What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A defra approved multi fuel stove is one that has cleared of the Defra smoke tests. They can also be called SE (smoke exempt) stoves.

The Defra department of the government is responsible for the rules and regulations related to rural issues, agriculture and the environment. The Defra test ensures you can burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals in an area that is smoke-free without upsetting your neighbours with nuisance smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves emit a minimum amount of carbon dioxide, by making use of fuel efficiently, and using sustainable materials. They typically burn wood or a mixture of approved fuels and are designed with ecological considerations in mind. There are numerous eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves as well as log burners to choose from, ranging from traditional to modern models. Some eco-friendly stoves use dung (the excreta of domesticated livestock) as a highly efficient and carbon neutral alternative to wood.

The most important thing you can do to ensure your stove is eco-friendly is ensure that the fuel is properly seasoned or kiln-dried. This reduces the moisture content of the wood and affordable DEFRA stoves enables it to burn more efficiently. It's also a great idea to buy only wood that comes from sustainable forests. When buying 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 strict EU EcoDesign standards. These standards require stove manufacturers to design wood burning stoves keeping energy efficiency and the environment in mind. Ecodesign stoves must be designed to take into consideration emissions, resource efficiency and waste reduction. These stoves are among the most eco-friendly and clean stoves on the market.

Another way to make your stove more eco-friendly is to replace the grate with a ceramic one. This material is not just visually appealing, but also non-smoking, and helps reduce sulphur oxide in the air. In addition, ceramic grate liners are also easy to clean and last longer than steel grate inserts.

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

Clean Burning

Multi fuel stoves that have been approved by Defra can only be used in areas with smoke control in the event that they burn only smokeless fuel. It could be a smokeless log, anthracite or manufactured or natural product. The stove manufacturers must also adhere to the regulations for selling a DEFRA-exempted wood burner. Here at The Stove Yard we have a fantastic choice of DEFRA approved stoves for wood burning and multi fuel stoves made by top brands like Arada, Parkray, Burley, Stovax and many more.

These Defra-exempt stoves use the most advanced combustion technology to reduce tar emissions and tar accumulation in your chimney or flue system. The stoves use secondary and tertiary systems that ignite particulates, tar gases and other pollutants before they go 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 different. Most of our stoves have an in-built mechanism that allows a small, continuous flow of air to the fire even if the air vents have been closed. This prevents ash and soot being sent up the fireplace, which can cause dangerous chimney fires.

The new Affordable defra stoves-approved stoves don't allow you to completely close the air vents and slumber the stove for a night that could release part-burned combustibles to the air.

A DEFRA approved stove also has the longest burn time than older non-Defra models, however it's worth noting that if you switched your approved fuel for smokeless coal and you wanted to rest your stove over night then this would shorten the time to burn due to the constant supply of air needed for slumber burning would curb the combustion of the smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

If used properly, a stove that is exempt from DEFRA can produce very low levels of emissions. These emissions are usually PM2.5 particles, which, if inhaled, can lead to various health problems, including heart diseases and lung diseases.

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

The efficiency of a stove can reduce the cost of heating your home. Making use of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stove instead of a conventional gas boiler can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you 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) because this permits you to burn approved Defra Fuels such as manufactured smokeless ovals such as Anthracite or Homefire as well as dried wood and other approved fuels. This will allow you to enjoy your fireplace without worrying about how the stench of smoke could disturb your neighbors.

Many stoves are, in addition to being DEFRA approved, are also tested in accordance with clearSkies standards and can be labelled using the clearSkies label. The clearSkies mark is an independent scheme that requires stove manufacturers to display information about their appliances efficiency and emissions, so that consumers can make an informed decision. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating and emissions, as well as its size and type.

It is important to remember that, as with Ecodesign clearSkies regulations set minimum standards. Manufacturers may go above and over these. ESSE has developed its most recent stoves to be even more efficient and clean, producing less dust without any compromise in the performance or control. This latest development uses patented Twin Catalytic Combustion Technology that recycles all smoke particles and reduces their impact on the environment.

If you live in a smoke-free zone and are using a DEFRA Approved Stove with a top-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, then you will get as much heat, or even more than that, from the same amount of dry wood as if it were burned in an non DEFRA stoves near me Approved Stove. It could be up to 24 percent cheaper to heat your home with a new Defra Approved Stove than gas boiler.

In compliance with Building Regulations

If you live in a Smoke Control Area, it's important to have a DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove. The stoves have been tested to ensure they don't emit smoke when burning approved fuel. You can therefore use them in areas with a significant amount of buildings. We install and supply DEFRA approved log stoves from top brands like Mi-fires and Contura.

You can also safely burn wood, peat, and other solid fuels by using a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. It is important to be aware that certain fuels are not permitted in Smoke Control Areas, so it's important to be aware of local regulations and restrictions.

For a multi-fuel stove to perform safely, it's crucial that you have proper ventilation. This will minimize the buildup of carbon monoxide within your home. DEFRA approved stoves come with a built-in ventilation system that provides sufficient air to the combustion process. This will ensure that your home is always ventilated and safe to use.

Additionally, DEFRA approved stoves have a minimum flue size of 550mm2, meaning they can be used with a standard twinwall system. Our wide range of flue liners are compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, which means you can utilize them to improve your fireplace to ensure it is compliant with the latest emission standards.

When selecting the DEFRA approved stove, look for the 'DEFRA symbol on its packaging or in the information provided by the manufacturer online. This information is also available on numerous reputable retailers' websites and in stores' displays.

If you're considering installing a multi-fuel stove, it's crucial that you have the task completed by a licensed professional to ensure that you are in compliance with building regulations. Inadequately following guidelines for installation could lead to an expensive fine or damage to your property. We recommend using a HETAS certified installer to handle your stove installation, because they are familiar with the manufacturer's guidelines and building regulations.