Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There is a variety of multi-fuel stoves that are exempt from the regulations of defra. Defra approved stoves comply with government regulations and are designed to maximize efficient combustion and low emissions.

This is particularly crucial when you live in a smoke-control zone. Even if you do not, the Defra Stove is more beneficial for your chimney and for your neighbors.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed on our website that a few of our wood burning stoves are categorized as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. These terms might seem like words 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 been passed a rigorous test to ensure they abide by the strict guidelines of the government for emissions of smoke during operation. The stoves are specifically designed to burn the fuels of wood and coal more efficiently. This means they produce less pollution.

This is a good thing for those who live in a Smoke Control Area, as the law currently prohibits smoke emissions within these areas, unless you use a DEFRA-approved stove with an approved fuel. In the past it was possible to install a non Defra approved wood stove in a Smoke Control Area, as long you used only approved fuels. From January 2022, the laws will change and non-approved stoves aren't allowed to be used unless they are equipped with a secondary or third-party system that will reduce the production of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and organic gaseous substances.

Our Defra approved ranges are equipped with a mechanism to prevent you from closing the top air vent completely. This can cause the fire to ignite and release smoke into your home. The stoves have an adjustable air flow that lets you open the top vent just a little and still maintain the safety of a clean, efficient combustion.

A stove that is Defra-approved can be equipped with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is crucial since there are a variety of building regulations that state that you need an unlined chimney that has at least 5 inches of diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you reside in a zone of smoke control you'll require a DEFRA-approved stove to use wood legally within your home. DEFRA has examined these stoves to make sure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions required in smoke control zones. On the Defra website, you can see a list of areas that require a Defra-approved stove.

Multifuel stoves and DEFRA accredited stoves exempt stoves

A Defra approved wood stove, also referred to as a defra approved clean Burning stoves Multi Fuel or Wood Burning Stove that has passed a stringent test that was developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The UK government agency is responsible for protecting our natural environment, supporting the agriculture and food industries and ensuring a vibrant rural economy. The tests that Defra Approved Stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance produces only low levels of grit and smoke when it's operating.

Stove Supermarket has a range of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves Exempt Stoves that are multi-fuel stoves. This means that you can burn smokeless, authorised wood and seasoned fuels. They are often described as Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners, and they are usually abbreviated to SE.

In contrast to older stoves that are generally not suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, the latest Defra woodburning and multi-fuel stoves have secondary and tertiary air systems to ensure that the wood is fully burned before it exits the chimney. This is a more efficient method than simply leaving a log fire on the fire to burn for long periods and it reduces the amount of smoke that could be emitted.

If you are living or planning to move into an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then a stove that is Defra-exempt will be a great option for you. Not only will it be more sustainable, but it will also help reduce the amount of smoke that can upset your neighbours.

You can still use open fires, barbecues and pizza ovens in your backyard but remember that toxic or excessive smoke could be a nuisance for the law and you could be fined. In the Smoke Control Area You are not permitted to use open fires or stoves for burning damp, rotten, or wet wood or any other fuels.

Burning Other Fuels Other Than Petroleum

Defra Approved stoves are engineered to burn a wide range of fuels including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they meet the strict emission regulations of the government when operating in smoke zones for control. This means that they can be used legally in any area of smoke control provided you're burning authorised fuels such as logs, pellets and brquettes. Stoves that have been certified by Defra will be marked with a SE' logo, which stands for Smoke Exempt.

What makes the Defra approved stove distinct from conventional multifuel stoves is the fact that they have air vents which pre-heat the air prior to it entering the firebox. This pre-heated, heated and pre-heated air ensures that all fuel is ignited to ensure a cleaner combustion. This also helps prevent the accumulation of soot that can block the chimney. Defra stoves also come with internal baffle plates that aid to regulate the flames and ensure even heat distribution.

Stoves that are not approved by DEFRA in areas with smoke control could result in heavy fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). If you wish to avoid being charged by Defra make sure you use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested in accordance with the government's guidelines.

DEFRA stoves are also referred to as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with all types of fuel but are especially suited to dry wood, both soft and hard. The air vents aren't closed completely, so there's always oxygen to support clean combustion.

This technology is not just compatible with the current air quality standards of the government, but also with future Ecodesign standards that will come implemented in 2022. Many of the Stovax wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves we sell will have 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 ensure that the air we breathe clean and healthy.

Installation

If you reside 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 stoves have been tested independently in order to ensure that they comply with the strict standards of smoke emission required in a smoke control zone. They can burn wood or other fuels such as coal, without worrying about the amount of smoke they generate.

Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can reduce smoke levels by using advanced combustion technologies that create less smokiness. These stoves use the second stage of combustion, [Redirect-301] which re-burns waste products from the first stage. This makes them cleaner and more efficient. They reduce not just the amount of emissions but also the amount of soot in the chimney and flue.

This is great news if you reside in a smoke-free area as it means that you can sit in front of a real fire more often and for longer with the added benefit of having lower utility bills. Because of the reduced levels of pollution, these types of wood-burning and multi fuel stoves are eco-friendly since they are able to burn a wider variety of materials than other stoves.

A simple kit provided by the manufacturer can make many stoves DEFRA-exempt. This kit can alter the air vents of the stove so that they do not close at night. This is known as slumbering and allows part-burned combustibles that would otherwise block the flue to escape into atmosphere. DEFRA approved stoves do not slumber and are better for the environment. They also block chimneys less often.

To make the most of your DEFRA approved stove, it is recommended that you have it professionally installed by a HETAS registered installer or an official from the Building Control Office. This will ensure that the installation was done to the correct specifications and complies with the latest regulations. It will also protect your warranty, as the installer can self-certify their work.