What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?
A defra approved multi fuel stove is one that has successfully passed the
DEFRA compliant stoves UK smoke tests. They are also referred to as SE (smoke exempt) stoves.
The government Defra department is responsible for implementing rules and regulations related to the environment, agriculture and rural issues. The Defra Test assures you that you are able to burn wood and approved smokeless fuels, such as Anthracite Ovals in a smoke-controlled area without disturbing neighbors.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly stoves produce minimal emissions, using fuel efficiently and utilising sustainable materials. Eco-friendly stoves are usually made to burn wood or a combination with other approved fuels. There are a variety of eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves and log burners available, from traditional to modern models. Some eco-friendly stoves make use of dung as a sustainable and carbon-negative substitute for wood.
The most important thing you can do to make your stove eco-friendly is ensure that the fuel is properly seasoned or kiln-dried. This helps reduce the amount of moisture and allows the wood to burn more efficiently, and produce less smoke. It is recommended to buy only wood procured from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when buying wood to guarantee that it has been dried at an appropriate level.
The majority of newer stoves meet strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require stove makers to design wood-burning stoves that are energy efficient and with the environment in mind. Manufacturers must take into account emissions, resource efficiency, and waste reduction when designing Ecodesign stoves. They are among the most eco-friendly and clean stoves available.
Another option to make your stove more eco-friendly is to replace the grates with ceramic. Ceramic is not just attractive but also has the added benefit of not being a smoker and helping reduce the amount of sulphur dioxide that is released into the air. Ceramic grates also have a longer time and are more easy to clean than steel inserts for grates.
In a Smoke Control Area you are able to use the wood burner or multi-fuel stove, but it is essential to only use approved fuels by Defra. You could be in breach of the law if you don't. You should only use approved fuels by Defra like anthracite manufactured round in your stove.
Clean Burning
A Defra approved multi fuel stove can be used in smoke controlled areas when it is burning authorised smokeless fuels only. It can be a kind of manufactured or natural smokeless log or anthracite, and it must adhere to certain regulations in
order DEFRA stoves online to meet the criteria for a Defra approved wood burning stove. Stove makers must also comply with the regulations in order to create an DEFRA exempt wood burner available for sale. The Stove Yard has a an extensive range of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves as well as wood burning stoves by leading brands such as Arada, Parkray and Burley.
The Defra-exempt stoves employ the most advanced combustion technology to reduce emissions and tar accumulation in your chimney or flue system. They employ the most advanced secondary and tertiary airflow systems that ignite tar gases and particulates before they escape into the atmosphere - this is what makes the Defra approved stove so much cleaner than older generation wood burning stoves and open fires.
The design of a Defra approved stove is also different. Most of our models have a hidden mechanism that allows 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 being released up the chimney that can block your stove and can result in dangerous chimney fires.
The new Defra-approved stoves won't allow you to shut the air vents and slumber the stove for a night, which can send part burned combustibles in the atmosphere.
A DEFRA approved stove also has the longest burn time than other models, although it's worth noting that if you swapped your fuel of choice for smokeless coal, and wanted to rest your stove over night then this would shorten the time to burn due to the continuous supply of air needed for slumber burning would curb the combustion of the smokeless fuel.
Emissions Reductions
If used properly, a
DEFRA stoves cost-exempt stove can produce very low levels of emissions. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles, which could cause a range of health issues such as heart diseases and lung diseases when inhaled.
The high efficiency of combustion offered by a DEFRA-approved wood burning device reduces the amount harmful particles and pollutants released during the burning process. This minimizes the impact of the burning process on the environment.
The effectiveness of a stove can reduce the cost of heating your home. By using a DEFRA-approved wood burner in place of a gas boiler, you can lower your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill.
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, it's essential to ensure that your fireplace is DEFRA approved or Smoke Exempt since this will permit you to use Defra approved fuels such as manufactured smokeless coal ovals, such as Anthracite and Homefire as well as dried wood and other approved solid fuels. This lets you enjoy your fireplace without worrying about a nuisance smoke affecting your neighbours.
Many stoves are, in addition to being DEFRA approved, are also tested to meet clearSkies standards and are able to be labeled with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies scheme is an independent scheme that requires stove manufacturers display information about the effectiveness and emissions of their products, allowing consumers make an informed decision. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating, emissions, as well as the type and size.
However, it's important to remember that, as with Ecodesign, the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards and manufacturers are able to exceed them. ESSE has developed its most recent stoves so that they are even more efficient and clean, producing less particles without compromising the performance or control. This latest innovation utilizes patented Twin Catalytic Combustion Technology that burns all smoke particles and reduces their impact on the environment.
If you live in a smoke-controlled zone and are using a DEFRA Approved Stove with a high-quality, kiln-dried or seasoned log, you'll get as much heat, or even more in the same amount of dry wood as when it was burned in an non DEFRA Approved Stove. In fact, it can be as much as 24 percent less expensive to heat your home using a the latest Defra Approved stove than conventional gas boilers.
Compliant with Building Regulations
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it's important to have a DEFRA approved multi fuel stove. These stoves have been tested to ensure they don't emit smoke when burning approved fuel. Therefore, you can use them in areas with a large number of buildings. We install and supply DEFRA approved log stoves from top brands like Mi-fires and Contura.
You can also safely burn wood, peat, and other solid fuels with a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. It is essential to be aware that certain types of fuels cannot be used in Smoke Control Areas.
For a multi-fuel stove to operate safely, it is essential that you have the proper ventilation. This will minimize the formation of carbon monoxide within your home.
Defra Approved High-Quality Stoves approved stoves come with an integrated ventilation system that provides enough air to the combustion process. This ensures that your home is always ventilated, and safe to use.
DEFRA approved stoves also have a minimum dimension of 550mm2, meaning they can be used in conjunction with a standard dualwall system. Our range of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA approved stoves.
