What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A defra-approved multi-fuel stove is one that has passed the Defra test for smoke. They are also sometimes referred to as SE (smoke exempt) stoves.

The government's Defra department handles rules and regulations related to the rural, agricultural and environmental issues. The Defra Test ensures that you can burn wood and approved smokeless fuels, like Anthracite Ovals, for DEFRA guidelines Stoves instance, in a smoke-free area without disturbing neighbors.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves are made of sustainable materials and fuels to reduce emissions. Eco-friendly stoves are usually designed to burn wood, or in combination of other approved fuels. There are numerous eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves and log burners that are available, ranging from traditional to modern models. Some eco-friendly stoves use the dung of pigs as a reliable and carbon-negative substitute for wood.

The most important factor in making sure your stove is eco-friendly is to make sure that the fuel used is properly seasoned or dried. This reduces the amount of moisture and lets the wood burn more efficiently, producing less smoke. It is recommended to purchase only wood harvested from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when buying wood to ensure it has been dried to an appropriate temperature.

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

Replace the grill on your stove with a ceramic grates. This will make it more eco-friendly. It is not just visually appealing, but also non-smoking, and helps reduce sulphur oxide in the air. Ceramic grate liners are easy to clean and have a longer lifespan than steel grate inserts.

In a Smoke Control Area you can still enjoy a wood burner or multi-fuel stove. However, it is important to only use approved fuels by Defra. If you don't, it is possible that you may be in violation of the law and risk a fine from the local council. It is recommended to only make use of fuels that have been approved by Defra for example, anthracite manufactured round in your stove.

Clean Burning

Multi fuel stoves that are approved by Defra can only be used in areas that are smoke-controlled in the event that they burn only smokeless fuel. It can be a non-smokeless log, anthracite or naturally occurring or manufactured product. Stove makers must also adhere to the regulations in order to produce a DEFRA exempt wood burner for sale. The Stove Yard has a an extensive range of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves and wood burning stoves from top brands such as Arada, Parkray and Burley.

The Defra-exempt stoves employ the latest technology for combustion to reduce tar emissions and tar accumulation in your chimney or flue system. They employ the most advanced secondary and tertiary airflow techniques to ignite tar gases and particulates before they can escape into the atmosphere. This is the reason why a Defra approved stove much less polluting than older wood burning stoves and open fires.

The design of a Defra-approved stove is also distinct. The majority of our models have an internal mechanism that allows for a small, continuous flow of air to the fire even if the vents for air are shut. This stops ash and soot from being pushed up the fireplace, which could 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 for a night and release part burned combustibles in the atmosphere.

A DEFRA-approved stove can have a longer burning duration compared to stoves that are not DEFRA-approved. However should you decide to switch your approved fuel with smokeless coal to slumber the stove overnight and reduce the time of the burn as the constant supply of air needed for slumbering would curtail the burning of smokeless fuel.

Emissions Reductions

If used correctly, a DEFRA exempt stove can generate very low levels of emissions. These emissions are usually PM2.5 particles, which could cause a variety of health problems that include heart ailments and lung diseases when inhaled.

The high efficiency of combustion provided by a DEFRA-approved wood burner reduces the amount harmful particles and pollutants released in the process of burning. This reduces the impact on the environment especially in urban areas where pollution levels are high.

The efficiency of a stove could reduce the cost of heating your house. If you use a DEFRA-approved wood burner in place of a gas boiler you can lower your carbon footprint while saving the cost of your energy.

If you live in a region where smoke is controlled, it's essential that your stove be DEFRA Approved (or Smoke Exempt) since this permits you to burn approved Defra fuels, such as manufactured smokeless ovals like Anthracite or Homefire as well dried wood and other approved fuels. This lets you relax in your fireplace and not worry about nuisance smoke disturbing your neighbours.

In addition to being DEFRA permitted stoves Approved, many stoves are also tested to meet the requirements of clearSkies and can be marked with the clearSkies mark. The clearSkies scheme is an independent scheme that requires stove manufacturers display information about the efficiency and emissions of their appliances, allowing consumers make an informed decision. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating, emissions, and the type and size.

It is important to keep in mind that, as with Ecodesign the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards. Manufacturers are able to go over and over these. ESSE has designed its latest stoves to make them even more efficient and cleaner, producing less smoke without impacting the performance or control. This latest development uses twin catalytic technology that reburns any smoke particles it produces, dramatically reducing their effects on the atmosphere.

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

Compliant with Building Regulations

If you reside in an area that is under smoke control, it is essential to choose a multi-fuel stove that has been approved by DEFRA. The stoves have been tested to ensure that they don't emit any smoke when burning authorised fuel, so you can use them in areas that are usually filled with buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a variety of DEFRA guidelines stoves approved log burners from top brands, including Mi-fires Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.

A DEFRA approved multi fuel stove will allow you to burn peat, wood and other solid fuels in a safe manner. It is essential to be aware that certain fuels can't be used in Smoke Control Areas.

A proper ventilation system is crucial to the safe operation of multi fuel stoves, since it will help minimize carbon monoxide build-up in your home. DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves have an inbuilt venting system that can automatically supply an adequate amount of air to the combustion process, so your home will be well ventilated and safe to use.

DEFRA approved stoves also have a minimum size of 550mm2, which means they can be used in conjunction with a standard dualwall system. Our range of flue liners can be used with DEFRA-approved stoves. You can upgrade your fireplace to meet the latest emission standards with our wide selection.

Look for the DEFRA symbol on the stove's packaging or on the internet. This information is also available on numerous reputable retailers' websites and in store displays.

It is essential to employ a certified professional if you plan to install a multi-fuel fireplace. This will ensure that the installation is compliant with the building codes. Inadequately following instructions for installation could result in the issuance of a fine and damage to your property. We recommend that you choose an HETAS-approved installer to set up your stove, as they are knowledgeable about the manufacturer's guidelines and building codes.