liners are compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, so 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. Many reputable stove retailers will also include this information on their websites as well as on their displays in the store so that you can easily identify which stoves meet the requirements.

It is essential to employ an experienced professional who is certified if you intend to install a multi-fuel fireplace. This will ensure that the installation is in compliance with the building codes. Failure to follow the proper guidelines for installation could lead to an expensive fine or damage to your property. We recommend using an HETAS approved installer to carry out your stove installation, as they are familiar with the manufacturers guidelines and building regulations.