Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a wide range of multi-fuel stoves that are exempt from the regulations of defra. Defra approved appliances comply with government regulations and are engineered for fuel efficiency and emissions that are low.

This is particularly crucial if you reside in a smoke control zone. Even if you don't need to, it is important to know that a Defra Stove is better for your chimney and your neighbors.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed on our website that many of our wood burning stoves are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. These terms might seem like an esoteric term 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 tested rigorously to ensure they abide by the strict regulations of the government regarding the emission of smoke during their operation. They're also designed to burn authorised fuels such as coal and wood more efficiently, which means that they produce far fewer pollutants.

It is good news for those who reside in a Smoke Control Area, as the law currently prohibits smoke emissions within these areas, unless you use 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 only used authorised fuels, such as wood. As of January 2022, the laws will change and non-approved stoves won't be allowed to be used unless fitted with a secondary and tertiary system that can reduce their productions of particulate, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and organic gaseous substances.

In the case of our Defra approved stoves, they are also equipped with a mechanism which will stop you from closing the top air vent completely down since this could cause the fire to smoulder and emit smoke into your space. Instead, these stoves have an adjustable air supply that will allow you to open the top vent slightly while still maintaining a safe and efficient burn.

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

Smoke Control Areas


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

Multi Stoves Fuel

A Defra approved stove, also referred to a DEFRA multi fuel or wood burning stove will have passed a rigorous test that was developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency responsible for ensuring the protection of our natural environment, supporting agriculture and food industry and ensuring a vibrant rural economic. The tests that Defra Approved Stoves must pass are designed so that the appliance emits only low levels of grit and smoke when it's operating.

Many of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are multi fuel stoves that will allow you to burn authorised smokeless fuels as well as seasoned wood. They are usually referred to as Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners and they are often abbreviated as SE.

Unlike older stoves, which are generally not suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, the latest Defra multi fuel and woodburning stoves come with secondary and tertiary air systems to ensure that the wood is completely burned before it exits the chimney. This is more efficient than simply leaving a log on the stove for long periods of time. It also reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that can be produced.

If you are living or planning to move into a Smoke Control Area then a Defra-exempt stove will be the best option for you. It is not only more environmentally friendly but it will help to reduce the amount of smoke that could upset your neighbours.

You can still enjoy open fires, barbecues, and pizza ovens in your yard but remember that smoke that is toxic or excessive could be a nuisance for the law and you may be fined. It is also prohibited to burn wet, damp or rotting wood or other fuels in an open fire or stove in the Smoke Control Area.

Burning Other Fuels

Defra Approved Stoves are engineered to burn different types of fuels including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they meet the strict government regulations for emissions when operating in smoke zones for control. They can be used in any smoke-control zone, provided they are burning approved fuels like pellets, briquettes or logs. Stoves that have been certified by Defra will bear a mark with the SE' logo that stands for Smoke Exempt.

What is it that makes the Defra approved stove different from standard multifuel stoves is that they have secondary air vents which pre-heat the air prior to entering the firebox. This pre-heated air helps ensure that all the fuel is ignited and burned, leading to a cleaner combustion process. This also prevents the accumulation of soot and blockages in the chimney. Defra stoves are equipped with internal baffles that help regulate the flames, and maintain a uniform heat distribution.

Using non-Defra approved stoves in areas that are smoke-free could result in heavy fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). To avoid being prosecuted by Defra you should only buy and use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested according to the government's strict standards.

DEFRA stoves are also known as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with all types of fuel but are particularly suited to dry wood, both soft and hard. Air vents cannot be shut completely, which means there is always oxygen available to ensure clean combustion.

This technology not only complies with the current government's standards for air quality but also the upcoming Ecodesign requirements that will go into effect in 2022. Stovax wood-burning and multifuel stoves will be marked with the SIA Ecodesign Ready label, which confirms they meet the new emission standards that are more stringent. These new standards are part of the government's continuous efforts to ensure that the air we breathe clean and healthy.

Installation

If you live in a zone of smoke control then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove will assist you in complying with the rules. This is because these multi fuel and wood burning stoves have been tested independently to ensure they comply with the strict standards for smoke emissions required in a Smoke Control Area. These appliances can be used to burn wood or other approved fuels like coal without concern about the amount of smoke they produce.

Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can reduce smoke levels using advanced combustion technologies that create less smoke. They typically employ the second stage of combustion that re-burns some of the waste materials from the first stage, making them even cleaner and more efficient. In addition to the reduction in emissions, these stoves also reduce the amount of soot that accumulates in the chimney and flue.

If you live in an area which is smoke-free it is a good idea to be aware of. You can use a fireplace more often and for a longer time. Additionally, you'll save money on your energy bills. These wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are great for the environment as they produce less pollution. They can also be used to burn more fuel than other stoves.

Most stoves can be transformed into DEFRA exempt using the simple kit supplied by the manufacturer. This kit can alter the vents for air on the stove so that they do not close at night. This is referred to as slumbering. It allows part-burned combustibles to escape into the atmosphere rather than being pushed up the chimney where they can cause obstruction to the flue. DEFRA approved stoves don't sleep, and therefore are more eco-friendly and less likely to block a chimney.

To make DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews of your DEFRA approved stove, it is recommended that you have it installed professionally by a HETAS registered installer or an official from the Building Control Office. This will provide you with the assurance that your installation was completed according to the correct specifications and in line with the most current regulations. It will also protect your warranty as the installer is able to self-certify their own work.