What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A defra approved multi fuel stove is one that has successfully passed the Defra smoke tests. They are also called SE (smoke exempt) stoves.

The government Defra department is responsible for implementing rules and regulations related to the environment, agriculture and rural issues. The Defra test demonstrates that you are able to burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals within an area that is smoke-free without causing any disturbance to your neighbors by emitting nuisance smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves make use of sustainable materials and fuels to reduce emissions. Eco-friendly stoves are typically built to burn wood, or a combination of other approved fuels. A wide selection of eco-friendly log burning and multi fuel stoves are offered with a range of styles from contemporary to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves use the dung of pigs as a reliable and carbon-negative alternative to wood.

The most crucial aspect in making sure that your stove is eco-friendly is to ensure that the fuel you are using is properly seasoned or kiln dried. This reduces the amount of moisture and allows the wood to burn more efficiently, producing less smoke. It is also a good idea to buy only wood harvested from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when purchasing wood to ensure that it has been dried to the right level.

The majority of modern stoves comply with strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require stove makers to design wood burning stoves that are energy efficient and with the environment in mind. Ecodesign stoves should consider emissions, resource efficiency and the reduction of waste. This makes them some of the cleanest and greenest stoves on the market.

Replace the grates on your stove with a ceramic grates. This will make it more eco-friendly. It is not just aesthetically pleasing but also anti-smoking, and helps reduce the amount of sulphur oxide found in the air. In addition, ceramic grates are easy to keep clean and have a longer lifespan than steel grate inserts.

In a Smoke Control Area you are able to use the wood burner or multi-fuel stove, but it is essential to only use approved fuels by Defra. If you don't then, you may be in violation of the law and face being fined by the local council. To avoid this, you should only make use of affordable Defra stoves approved fuels, for example, a manufactured smokeless anthracite oval, in your stove.

Clean Burning

Multi fuel stoves approved by Defra can only be used in areas that are smoke-controlled that burn only smokeless fuel. This can be a type of manufactured or natural smokeless log or anthracite, and it must adhere to certain rules to meet the criteria for an Defra approved wood burning stove. The stove makers must adhere to the regulations for selling 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 from leading brands such as Arada, Parkray, Burley, affordable DEFRA stoves Stovax and many more.

These kinds of Defra exempt stoves offer the most modern combustion technology that is designed to reduce emissions and tar build in your chimney and flue system. They utilize the latest secondary and tertiary airflow systems that ignite tar gases and particulates before they escape into the air. This is what makes the Defra approved stove much more eco-friendly than the older generation wood burning stoves as well as open fires.

The design of a stove that is Defra-approved is also distinct. The majority of our models have an in-built mechanism that allows a small, continuous flow of air into the fire, affordable DEFRA stoves even when the air vents have been shut. This prevents ash and soot being sent up the fireplace, which can cause dangerous chimney fires.

This is an essential feature for those who live in a smoke-free area, the new Defra approved stoves do not permit you to shut off the vents completely, and then sleep on your stove for the night which can send part-burned combustibles into the air.

A DEFRA approved stove also has an extended burn time than other models, but it's worth noting that if you changed your authorised fuel for smokeless coal and wanted to slumber your stove overnight it would reduce the burn time too because the continuous supply of air needed for slumbering would reduce the combustion of the smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

When used properly when it is properly used, a DEFRA exempt stove can produce extremely low levels of emissions. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles, which, if inhaled, can lead to a variety of health issues, including heart problems and lung diseases.

The high efficiency of combustion provided by a DEFRA-approved wood burner reduces the amount of harmful particles and pollutants released in the process of burning. This reduces the impact of the process of burning on the environment.

As well as decreasing harmful emissions, the efficiency of a stove decreases the cost of heating your home. If you use a DEFRA-approved wood burner in place of a gas boiler you can lower your carbon footprint as well as save the cost of your energy.

If you reside in a smoke-free zone, it's essential to make sure that your stove is DEFRA approved or Smoke Exempt as this will allow you to burn approved defra burning mdf fuels like manufactured smokeless coal ovals such as Anthracite and Homefire and dried wood and other authorised solid fuels. This will let you enjoy the fireplace without having to worry about whether the smoke could disturb your neighbors.

Many stoves are, in addition to being DEFRA approved, are also tested in accordance with clearSkies standards and are able to be identified with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies scheme is an independent scheme that requires stove manufacturers to display information on the efficiency and emissions of their products that allow consumers to make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating and emissions, as well as the type and size of the stove.

However, it's important to keep in mind that, as with Ecodesign, the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards and manufacturers are able to exceed them. 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 advancement utilizes twin catalytic technology that reburns any smoke particles it produces significantly reducing their impact on the atmosphere.

In reality it's true that if you're in an smoke-free zone and are using an DEFRA Approved stove with a high-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, you'll generate as much, or more heat from the same amount of dry wood as if you were burning it on a non-DEFRA Approved stove. In fact, it could be up to 24 percent cheaper to heat your home using a the latest Defra Approved stove than with a traditional gas boiler.

Compliant with Building Regulations

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it's important to have a DEFRA approved multi fuel stove. These stoves have passed tests to ensure that they don't emit any smoke when burning approved fuel, so they can be used in areas that are typically heavily populated by buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a range of DEFRA approved log burners from the top brands including Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.

You can also safely burn wood, peat and other solid fuels using a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. It is important to be aware that certain fuels cannot be used in Smoke Control Areas.

For a multi-fuel stove to operate safely, it is essential that you have the appropriate ventilation. This will help reduce the accumulation of carbon monoxide inside 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 for use.

Additionally, DEFRA approved stoves have a minimum flue size of 550mm2, so they can be used with a standard twinwall flue system. Our extensive selection of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, so you can use them to improve your fireplace and ensure that it is in line with the latest emissions requirements.

When you are choosing 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 many reliable retailers' websites as well as in stores' displays.

If you're thinking of installing a multi-fuel stove, it's crucial that you have the task done by a certified professional to ensure that you are in compliance with the building regulations. Failure to follow the proper instructions for installation could result in an expensive fine or damage to your property. We recommend choosing an HETAS certified installer to complete your stove installation, as they are familiar with the manufacturer's guidelines and building regulations.