Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves
There are a wide range of multi-fuel stoves that are exempt from defra regulations. DEFRA stoves reviews approved stoves comply with the regulations of the government and are designed to burn fuel efficiently with low emissions.
This is especially important when you live in a smoke-control zone. However, even if you don't need to, the Defra stove is safer for your chimney and the neighbours.
Defra Approved
You may have noticed across our site that a number of our wood burning stoves are categorized as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. These terms may appear to be words to the typical homeowner, but they are 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 been passed a rigorous test to ensure they abide by the strict regulations of the government regarding emissions of smoke during operation. The stoves are specifically designed to burn the fuels of coal and wood more efficiently. This means they produce less pollution.
It is good news for those who reside in a Smoke Control Area, as the law currently prohibits smoke emissions in these areas unless using an approved DEFRA stove and 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 only used approved fuels like wood. From January 2022, the law will change and non-approved stoves won't be allowed to be used unless fitted with a secondary and third-party system that will reduce the production of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and organic gaseous substances.
In the case of our Defra approved stoves, they're also equipped with a mechanism which prevents you from closing the top air vent all the way down since this could cause the fire to smolder and release smoke into your home. The stoves have an adjustable air feed that allows you to open the top vent a bit and still keep a safe, efficient combustion.
Another benefit of buying a Defra approved stove is that it can be fitted with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is vital as there are many construction regulations that require you must have a chimney with at least 5 inches of diameter.
Smoke Control Areas
If you live in a smoke-free zone, you will need a Defra approved stove if you wish to legally burn wood in your home. These stoves have been tested by DEFRA to ensure that they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions required in smoke control zones. You can find the list of areas where you will require a Defra approved stove on the Defra website.
Multifuel stoves and stoves exempt from Defra
A Defra approved stove, also referred to a DEFRA multi wood or fuel stove has passed a rigorous test developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency is responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting the agriculture and food industries and ensuring a vibrant rural economy. The tests that Defra Approved Stoves must clear are designed so that the appliance produces only minimal amounts of grit and smoke when it is in operation.
Stove Supermarket offers a variety of Defra Exempt Stoves that are multi-fuel stoves. This means you can burn smokeless, authorised wood and seasoned fuels. They will often be called Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners. They are often abbreviated as SE.
The most modern Defra woodburning and multi-fuel stoves are equipped with secondary and tertiary air ventilation systems that ensure the wood is fully burned prior to leaving the chimney. This is a much cleaner procedure than leaving a fire in the fire to burn for long periods and reduces the amount of smoke that could be emitted.
If you are in an Smoke Control Area, or if you are thinking of moving into one, then a Defra exempt stove is an excellent choice for your home. It is not only more eco-friendly, but it can also help minimise the nuisance smoke that can upset your neighbors.
You can still enjoy an open fire, barbecues and pizza ovens in your garden. However, excessive or toxic smoke can be considered a nuisance and you could be penalized. In a Smoke Control Area You are not permitted to use open fires or stoves that burn damp, rotten, or wet wood or other fuels.
Burning Other Fuels Besides Cars
Defra Approved Stoves are made to burn a variety of fuels, including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they meet the strict regulations of the government for emissions during operation in smoke control areas. This means that they can be used legally in any smoke control area in the event that you're burning approved fuels such as logs, pellets and brquettes. Stoves that are Defra approved are usually identified with the an 'SE' symbol that stands for Smoke Exempt.
A Defra-approved stove is different from a typical multifuel stove in that it has secondary air vents that heat air before it enters into the firebox. The pre-heated, heated air ensures that the fuel is ignited in order to produce a cleaner combustion. This also prevents the accumulation of soot and clogs in the chimney. Defra stoves are equipped with internal baffles that help control the flames, and maintain a uniform heat distribution.
Defra could impose severe penalties for anyone who is using appliances that are not approved by Defra in smoke-controlled areas. To avoid the risk of being charged by Defra you should only purchase and use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested to the government's strict criteria.
DEFRA stoves are also referred to as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with most kinds of fuel, but are particularly suited to dry soft and hard wood. They are designed with air vents that are unable to be closed completely so that the stove will always receive a supply of oxygen to help ensure clean combustion and minimise soot and noxious gases.
This technology is not just compatible with the current standards for air quality of the government as well as with the future Ecodesign standards that will come in 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 standards for emissions. These new standards are part of the government's ongoing efforts to keep the air in the country healthy and clean.
Installation
If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and you are in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt multi stove can assist you in complying with the rules. These wood-burning and multi fuel appliances have been independently tested in order to ensure that they comply with the strict standards of smoke emission required in a smoke control zone. These appliances can burn wood, or other fuels, such as coal without worrying about the level of smoke they generate.
Stoves that are DEFRA certified can reduce smoke levels through advanced combustion technology that produces less smokiness. They employ a second stage of combustion that recycles waste products from the first stage. This makes them cleaner and more efficient. They reduce not just the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, but also the amount of soot that gets into the chimney and flue.
This is a great benefit for those who live in a smoke controlled area as it means that you can sit in front of a real fire more often and longer, with the added benefit of lower utility bills. As a result of the less pollution, these kinds of wood burning and multi fuel stoves are eco-friendly since they can be used to burn a wider range of materials than other stoves.
The majority of stoves can be transformed into DEFRA exempt with an easy manufacturer-supplied kit. This kit can alter the air vents on the stove so that they are not closed at night. This is known as slumbering and it allows for part-burned combustibles that could otherwise block the flue to be released into atmosphere. DEFRA approved stoves don't slumber, and are better for the environment. They also prevent chimneys from being blocked less often.
It is recommended that a HETAS registered installer or a Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the most out of it. You'll be able to rest in peace of mind knowing that the installation was carried out in accordance with the correct specifications and is compliant with the current regulations. It will also help protect your warranty, as the installer is able to self-certify their own work.