Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves
There is a variety of multi-fuel stoves exempt from the regulations of defra. Defra approved stoves meet government regulations and are engineered to efficiently burn fuel with low emissions.
This is particularly important when you reside in a smoke control zone. However, even if you don't need to, a Defra stove is better for your chimney as well as your neighbors.
Defra Approved
You may have noticed across our website that a few of our wood burning stoves are categorized as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. For the average homeowner, these terms may appear to be jargon that they don't need to pay attention to but that isn't the truth.
DEFRA is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They are accountable for policies and regulations relating to agriculture, food and the environment. Defra approved stoves have been tested rigorously to ensure they adhere to the strict regulations of the government regarding emissions of smoke during operation. They are also designed to burn authorised fuels such as wood and coal more efficiently, meaning that they produce less pollutants.
It's a great thing for those who live in Smoke Control Area since the law currently prohibits smoke emissions in such areas except when using a DEFRA-approved stove with an approved fuel. In the past, it has been possible to install a non-Defra certified stove in a Smoke Control Area as long as you used only approved fuels such as wood. However, as of January 2022, the rules are changing and any non-approved stoves are not permitted to be used unless they have been fitted with secondary or tertiary combustion system which can drastically reduce their production of particulate matter NOx, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous compounds.
Our Defra approved ranges are equipped with a mechanism that prevents you from closing down the top air vent completely. This can cause the fire to ignite and release smoke into your home. These stoves come with an adjustable air supply that lets you open the top vent a little and still maintain a safe, efficient burning.
A Defra-approved stove can also be equipped with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is important because numerous codes for building require chimneys to be at least 5 inches in diameter.
Smoke Control Areas
If you live in a zone of smoke control, you will need a Defra approved stove to legally burn wood in your home. DEFRA has examined these stoves to make sure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions required in smoke zones for control. On the Defra site, you can see a list of areas where a stove that is Defra-approved is required.
Multi Stoves for Fuel
A Defra approved stove, also referred to as a DEFRA multi wood or fuel stove will have passed a stringent test developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency is responsible for ensuring the protection of our natural environment, supporting the food and farming industries, and ensuring a flourishing rural economic. The tests that Defra Approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance only produces minimal levels of smoke and grit when it is operating.
Many of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are multi fuel stoves that will allow you to burn approved smokeless fuels as well as seasoned wood. They are often described as Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners. They are often abbreviated as SE.
The most recent Defra woodburning and multi-fuel stoves come with secondary and tertiary air ventilation systems that ensure the wood is fully burned prior to leaving the chimney. This is more efficient than leaving a log on the fire for a long period of time. It can also reduce the amount of smoke that is produced.
If you are in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, or considering moving to one, a Defra exempt stove is a great option for your home. It's not only more sustainable, but it also helps in reducing the amount of smoke that can cause a disturbance to your neighbors.
You are still able to use an open fire, barbecues or pizza ovens in your backyard. However, excessive or toxic smoke could be considered a nuisance and you could be fined. In an area designated as a Smoke Control Area it is not permitted to use open flames or stoves that burn damp, rotten or wet wood or any other fuels.
Burning Other Fuels
Defra Approved Stoves are made to burn various fuels, including wood. They burn wood so efficiently that they meet the government's strict regulations for emissions during operation in smoke control zones. This means that you can use them legally in any area of smoke control as long as you're burning authorised fuels like pellets, logs and brquettes. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will be branded with the SE' logo which means Smoke Exempt.
A Defra-approved stove is different from a typical multifuel stove due to its secondary air vents that heat air before it enters into the firebox. The pre-heated, heated air ensures that all fuel is ignited to produce a cleaner combustion. This also helps prevent the accumulation of soot that can block the chimney. The stoves of Defra also come with internal baffle plates that aid to regulate the flames and ensure an even heat distribution.
Defra could impose heavy penalties for anyone who is using an appliance that is not approved by DEFRA in areas with smoke control. If you wish to avoid being accused of being prosecuted by Defra make sure you make use of a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance that has been tested according to the government's guidelines.
DEFRA stoves can also be called Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with any type of fuel but they are best suited to wood that is soft and dry. The air vents aren't shut completely, which means there is always oxygen available to aid in pure combustion.
This technology is not just compliant with the current standards for air quality but also with the future Ecodesign requirements that will go into effect in 2022. Many of the Stovax multi-fuel and wood burning stoves we offer will carry this SIA Ecodesign Ready mark which indicates that they comply with the new, stricter emission standards. These new standards are part of the government's ongoing efforts to keep the air in the country clean and healthy.
Installation
If you live in a zone of smoke control then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove can aid you in observing the rules. This is because these multi fuel and wood burning stoves have been tested independently to ensure they comply with the strict standards of smoke emissions required in a Smoke Control Area. They can be used to burn wood or other approved fuels, such as coal, without worrying about the levels of smoke they generate.
Stoves that are DEFRA certified can reduce smoke levels using advanced combustion technology that creates less smoke. These stoves employ an additional stage of combustion that re-burns waste products from the first stage. This makes them more efficient and cleaner. In addition to reducing emissions they also reduce the amount of soot build-up in the chimney and flue.
If you live in an area that is smoke-controlled, this is a great thing to know. You can use a fireplace more often and for longer. Plus, you will reduce your utility bills. These wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves are beneficial to the environment as they produce less pollution. They can also be used to burn more materials than other stoves.
A simple kit offered by the manufacturer can make most stoves DEFRA-exempt. This alters the air vents of the stove to prevent them from closing at night. This is called slumbering, and it allows part-burned combustibles that could otherwise block the flue to escape into the atmosphere. DEFRA approved stoves don't sleep, and therefore are more eco-friendly and far less likely to block the chimney.
To get the most out of your DEFRA approved stove, it is recommended that you have it professionally installed by an HETAS registered installer or a Building Control Officer. DEFRA regulations stoves will give you peace of mind that the installation was completed to the correct specifications and complies with the latest regulations. It also helps protect your warranty since the installer is able to self-certify their work.