It's Time To Forget Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves: 10 Reasons Why You No Longer Need It

Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves There are a range of multi-fuel stoves exempt from the regulations of defra. Defra approved stoves comply with government regulations and are designed to burn fuel efficiently with low emissions. This is especially important especially if you reside in a smoke-free area. Even if you don't have a smoke control area, 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 site that a number of our wood burning stoves are categorized as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. These terms may appear to be 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 policies and regulations relating to food, agriculture and the environment. Defra approved products have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they meet the government's strict guidelines for smoke emissions when operating. They're additionally designed to burn authorized fuels such as wood and coal more efficiently, meaning that they produce far fewer pollutants. This is a great news for anyone who lives in a Smoke Control Area since the law currently prohibits emissions of smoke within these areas unless using an DEFRA approved stove and a fuel approved by DEFRA. 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 like wood. But, as of January 2022 the laws are changing and stoves that are not approved are not allowed to be used unless they've been fitted with a secondary or tertiary combustion system that will drastically reduce their production of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, NOx and organic gaseous compounds. In the case of our Defra approved stoves, they are also equipped with a mechanism which prevents you from closing the top air vent all the way down since this could cause the fire to get smoldering and release smoke into your home. Instead, these stoves feature an adjustable air supply that will allow you to open the top vent just a bit and still maintain a safe and efficient burn. Another benefit of purchasing a Defra approved stove is that it can be fitted with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is vital since there are a variety of building regulations which state that you need an unlined chimney that has at least a 5-inch diameter. Smoke Control Areas If you live in a smoke-control zone, you'll need a Defra-approved stove to burn wood legally within your home. These stoves have been tested by DEFRA to ensure that they meet the strict smoke emissions standards that are required in areas of smoke control. You can see the list of areas in which you need a Defra approved stove on the Defra website. Multifuel stoves and Defra exempt stoves A Defra approved wood stove, also called a DEFRA Multi Wood Burning Stove or Fuel that has passed a stringent test that was developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The UK government agency is responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting the food and farming industry and ensuring a vibrant rural economy. The tests Defra Approved Stoves must clear are designed so that the stove produces small amounts of grit or smoke when it is operating. Stove Supermarket offers a variety of Defra Exempt Stoves that are multi-fuel stoves. This means you can use smokeless wood that is authorised as well as seasoned fuels. They are usually described as Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners and they are usually abbreviated to SE. The most modern Defra stoves for woodburning and multi-fuel are equipped with secondary and tertiary ventilation systems that ensure the wood is fully burned before it exits the chimney. This is a better method than simply putting a piece of wood on the stove for long periods of time. It also reduces the amount 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 a great choice for you. Not only will it be more sustainable, but it can also help minimise the nuisance smoke that can upset your neighbors. You are still able to use an open fire, barbecues or pizza ovens in your backyard. However, excessive or toxic smoke may be considered to be a nuisance and you could be fined. In a Smoke Control Area You are not permitted to use open fires or stoves that burn damp, rotten or wet wood or any other fuels. Burning Other Fuels Defra Approved Stoves are made to burn various fuels, including wood. They burn wood so cleanly that they meet the strict regulations of the government regarding emissions in smoke control zones. They can be used in any smoke-control zone, provided they are burning approved fuels like logs, briquettes and pellets. Keep Reading that are Defra Approved will often be denoted with an 'SE' symbol that is a reference to Smoke Exempt. A stove that is approved by Defra differs from a typical multifuel stove because it has secondary air vents that pre-heat air prior to it entering the firebox. This pre-heated air helps to ensure that all the fuel is ignited and burned, resulting in a cleaner combustion process. This also prevents the accumulation of soot that can block the chimney. The stoves of Defra also come with internal baffle plates that help to regulate the flames and ensure an even 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 the risk of being charged by Defra you should only buy and use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested to the government's strict criteria. DEFRA stoves can also be called Clean Burn stoves. They are compatible with all types of fuel but are particularly suited to dry soft and hard wood. They're built with air vents that are unable to be closed completely so that the stove will always have oxygen to help ensure pure combustion and minimize the risk of noxious gases and soot. This technology is not just in line with the current air quality standards of the government as well as with the future Ecodesign standards that will come in effect in 2022. Stovax wood-burning and multifuel stoves will be branded with the SIA Ecodesign Ready label, which means they are compliant with the new emission standards that are more stringent. These new standards are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the air in the country healthy and clean. Installation If you reside in a smoke control area then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove will assist you in complying with the rules. These wood burning and multi fuel stoves have been independently tested in order to ensure they meet the strict standards of smoke emission required in a smoke control zone. These appliances can be used to burn wood or other approved fuels, such as coal, without having to worry about the quantity of smoke they generate. Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can reduce the amount of smoke produced by advanced combustion technologies that produce less smoke. They employ a second stage of combustion that burns the waste products that were burned in the first stage. This makes them cleaner and more efficient. They reduce not just the amount of emissions but also the amount of soot in the chimney and flue. This is an excellent option for those who reside in a smoke-free area as it means that you can have a genuine fire more often and for longer with the added benefit of having lower utility bills. These wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are good for the environment since they release less pollution. They can also be utilized to burn more materials than other stoves. A simple kit provided by the manufacturer can make most stoves DEFRA-exempt. This changes the air vents of the stove, preventing them from closing at night. This is known as slumbering, and allows part-burned combustibles to be released into the air instead of going up the chimney, where they can block the flue. DEFRA approved stoves don't slumber and are more sustainable for the environment. They also tend to block chimneys less often. To get the most benefit of your DEFRA approved stove It is recommended that you have it professionally installed by a HETAS Registered Installer or an official from the Building Control Office. This will give you peace of mind that your installation was completed according to the correct specifications and in line with the most current regulations. It also helps protect your warranty as the installer is able to self-certify their work.