Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a range of multi-fuel stoves exempt from the defra regulations. Defra approved appliances are compliant with government regulations and are designed for fuel efficiency with low emissions.

This is especially important especially if you live in a smoke-control zone. Even if you do not have a smoke control area, a Defra Stove is more beneficial for your chimney and for your neighbors.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed on our site that a number of our wood burning stoves are listed as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA regulations stoves approved. These terms may 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 policies and regulations relating to agriculture, food and the environment. Defra approved products have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that they comply with the strict guidelines set by the government for smoke emissions during operation. They're additionally designed to burn authorized fuels such as coal and wood more efficiently, which means that they produce far fewer pollutants.

This is good news for those living in a Smoke Control Area as the law currently prohibits the emission of smoke within these areas unless you use an DEFRA approved stove and a fuel that is authorised. In the past, it was possible to install a non-DEFRA List stoves certified stove in a Smoke Control Area as long as you only used approved fuels, such as wood. From January 2022, the rules will be changed and stoves that are not approved will not be permitted to be used unless they're equipped with a secondary and third-party system that will reduce the production of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous substances.

Our Defra approved ranges are also equipped with a mechanism that stops you from closing the top air vent completely. This could result in the fire to smolder and release smoke into your home. These stoves come with an adjustable air supply that allows you to open the top vent a bit and still keep an efficient, safe combustion.

A stove that is approved by Defra can be equipped with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is vital because there are numerous building regulations that state that you must have an unlined chimney that has at least 5 inches of diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you reside in a smoke control area, you will need a Defra approved stove if you wish to legally burn wood in your home. DEFRA has examined these stoves to make sure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions that are required in smoke zones for control. You can see the list of areas for which you require a Defra approved stove on the Defra website.

Multi Stoves for Fuel

A Defra approved stove, also known as a DEFRA multi wood burning stove or fuel, has passed a rigorous test developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government body is responsible for protecting our natural environment, promoting the food and farming industry and sustaining a thriving rural economy. The tests that Defra Approved Stoves must clear are designed so that the stove produces low levels of grit and smoke when it is operating.

Many of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are multi fuel stoves which allow you to use authorised smokeless fuels and seasoned wood. These stoves are also known as Defra stoves, Defra approved wooden burners and are abbreviated SE.

The most modern Defra woodburning and multi-fuel stoves come with secondary and tertiary ventilation systems that ensure the wood is completely burned before it exits the chimney. This is a cleaner procedure than leaving a log fire on the fire to burn for long periods and it reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that can be generated.

If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, or in the process of moving to one, a Defra exempt stove is a great option for your home. Not only will it be more environmentally friendly but it can also help minimise the nuisance smoke that could upset your neighbours.

You can still enjoy an open fire, barbecues or a pizza oven in your garden. However, excessive or toxic smoke could be considered to be a nuisance and you could be penalized. In an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, you are not permitted to use open fires or DEFRA List Stoves stoves for burning damp, rotten or wet wood or any other fuels.

Burning Other Fuels Besides Cars

Defra Approved Stoves are designed to burn a variety 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 you can use them legally in any area of smoke control in the event that you're burning authorised fuels such as pellets, logs and brquettes. Stoves that are Defra approved will often be denoted with an 'SE' logo that stands for Smoke Exempt.

A stove that is Defra-approved differs from a conventional multifuel stove because it has secondary air vents that pre-heat air before it enters into the firebox. The pre-heated, heated air ensures that all fuel is ignited to create a cleaner burning. This also helps prevent the accumulation of soot that can block the chimney. Defra stoves have internal baffles which help to regulate the flames and ensure an even heat distribution.

Defra could impose severe penalties for anyone who is using appliances that are not approved by Defra in areas with smoke control. To avoid being prosecuted by Defra you should purchase and make use of a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested to the government's strict standards.

DEFRA stoves can also be called Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with all kinds of fuel but they are best suited to wood that is soft and dry. The air vents aren't closed completely, so there is always oxygen available to aid in pure combustion.

This technology not only complies with the current government's standards for air quality, but also future Ecodesign requirements that will go in 2022. Many of the Stovax wood burning and multi-fuel 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 being implemented as part of the government's ongoing efforts to ensure that the air in the country is healthy and clean.

Installation

If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone and you are in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt multi stove can help you comply with the rules. These wood-burning and multi fuel appliances have been tested by independent experts to ensure that they comply with the strict standards of smoke emission required in a smoke control zone. They can be used to burn wood or other authorised fuels like coal without having to worry about the quantity of smoke they emit.

Stoves that are DEFRA approved can reduce smoke levels by using advanced combustion technologies that produce less smokiness. They employ a second stage of combustion, which recycles waste products from the first stage. This makes them more efficient and cleaner. These stoves reduce not only the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, but also the amount of soot that gets into the chimney and flue.

If you live in an area that is smoke-controlled, this is a great idea to be aware of. You can use a fireplace more often and for a longer time. In addition, you'll save money on your utility bills. As a result of the lower levels of pollution, these types of wood burning and multi fuel stoves are good for the environment as they can burn a wider range of materials than other stoves.

A simple kit offered by the manufacturer can make most stoves DEFRA-exempt. This kit alters the air vents on the stove to ensure that they do not shut at night. This is known as slumbering and it allows part-burned combustibles which would otherwise block the flue to be released into the atmosphere. DEFRA approved stoves do not slumber and are therefore much more eco-friendly and are less likely to block a chimney.

It is recommended that you have a HETAS registered installer or Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the best out of it. This will provide you with the assurance that your installation was completed to the correct specifications and in line with the most current regulations. In addition, it will also help guarantee your warranty as the installer will be able to self-certify their work.