Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves
There's a huge selection of defra-exempt multi fuel stoves to suit any home. Defra approved stoves meet the regulations of the government and are designed to burn fuel efficiently with low emissions.
This is especially important when you reside in a smoke control zone. However, even if you don't, a Defra stove is safer for your chimney as well as your neighbors.
Defra Approved
You may have noticed that on our website, several wood-burning stoves are listed either as DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. These terms may appear to be an esoteric term to the typical homeowner, but they are not.
DEFRA stands for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and they manage regulations and policies concerning the environment, farming and food. Defra approved stoves have been passed a rigorous test to ensure that they comply with the government's strict rules for emissions of smoke during operation. They are designed to burn fuels such as wood and coal more efficiently. This means they generate fewer pollutants.
It is good news for those who reside in a Smoke Control Area since the law currently prohibits smoke emissions in such areas except when using a DEFRA-approved stove and an approved fuel. In the past it was possible to install an non Defra approved wood stove in a Smoke Control Area, as long that you used only authorized fuels. From January 2022, the rules will be changed and stoves that are not approved aren't allowed to be used unless equipped with a secondary or third-party system that will reduce their productions of particulate, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous substances.
Our Defra approved ranges are also equipped with a mechanism that stops you from closing down the top air vent completely. This could result in the fire smouldering and emitting smoke into your home. The stoves have an adjustable air flow that allows you to open the top vent just a little and still maintain the safety of a clean, efficient burn.
A Defra-approved stove can also be fitted with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is crucial because there are numerous construction regulations that require you must have an elongated chimney with at least 5 inches of diameter.
Smoke Control Areas
If you reside in a zone of smoke control you'll need a Defra approved stove to legally burn wood in your home. DEFRA has tested these stoves to ensure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions in smoke zones for control. You can view the list of areas where you need a Defra approved stove on the Defra website.
Multifuel stoves and Defra exempt stoves
A Defra approved wood stove, also called a DEFRA Multi Wood Burning Stove, will have been through a rigorous test developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The UK government body is responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, promoting the farming and food industry and sustaining a thriving rural economy. The tests that Defra Approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance produces minimal levels of smoke and grit when it is operating.
Stove Supermarket stocks a number of Defra Exempt Stoves that are multi-fuel stoves. This means you can burn authorised smokeless wood as well as well-seasoned fuels. These stoves are referred to as Defra stoves, Defra approved wooden burners and are abbreviated SE.
The most modern Defra multi-fuel stoves and woodburning stoves come with secondary and tertiary ventilation systems that ensure the wood is fully burned before it leaves the chimney. This is a much cleaner process than just leaving a fire on the fire to burn for long periods and it reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that could be emitted.
If you reside or plan to move into an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then a Defra-exempt stove will be an excellent option for you. It is not only more eco-friendly however, it also helps in reducing the amount of smoke that can make your neighbors angry.
You can still enjoy an open fire, barbecues and pizza ovens in your garden. However excessive or toxic smoke could be considered a nuisance and you could be penalized. You are also not permitted to burn wet, damp or rotting wood or any other fuels on an open fire or stove in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area.
Burning Other Fuels Besides Cars
Defra Approved Stoves are designed to burn a variety of fuels, including wood. They burn wood so efficiently that they meet the strict regulations of the government for emissions when operating in smoke control areas. This means that you can use them legally in any smoke control area in the event that you're burning approved fuels such as pellets, logs and briquettes. Stoves that have been authorised by Defra will bear a mark with the SE' logo, which stands for Smoke Exempt.
A stove that is approved by Defra differs from a conventional multifuel stove in that it has secondary air vents which pre-heat air prior to entering the firebox. This pre-heated air helps ensure that the entire fuel is ignited and burned, resulting in an efficient combustion process. This also helps prevent the accumulation of soot that can block the chimney. Defra stoves have internal baffles that help regulate the flames, and maintain an even heat distribution.
Using non-Defra approved stoves in smoke controlled areas could result in hefty fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). If you wish to avoid being accused of being prosecuted by Defra, only use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested according to the guidelines of the government.
DEFRA stoves are also referred to as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with most types of fuel but are especially suited to dry hard and soft wood. Air vents cannot be closed completely, so there's always oxygen to aid in the clean combustion.
This technology is not only compliant with the current government's air quality standards but also future Ecodesign requirements that will go into effect in 2022. Stovax stoves that burn wood and multifuel will be branded with the SIA Ecodesign Ready label, which confirms they meet the new stricter emission standards. These new standards are being implemented as part of the government's continued efforts to ensure that the air in the country is clean and healthy.
Installation
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area and you are in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt multi stove can help you to comply with regulations. defra stove is because these wood burning and multi fuel stoves have been independently tested to ensure they meet the strict smoke emissions standards that are required in a Smoke Control Area. These appliances can be used to burn wood or other authorized fuels like coal without having to worry about the quantity of smoke they emit.
Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can lower smoke levels by using advanced combustion techniques that produce less smoke. They usually employ an additional stage of combustion that re-burns a portion of the waste materials from the first stage, making them even less polluting and more efficient. These stoves reduce not only the amount of emissions but also the amount of soot that gets into the chimney and flue.
This is great news if you live in a smoke controlled zone as it means you can enjoy a real fire more often and for longer with the added benefit of lower utility bills. These wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves are great for the environment since they release less pollution. They can also be used to burn more materials than other stoves.
Most stoves can be made DEFRA exempt by using a simple manufacturer supplied kit. This kit changes the vents for air on the stove so that they are not closed at night. This is referred to as slumbering and it allows part-burned combustibles that could otherwise block the flue to escape into the air. DEFRA approved stoves don't slumber and are more sustainable for the environment. They also block chimneys less often.
To get the most benefit of your DEFRA approved stove it is recommended you have it installed professionally by an HETAS registered installer or an Building Control Officer. You'll have peace of assurance that the installation was carried out according to the correct specifications, and is compliant with the latest regulations. In addition, it can also help guarantee your warranty as the installer can self-certify their work.