Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There is a variety of multi-fuel stoves that are exempt from defra regulations. Defra approved stoves comply with government regulations, and are designed for efficient combustion and low emissions.

This is especially important if you live in a smoke control zone. Even if you aren't, the Defra Stove is more beneficial for your chimney and your neighbours.

Defra Approved

You might have noticed that on our website, a variety of wood-burning stoves are listed either as DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. These terms might seem like words to the average homeowner, but they're not.

DEFRA is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They are accountable for the policies and regulations related to food, agriculture, and the environment. Defra approved stoves have tested rigorously to ensure they abide by the strict guidelines of the government for the emission of smoke during their operation. These stoves are additionally designed to burn authorized fuels like wood and coal more efficiently, meaning that they emit less pollution.

This is good news for those living in a Smoke Control Area as the law currently prohibits emissions of smoke within these areas unless you use an DEFRA approved stove and an authorised fuel. 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, from January 2022, the rules are changing and stoves that aren't approved are not allowed to be installed unless they are equipped with a secondary or tertiary combustion system that can dramatically reduce the production of particulate matter and NOx, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous compounds.

Our Defra approved ranges are equipped with a mechanism to prevent you from closing down the top air vent completely. This could result in the fire to smolder and release smoke into your home. Instead, these stoves feature an adjustable air supply that lets you open the top vent a little while still maintaining the safety and efficiency of your fire.

A DEFRA stoves Installation-approved stove can also be fitted with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is crucial since there are a variety of construction regulations that require you need an elongated chimney with at least a 5-inch diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you reside in a smoke-free zone, you will need a Defra approved stove if you want to legally burn wood in your home. DEFRA certified stoves has examined these stoves to make sure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions in smoke control zones. On the Defra site, you will find a list of places where a stove that is Defra-approved is required.

Multifuel stoves and stoves exempt from Defra

A Defra approved wood stove, also referred to as a DEFRA Multi Fuel or Wood Burning Stove, will have been through a rigorous test developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The UK government agency is responsible for protecting our natural environment, assisting the agriculture and food industries and sustaining a thriving rural economy. The tests that Defra Approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance only produces minimal levels of smoke and grit while it is operating.

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

Contrary to older stoves, which are generally not suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, the latest Defra multi-fuel and woodburning stoves feature secondary and tertiary air systems to ensure that the wood is fully burned prior to exiting the chimney. This is more efficient than simply putting a piece of wood on the fire for a long period of time. It also reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that is produced.

If you are in an Smoke Control Area, or in the process of moving to one, then a Defra exempt stove is a great option for your home. It's not only more eco-friendly however, DEFRA stoves installation it also helps reduce the nuisance smoke which can cause a disturbance to your neighbors.

You can still enjoy open fires, barbecues and pizza ovens in your backyard but remember that smoke that is toxic or excessive could be a nuisance for the law and could result in a fine. In the Smoke Control Area it is not permitted to use open flames or stoves to burn damp, rotten or wet wood or any other fuels.

Burning Other Fuels

Defra Approved Stoves are made to burn different types of fuels including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they comply with the strict government regulations for emissions when operating in smoke control zones. This means that they can be used legally in any smoke control area as long as you're burning approved fuels such as logs, pellets and brquettes. Stoves that have been approved by Defra are usually identified with the a 'SE' logo which signifies Smoke Exempt.

What is it that makes the Defra approved stove different to traditional multifuel stoves is that they have air vents which pre-heat the air prior to entering the firebox. This pre-heated, heated and pre-heated air ensures that all fuel is ignited to create a cleaner burning. This also helps prevent the accumulation of soot and clogs in the chimney. The Defra stoves come with internal baffles that help control the flames, and maintain a uniform heat distribution.

Using non-DEFRA stoves reviews approved stoves in areas with smoke control could result in substantial fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). To avoid the risk of being prosecuted by Defra you should only purchase and use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested to meet the government's strict standards.

DEFRA stoves are also referred to as Clean Burn stoves. They are compatible with all kinds of fuel, but are especially suited to dry wood, both soft and hard. The air vents aren't closed completely, meaning there is always oxygen to support the clean combustion.

This technology is not just compliant with the current government's air quality standards but also with the future Ecodesign requirements that will go into effect in 2022. A majority of Stovax wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves we sell will bear this SIA Ecodesign Ready mark which confirms that they meet the new, stricter emission standards. These new standards are being introduced as part of the government's continued efforts to keep the country's air clean and healthy.

Installation

If you live in a zone of smoke control then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove can assist you in complying with the rules. This is because these wood burning and multi fuel stoves have been independently tested to ensure they meet the strict standards of smoke emissions that are required in a Smoke Control Area. These appliances can burn wood or other fuels, such as coal without worrying about the level of smoke they emit.

Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can reduce the amount of smoke produced by advanced combustion techniques that produce less smokiness. They employ an additional stage of combustion that burns the waste products that were burned in the first stage. This makes them more efficient and cleaner. In addition to reducing emissions they also reduce the amount of soot that accumulates in the chimney and flue.

If you live in a region that is smoke-free this is an important thing to know. You can enjoy a real fireplace more often and for longer. Plus, you will reduce your utility bills. Due to the reduced levels of pollution, these types of wood-burning and multi fuel stoves are beneficial to the environment since they can be used to burn a wider variety of materials than other stoves.

A simple kit provided by the manufacturer can make a majority of stoves DEFRA-exempt. This alters the air vents of the stove, preventing them from closing at night. This is called slumbering, and it allows for part-burned combustibles that could otherwise block the flue to escape into the atmosphere. DEFRA approved stoves don't slumber and are therefore much better for the environment and are less likely to block a chimney.

It is recommended that an HETAS certified installer or Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the most out of it. You'll have peace of peace of mind knowing that the installation was completed in accordance to the correct specifications and that it is compliant with most recent regulations. It will also protect your warranty as the installer can self-certify their work.