What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?
A multi-fuel stove that has been approved by defra is one which has passed the Defra test for smoke. They can also be referred to as SE (smoke exempt) stoves.
The Defra department of the government is responsible for the rules and regulations that deal with agriculture, rural issues and the environment. The Defra test demonstrates that you are able to burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals within an area that is smoke-free without upsetting your neighbours with nuisance smoke.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly stoves are designed to emit a minimum amount of carbon dioxide, by using fuel efficiently and utilising sustainable materials. Eco-friendly stoves are typically made to burn wood or in combination with other approved fuels. A wide selection of eco-friendly log burning and multi fuel stoves are offered that range from modern to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves utilize dung as a sustainable and carbon-negative substitute for wood.
The most crucial aspect in making sure your stove is eco-friendly is to make sure that the fuel you are using is properly seasoned or kiln dried. This helps reduce the amount of moisture and lets the wood burn more efficiently, generating less smoke. It is also a good idea to purchase only wood sourced from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when buying wood to ensure it has been dried to the right level.
Most newer stoves are made to meet strict EU EcoDesign standards. These standards require stove manufacturers to design wood burning stoves with energy efficiency and the environment in mind. Manufacturers must account for emissions as well as resource efficiency and waste reduction when they design Ecodesign stoves. These stoves are among the cleanest and greenest stoves on the market.
Replace the grate on your stove with a ceramic grate. This makes it more sustainable. It is not just visually appealing, but also non-smoking and reduces sulphur oxide in the air. Ceramic Grease liners also have a longer span and are easier to clean than steel grate inserts.
While you may still take pleasure in the comfort of cozy wood burning stoves or multi fuel stove in a Smoke Control Area it is crucial to use only Defra approved fuels. If you don't, it is possible that you could be in breach of the law and face being fined by the local council. Only use fuels approved by Defra, such as a manufactured anthracite round, in your stove.
Clean Burning
Multi fuel stoves approved by Defra can only be used in areas with smoke control if they burn only authorised smokeless fuel. It could be a smokeless log, anthracite or manufactured or natural product. The stove manufacturers must also adhere to the regulations for selling a DEFRA-exempt wood burner. The Stove Yard has a great selection of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves and wood burning stoves from top brands like Arada, Parkray and Burley.
These Defra-exempt stoves use the latest combustion technology to reduce emissions and tar accumulation in your chimney or flue system. The stoves employ secondary and tertiary systems that ignite particulates, tar gasses and other pollutants before they escape into the air. This is why Defra approved wood burning stoves are so much cleaner than open fires and older generation stoves.
The design of a Defra approved stove is different. Most of our models have an internal mechanism that allows for a small, continuous flow of air into the fire even if the air vents have been shut. This is to stop soot and ash from getting sent up the chimney which can block your stove and can cause dangerous chimney fires.
The new Defra-approved stoves don't allow you to completely close the vents to let air in and then sleep on the stove over night, which can send part-burned combustibles to the air.
A DEFRA approved stove will also offer you a much longer burn time than non-Defra models, although it's worth noting that if you switched your authorised fuel for smokeless coal, and wanted to rest your stove over night then this would shorten the burn time too as the constant supply of air required for slumbering would reduce the combustion of the smokeless fuel.
Reduced Emissions
If used properly, a stove that is exempt from DEFRA can produce very low levels of emissions. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles which, when inhaled, could cause numerous health issues, including heart problems and lung diseases.
The high efficiency of combustion in a DEFRA approved wood burner minimizes the amount of harmful particles and pollutants released during the burning process. This greatly reduces the environmental impact, particularly in urban areas where pollution levels are very high.
As well as decreasing harmful emissions In addition, the efficiency of a stove decreases the cost of heating your home. By using a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove place of a gas boiler, you can lower your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills.
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, you must ensure that your stove is DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt because this permits you to burn Defra Approved fuels such as manufactured smokeless coal ovals, such as Anthracite and Homefire and dried wood and other authorised solid fuels. This lets you enjoy your fireplace without worrying about nuisance smoke disturbing your neighbors.
In addition to being approved by DEFRA, many stoves are also tested to clearSkies level requirements and can be marked with the clearSkies mark. The clearSkies mark is an independent system that requires stove manufacturers to disclose information about their appliances' efficiency and emissions, making it easier for consumers to make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating and emissions, as well as its type and size.
It's important to remember that, just like Ecodesign the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards. Manufacturers may go above and above these. ESSE has developed its most recent stoves so that they are even more efficient and clean, producing less particles without any compromise in performance or control. This latest development uses the patented twin catalytic combustion technique that reburns any smoke particles it produces drastically reducing their impact on the environment.
In fact, if you're in a smoke controlled zone and use a DEFRA Approved stove with a high-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, you'll get as much, or more, heat from the same amount of dry wood as if you were burning it in a non-DEFRA approved stove. It is up to 24 per cent less expensive to heat your home using an newest Defra Approved Stove than with gas boiler.
In compliance 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 any smoke when burning authorised fuel, which means you can use them in areas that are typically filled with buildings. At fireplacesandstove Stoves, we supply and install a range of DEFRA approved log burners from top brands like Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.
You can also safely burn peat, wood, and other solid fuels by using a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. It is essential to be aware that certain types of fuels cannot be used in Smoke Control Areas.
Proper ventilation is vital for safe operation of a multi fuel stove since it will help reduce carbon monoxide accumulation in your home. DEFRA approved stoves come with an inbuilt ventilation system that delivers sufficient air to the combustion process. This ensures that your home is always ventilated and safe for use.
DEFRA approved stoves also have a minimum size of 550mm2, which means they can be used conjunction with a standard dualwall system. Our vast selection of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, which means you can utilize them to improve your fireplace to ensure it is compliant with the most recent emission requirements.
Look for the DEFRA symbol on the stove's packaging or online. This information is also available on a variety of reliable retailers' websites as well as in store displays.
It is important to work with a certified professional if you intend to install a multi-fuel fireplace. This will ensure that the installation is compliant with building codes. Failure to follow the proper installation guidelines could result in an expensive fine or damage to your property. We suggest you choose an HETAS-approved installer to set up your stove, since they are knowledgeable about the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as the building codes.