Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves
There is a variety of multi-fuel stoves that are exempt from defra regulations. Defra approved appliances comply with government regulations and are engineered for fuel efficiency and emissions that are low.
This is particularly crucial especially if you reside in a smoke control zone. Even if you don't need to, the Defra stove is more beneficial for your chimney and the neighbours.
Defra Approved
You might have noticed that on our website, a number wood-burning stoves are listed as DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. These terms might seem like an esoteric term to the average homeowner, but they're not.
DEFRA is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They are responsible for policies and regulations relating to food, agriculture and the environment. Defra approved stoves have tested rigorously to ensure they adhere to the strict guidelines of the government for smoke emission levels during operation. These stoves are additionally designed to burn authorized fuels like coal and wood more efficiently, which means that they produce far fewer pollutants.
It is good news for those who live in a Smoke Control Area because the law currently prohibits smoke emissions in these areas unless using a DEFRA-approved stove and an approved fuel. In the past, it has been possible to install a non-Defra approved stove in a Smoke Control Area as long as you used only approved fuels like wood. However, as of January 2022 the laws are changing and stoves that are not approved will not be allowed to be installed unless they are fitted with secondary or tertiary burning system that will drastically reduce their production of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, NOx and organic gaseous compounds.
Our Defra approved ranges are also equipped with a mechanism to prevent you from closing the top air vent completely. This could lead to the fire smouldering and emitting smoke into your home. These stoves come with an adjustable air feed that lets you open the top vent just a small amount and still have an efficient, safe burning.
A stove that is approved by Defra can be equipped with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is important because many codes require a chimney to be at least 5 inches in diameter.
Smoke Control Areas
If you live in a zone of smoke control you'll require 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 of smoke emissions required in smoke control areas. On the Defra site, you can see a list of areas where a stove that is Defra-approved is required.
Defra Exempt Stoves & Multi Fuel Stoves
A Defra approved stove, also referred to a DEFRA multi wood or fuel stove has passed a rigorous test that was developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government body who are responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, promoting the food and farming industry and sustaining a flourishing rural economy. The tests Defra Approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance only produces low levels of smoke and grit while it is in use.
Many of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are multi fuel stoves that allow you to burn authorised smokeless fuels as well as seasoned wood. These stoves are also referred to as Defra stoves, Defra approved wooden burners and are abbreviated SE.
The most recent Defra stoves for woodburning and multi-fuel are equipped with secondary and tertiary air ventilation systems that ensure that the wood is completely burned prior to leaving the chimney. This is a much cleaner method than simply leaving a fire in the fire to burn for long periods and reduces the amount of smoke that can be generated.
If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, or in the process of moving into one, then a Defra exempt stove is a great option for your home. It is not only more environmentally friendly but it can also help minimise the nuisance smoke that could upset your neighbors.
You are still able to use open fires, barbecues, and pizza ovens in your yard however, remember that smoke that is toxic or excessive could be a nuisance for the law and could result in a fine. You are also not allowed to burn wet, damp or rotting wood or any other fuels on an open fire or stove in a Smoke Control Area.
Burning Other Fuels
Defra Approved Stoves are made to burn various fuels, including wood. They burn wood so cleanly that they comply with the strict regulations of the government for emissions during operation in smoke control areas. You can use them in any smoke control area so long as they're burning approved fuels, such as pellets, briquettes or logs. Stoves that are Defra approved are usually identified with the an 'SE' logo that is a reference to Smoke Exempt.
What is it that makes a Defra approved stove distinct from conventional multifuel stoves is the fact that they have secondary air vents which pre-heat the air before it enters the firebox. This pre-heated, heated air ensures that the fuel is ignited in order to ensure a cleaner combustion. It also prevents the build-up of soot in the chimney and keeps it from getting blocked. Defra stoves have internal baffles which help to regulate the flames and ensure a uniform heat distribution.
Using non-Defra approved stoves in smoke controlled areas could result in substantial fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). To avoid being charged by Defra you should purchase and use 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 most kinds of fuel, but they are ideally suited for dry hard and soft wood. They're built with air vents that are unable to be closed completely, so the stove will always get a supply of oxygen to support the clean combustion process and reduce the risk of noxious gases and soot.
This technology is not just in line with the current standards for air quality of the government but also with the upcoming Ecodesign standards that will come in place in 2022. A large portion of Stovax wood burning and multi-fuel stoves we offer will carry this SIA Ecodesign Ready mark which signifies that they are in compliance with the new, stricter emission standards. These new standards are part of the government’s continuous efforts to ensure that the air in the country clean and healthy.
Installation
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra-exempt multi fuel stove can help you comply with regulations. These wood burning and multi fuel stoves have been tested independently to ensure they meet the strict standards of smoke emission that are required in a smoke control area. These stoves can be used to burn wood or other approved fuels such as coal without having to worry about the quantity of smoke they generate.
Stoves that are DEFRA approved can lower smoke levels by using advanced combustion technologies that produce less smokiness. They employ an additional stage of combustion that re-burns waste products from the first stage. This makes them cleaner and more efficient. In addition to the reduced emissions they also reduce the amount of soot that builds up in the chimney and flue.
If you live in a region that is smoke-controlled it is a good idea to be aware of. You can enjoy a real fireplace more often and longer. Plus, you will save money on your utility bills. Due to the reduced levels of pollution, these kinds of wood-burning and multi fuel stoves are also eco-friendly since they can burn a wider variety of materials than other stoves.
The majority of stoves can be converted to DEFRA exempt by using a simple manufacturer supplied kit. defra stoves can alter the air vents on the stove to ensure that they do not shut at night. This is referred to as slumbering and it allows for part-burned combustibles that would otherwise block the flue to escape into the atmosphere. DEFRA approved stoves do not slumber and are more sustainable for the environment. They also block chimneys less often.
To make the most of your DEFRA approved stove it is recommended you have it professionally installed by an HETAS registered installer or an official from the Building Control Office. You will have peace of mind knowing that your installation was carried out in accordance to the correct specifications, and that it is compliant with current regulations. It also helps protect your warranty since the installer can self-certify their own work.