What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A multi-fuel stove that is DEFRA lawful stoves-approved is one that has passed the Defra test for smoke. These stoves are sometimes called SE (smoke-exempt) stoves.

The government Defra department is responsible for implementing rules and regulations concerning the environment, agriculture and rural issues. The Defra test demonstrates that you are able to burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite in a smoke-free area without causing any disturbance to your neighbors by emitting nuisance smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves make use of sustainable fuels and materials to reduce emissions. Eco-friendly stoves are generally made to burn wood or in combination of other approved fuels. There are a range of eco-friendly log burners and multi fuel stoves are available with a range of styles from contemporary to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves utilize dung as a sustainable and carbon-negative alternative to wood.

The most important factor in making sure your stove is eco-friendly is ensuring that the fuel used is properly seasoned and kiln dried. This reduces the amount of moisture and lets the wood burn more efficiently, generating less smoke. It is recommended to buy only wood that has been harvested from sustainable forests. When buying wood be sure to look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' label to confirm that it has been dried properly.

The majority of newer stoves are built to meet the strict EU EcoDesign standards. These standards require that stove makers create wood-burning stoves that have energy efficiency and environmental protection in mind. Manufacturers must take into account emissions, resource efficiency, and waste reduction when they design Ecodesign stoves. These are some of the most eco-friendly and clean stoves that are available.

Replace the grate on your stove with ceramic grates. This makes it more sustainable. Ceramic is not just aesthetically pleasing, but it also has the benefit of being non-smoking and helping reduce the amount of sulphur dioxide that is released into the air. Additionally, ceramic grate liners are easy to maintain and last longer than steel inserts for grates.

While you can still enjoy the comfort of cozy wood burning stoves or multi fuel stove in a Smoke Control Area It is vital to only use Defra approved fuels. You could be in breach of the law if you don't. To avoid this, only use Defra approved fuels, for example, anthracite that is manufactured smokeless in your stove.

Clean Burning

Multi fuel stoves approved by DEFRA approved clean burning stoves can be used only in areas that are smoke-controlled if they burn only authorised smokeless fuel. It can be a non-smokeless log, anthracite or a manufactured or natural product. The stove manufacturers must comply with the rules for selling a DEFRA-exempt wood burner. Here at The Stove Yard we have an incredible selection of DEFRA approved wood burning stoves as well as 5Kw multi Fuel Stoves defra approved fuel stoves from leading brands like Arada, Parkray, Burley, Stovax and many more.

The Defra-exempt stoves employ the latest combustion technology to reduce tar emissions and tar accumulation in your chimney or flue system. The stoves use secondary and tertiary systems to ignite particulates, tar gases and other pollutants before they go into the air. This is the reason Defra approved wood burning stoves are much cleaner than open fires and older generation stoves.

The design of a Defra approved stove is unique Most of our range include an internal mechanism hidden within the stove that allows a small flow of air through to the fire, even when the air vents are shut. This prevents soot and ash from being released up the chimney that can hinder the stove's performance and lead to dangerous chimney fires.

The new Defra-approved stoves don't permit you to completely shut the vents for air and sleep the stove for a night, which can send part burned combustibles in the air.

A DEFRA-approved stove can have a longer burning duration compared to non-DEFRA stoves price range stoves. However, if you were to swap your authorised fuel with smokeless coal to sleep the stove over night it would also reduce the burning time as the constant supply of air needed to slumber would reduce the burning of smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

When properly used the DEFRA exempt stove can create very low levels of emissions. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles, which could cause a range of health issues that include heart ailments and lung diseases, if inhaled.

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

The efficiency of a stove can lower the cost of heating your home. Utilizing a DEFRA approved wood-burning stove instead of gas boilers that are conventional can reduce your carbon footprint as well as save money on your energy bills.

If you reside in a smoke-free zone, it's essential to make sure that your stove is DEFRA approved or Exempt as this will allow you to burn approved Defra fuels such as manufactured smokeless coal ovals such as Anthracite and Homefire as well as dried wood and other authorised solid fuels. This lets you enjoy your fireplace without worrying about the nuisance smoke that could disturb your neighbours.

In addition to being approved by DEFRA and DEFRA Approved, a lot of stoves are tested to clearSkies standards and can be marked with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies scheme is an independent scheme which requires stove manufacturers to display information on the effectiveness and emissions of their appliances that allow consumers to make an informed decision. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating, emissions, and type and size.

It is important to remember that, like Ecodesign the clearSkies guidelines are merely minimum standards, and manufacturers are able to exceed them. ESSE has designed its latest stoves to be even more efficient and cleaner, producing less particles without compromising efficiency or control. This latest innovation utilizes Twin Catalytic Combustion Technology that burns all smoke particles and reduces their impact on the environment.

In fact when you're in a smoke-free zone and you use a DEFRA Approved stove with a high-quality, kiln-dried or seasoned log, you'll generate as much, or more, heat from the same amount of dry wood as if you were to burn it on a non-DEFRA Approved stove. In fact, it can be as much as 24 percent cheaper to heat your home with an newest Defra Approved stove than with conventional gas boilers.

Compliant with Building Regulations

If you live in an area that is under smoke control, it's essential to select a multi-fuel stove approved by DEFRA. These stoves have been tested to ensure they do not emit smoke when burning approved fuel. You can therefore use these stoves in areas that have a lot of buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a range of DEFRA approved log burners from top DEFRA stoves brands including Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.

A DEFRA approved multi fuel stove can allow you to burn wood, peat and other solid fuels in a safe manner. It is crucial 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, because it helps to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide that builds up in your home. DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves come with a built-in venting system that automatically delivers sufficient air to the combustion process, so your home will always be well ventilated and safe to use.

DEFRA approved stoves also come with a minimum size of 550mm2, which means they can be used in conjunction with a standard dualwall flue system. Our wide range of flue liners are compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, so you can utilize them to improve your fireplace and ensure it meets the latest emissions requirements.

When you are choosing a DEFRA approved stove Look for the DEFRA' symbol on its packaging or in the manufacturer's information online. Numerous reputable stove retailers will also display this information on their websites and displays in stores to help you identify which stoves meet the requirements.

If you're considering installing a multi-fuel stove, it's crucial that you have the task completed by a licensed professional to ensure that you are in compliance with the building codes. Inadequately following installation guidelines could result in an expensive fine or damage to your property. We recommend that you choose an HETAS-approved contractor to install your stove, since they are knowledgeable about the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as the building codes.