What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A defra-approved multi-fuel stove is one which has passed the Defra test for smoke. These stoves are often referred to as SE (smoke-exempt) stoves.

The government's Defra department oversees rules and regulations related to the environment, agriculture and rural issues. The Defra Test ensures that you can burn wood, approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite Ovals, for instance, in a smoke-controlled space without causing disturbance to your neighbors.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves are made to emit a minimum amount of carbon dioxide, by making use of fuel efficiently, and using sustainable materials. They typically use wood or a combination of fuels that are approved, and are designed with environmental considerations in mind. There are a selection of eco-friendly log burning and multi fuel stoves are readily available with a range of styles from contemporary to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves utilize the dung of pigs as a reliable and carbon-negative alternative to wood.

The most important thing you can do to make your stove green is to make sure that the fuel is properly seasoned, or dried and kiln-fired. This reduces the amount of moisture and lets the wood burn more efficiently, generating less smoke. It is also a good idea to only purchase wood that is sourced from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when buying wood to guarantee that it has been dried to an appropriate temperature.

The majority of newer stoves meet strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require stove manufacturers to design wood-burning stoves keeping energy efficiency and the environment in mind. Ecodesign stoves have to be designed to take into consideration emissions, resource efficiency, and the reduction of waste. These are among the cleanest and eco-friendly stoves that are available.

Replace the grate on your stove with a ceramic grates. This makes it more sustainable. Ceramic is not just aesthetically pleasing and attractive, but it also comes with the added benefit of not being a smoker and reducing the amount of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. Ceramic grate liners are easy to keep clean and last longer than steel inserts for grates.

In a Smoke Control Area you can still enjoy the wood burner or multi-fuel stove. However, it is important to only use approved fuels by Defra. You could be in breach of the law if you don't. Only use fuels approved by Defra like a manufactured anthracite round, in your stove.

Clean Burning

Multi fuel stoves approved by Defra can be used only in areas with smoke control if they burn only authorised smokeless fuel. It can be a smokeless log, anthracite, or a manufactured or natural product. The stove manufacturers must also follow the regulations to sell an exempt from DEFRA wood burner. The Stove Yard has a huge range of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves as well as wood burning stoves from top brands like Arada, Parkray and Burley.

These stoves that are Defra exempt use the latest combustion technology to reduce tar emissions and tar accumulation in your chimney or flue system. They use the latest secondary and tertiary airflow techniques to ignite tar gases and particulates before they can escape into the atmosphere - this is what makes an Defra approved stove more eco-friendly than the older generation stoves that burn wood and open fires.

The design of the Defra approved stove is different too The majority of our stoves has an internal mechanism hidden within the stove that allows a small, continuous circulation of air into the fire, even when the air vents are shut. This is to stop soot and ash from being carried up the chimney, which can hinder the stove's performance and result in dangerous chimney fires.

This is a crucial feature for those who live in a smoke-free zone, the new defra stove stoves near me (Read the Full Post) approved stoves do not allow you to shut the air vents completely and allow you to sleep your stove all night which can send part-burned combustibles into the air.

A DEFRA-approved stove will also have a longer burn time than older non-Defra stoves. However should you decide to switch your approved fuel with smokeless coal to slumber the stove overnight, this would also shorten the burning time as the continuous supply of air required to slumber would reduce the combustion of smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

If used properly, a DEFRA-exempt stove can produce very low levels of emissions. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles which, when inhaled, can cause numerous health issues including heart conditions and lung illnesses.

The high efficiency of combustion of a DEFRA approved wood burner reduces the amount of harmful particles and pollutants released during the combustion process. This reduces the impact of the burning process on the environment.

The efficiency of a stove could lower the cost of heating your house. By using a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove place of a gas boiler, you can lower your carbon footprint while saving money on your energy bills.

If you live in a region where smoke is controlled, it's vital that your stove is DEFRA Approved (or Smoke Exempt) as this will enable you to use Defra Approved fuels, such as manufactured smokeless ovals, such as Anthracite or Homefire as well as dried wood and other approved fuels. This will let you enjoy the fireplace without worrying about how the stench of smoke could disturb your neighbors.

In addition to being DEFRA Approved, many stoves are also tested to clearSkies level requirements and are able to be identified with the mark clearSkies. The clearSkies mark is an independent system that requires stove manufacturers to provide information on their appliances efficiency and emissions allowing consumers to make an informed decision. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating as well as emissions, as well as its type and size.

It's important to keep in mind that, just like Ecodesign, clearSkies regulations represent minimum standards. Manufacturers can go above and beyond these. ESSE, for example has developed its latest stoves to be even more efficient and cleaner burning with less particles, without compromising on performance or control. This latest innovation utilizes the patented twin catalytic combustion technique that burns off any smoke particles it creates significantly reducing their impact on the atmosphere.

If you live in a smoke-free zone and you use a DEFRA Approved Stove with a top-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, you'll get the same amount of heat, or more than that, from the same amount of dry wood as when it was burned in a non DEFRA Approved Stove. It is up to 24 percent cheaper to heat your home by using an newest Defra Approved Stove than using gas boiler.

Compliant with Building Regulations

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it's important to have a DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove. The stoves have been tested to ensure that they don't emit smoke when burning approved fuel. They can therefore be used them in areas that have significant amount of buildings. We supply and install DEFRA approved log stoves made by top brands such as Mi-fires and Contura.

You can also safely burn wood, peat and other solid fuels by using a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. Be aware that some fuels are not permitted in Smoke Control Areas, so it's essential to be familiar with local guidelines and restrictions.

To allow a multi-fuel stove to operate safely, it is essential that you have the right ventilation. This will help reduce the buildup of carbon monoxide inside your home. DEFRA compliant stoves approved stoves have an integrated ventilation system that supplies sufficient air to the combustion process. This ensures your home is always well ventilated and safe for use.

DEFRA approved stoves also have a minimum size of 550mm2, which means they can be used combination with a standard dualwall flue system. Our extensive selection of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, meaning you can utilize them to upgrade your existing fireplace to ensure it is compliant with the latest emission standards.

When selecting a DEFRA approved stove, look for the 'DEFRA' symbol on its packaging or DEFRA stoves near me in the manufacturer's information online. This information is also available on numerous reputable retailers' websites and in the store displays.

If you're thinking of installing a multi-fuel stove, it's essential that you have the task completed by a licensed professional to ensure that you are in compliance with the building regulations. If you don't adhere to the proper instructions for installation this could result in an expensive fine or damage to your home. We recommend using an HETAS certified installer to handle your stove installation, because they are well-versed in the guidelines of the manufacturer and building regulations.