Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves That Are DEFRA Approved
The DEFRA approved stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel which are also referred to as Defra Smoke Exempt stoves, have passed rigorous emissions tests. This means they can be used within UK cities and large towns that are classed as smoke control zones.
A stunning contemporary styled stove from ACR that is EcoDesign 2022 ready and benefits from DEFRA approval allowing use in a smoke-free zone.
Defra Approved
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area in the UK and want to use wood in your stove you'll need a DEFRA approved or Defra exempt appliance. DEFRA is the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and it is the government that restricts the release of smoke into cities and towns in areas that could pose a problem to residents. These appliances have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that particulate emissions are significantly reduced, and they are able to pass the strict Defra smoke tests.
The Defra approval or DEFRA exempt logo is well recognized and widely adopted by the industry. You will often see it printed or engraved onto the stove itself, although there are occasions when you'll see the words written on specifications sheets. There are also a range of models that are both DEFRA approved and DEFRA exempt, meaning they can be used for solid and wood fuels.
A Defra approved wood burning stove has passed extensive tests to determine the amount of particulate matter it releases. It will be able to conform to the Clean Air Act by supplying the minimum amount of combustion air to the fuel so that it burns efficiently without releasing excessive smoke. They are generally more eco-friendly than stoves that are not Defra-approved and they can help you save money on your heating bills too.
Defra approved wood burning stoves are particularly beneficial for those who reside in a Smoke Control Area. You could face a significant fine in the event that you choose to use a non Defra approved wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area. A Defra approved stove will be more considerate of neighbors as it doesn't emit any nuisance smoke, and it will usually mean that your chimney and flue system will be cleaner for longer too.
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove may also permit you to legally install a stove of 5kW with a stainless steel twin wall liner that is flexible (provided the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger diameter). This is a good option when you're looking to cut down on the cost of a new chimney and is a great alternative where space is at a premium.
Defra Exempt
A DEFRA approved stove is an essential piece of equipment if you reside in a smoke-free area. The stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they produce a low amount of emissions that reduces the amount of particulate matter (PM10) within your home.
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves bear an 'Defra Approved the DEFRA Exempt logo on their specification. Stoves with this logo have been independently tested and meet the strict smoke control requirements.
It is important to remember that you are not able to make use of Defra Exempt stoves to burn dry wood in a Smoke Control Zone as this will create nuisance smoke. You should not use non-Defra certified multi fuel stoves unless they are located in a Smoke Control Area. The stoves will also produce PM10 and could result in a hefty fine by the council.
Multi fuel stoves endorsed by Defra are designed to burn smokeless coal and wood without producing any unpleasant smoke. They achieve this with the latest combustion technology which doesn't restrict airflow to the firebox. This is also known as slumbering. Stoves that are allowed to rest for a long time can create a lot of black smoke, which is harmful for the chimney and stove.
Stovax Vogue Small is a excellent example of multi-fuel stoves that are Defra Exempt and high quality. The popular wood burning stove is highly efficient with a maximum heat output of 5kW. It also has an integrated log store base making it ideal for fitting into larger fireplace openings.
ACR Earlswood LS is another multi-fuel wood burner that has been endorsed by the
DEFRA Stoves Features. The Earlswood multi-fuel stove also has been tested extensively to ensure it meets the stringent DEFRA standards for particulate emission. It is therefore suitable to be used in smoke-free areas and is able to burn a wide variety of wood and approved smokeless fuels.
A multi-fuel stove that's DEFRA Exempt can be an cost-effective option for
Defra stoves Features a new chimney liner. Because they all have five" flue outlet, this means you can install the 125mm diameter stainless-steel twin wall flexible chimney liner rather than the standard 6" (150mm). This is especially cost-effective when there is not enough space to fit a larger size liner. It can be beneficial if your chimney stack has awkward bends that make it difficult install a 6" chimney liner.
Smoke Control Areas
Many regions in the UK have been designated as Smoke Control Areas. This means that if your house has an open flame stove, wood burning stove or fireplace, you are permitted to only use fuels that have been approved by the UK government. The law was created to prevent nuisance smoke from affecting neighboring properties, as well as to keep the environment clean. However, it does not prohibit the use of solid fuel appliances or stoves if they meet certain requirements. DEFRA approved stoves (also known as Defra-exempted stoves) are an excellent choice if you live in a smoking control area. They've been specifically tested and meet these requirements.
A Defra approved multi fuel stove is generally able to burn all authorised fuels including wood, but without producing excessive amounts of smoke. To accomplish this, the combustion technology used in the Defra approved stove is designed to limit the amount of starved the stove is of air during the combustion process. Usually, this is accomplished by using special baffles within the stove that redirect airflow and stop it from exiting the stove.
The best DEFRA approved stoves also have what is called a 'clean burn' feature that allows the combustion of combustibles with a part-burn like soot and ash and allows them to be discharged out of the chimney, rather than into the room. This prevents part-burnt combustibles from re-entering the stove and causing a build up that eventually causes black smoke.
If you own stoves that are exempt from Defra and you are allowed to burn the fuels specified in the Clean Air Act. This is especially the case when you are burning damp wood or other wet fuels which can produce fumes that are noxious. Go through the manual for your stove or with your supplier to find out which fuels are permitted in your stove.
Gr8Fires offers a range of DEFRA-exempt stoves that are suitable for smoke-controlled areas. The Dimplex Langbrook, for example is a chic wood-burning fireplace which is Defra-exempt and can run a wide selection of fuels that are authorised. This model comes in a variety of heat outputs, as well as in a variety of finishes including a matt black finish.
Heat Output
If you see an
DEFRA stoves for sale approved symbol on a stove, it means that it is suitable for use in a smoke control zone when burning wood or other permitted fuels. The Defra approval process requires strict tests and examination to ensure that the stove satisfies the Department of Environmental's requirements for low emissions and high efficiency of combustion. These features make the stove more efficient in heating your home, which will help to keep your bills down and reduce your carbon footprint.
There are a variety of multi-fuel stoves that have been endorsed by Defra with a range of sizes from small models with 4kW to larger models that have 5kW.
