Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a wide range of multi-fuel stoves that are exempt from the defra regulations. Defra approved stoves are compliant with government regulations and are engineered to efficiently burn fuel with low emissions.

This is especially important when you live in a smoke-control area. Even if you do not need to, it is important to know that a Defra Stove is better for your chimney and your neighbors.

Defra Approved

You might have noticed that on our website, a variety of wood burning stoves are listed either as DEFRA requirements stoves exempted or DEFRA approved. These terms might seem like words to the average 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 stoves have passed a rigorous test to ensure they adhere to the government's strict rules for emissions of smoke during operation. They are also designed to burn authorised fuels like wood and coal more efficiently, meaning that they emit less pollution.

This is a great news for those living in a Smoke Control Area because the law currently prohibits the emission of smoke in these areas, unless you are using a DEFRA stoves ratings approved stove and a fuel that is authorised. 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 approved fuels such as wood. As of January 2022, the laws will be changed and stoves that are not approved will not be permitted to be used unless equipped with a secondary and secondary system that reduces their productions of particulate, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and organic gaseous substances.

In the case of our Defra approved stoves, they are equipped with a mechanism which stops you from closing the top air vent completely down, as this could cause the fire to get smoldering and emit smoke into your home. Instead, these stoves feature an adjustable air feed which lets you open the top vent slightly and still maintain the safety and efficiency of your fire.

A Defra-approved stove can also be equipped with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is important because there are numerous construction regulations that require you need an elongated chimney with at least 5 inches of diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you live in a smoke-control area you'll require a DEFRA-approved stove to legally burn wood in your home. DEFRA has examined these stoves to make sure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions in smoke control zones. On the Defra website, you can see a list of areas which require a stove that has been approved by DEFRA.

Multifuel stoves and stoves exempt from Defra

A Defra approved stove, also known as a DEFRA multi wood or fuel stove will have passed a stringent test designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government body who are responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting the food and farming industry and sustaining a thriving rural economy. The tests Defra Approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance produces low levels of smoke and grit when it is in use.

Stove Supermarket offers a variety of Defra Exempt Stoves that are multi-fuel stoves. This means that you can burn authorised smokeless wood as well as well-seasoned fuels. These stoves are also referred to as Defra stoves, Defra approved wooden burners and are abbreviated SE.

The latest Defra multi-fuel stoves and woodburning stoves come with secondary and tertiary ventilation systems that ensure that the wood is completely burned before it leaves the chimney. This is a cleaner process than leaving a log on the stove for long periods of time. It can also reduce the amount of smoke that is produced.

If you live or plan to move into an area that is a Smoke Control Area then a stove that is Defra-exempt will be an excellent choice for you. It's not only more environmentally friendly however, it also helps to reduce the amount of smoke that can upset your neighbors.

You are still able to use an open flame, barbecues and a pizza oven in your backyard. However, excessive or toxic smoke could be considered a nuisance and you could be penalized. You are also not allowed to use damp, wet or rotting wood or other fuels in an open flame or stove within the Smoke Control Area.

Burning Other Fuels

Defra Approved Stoves are made to burn various fuels, including wood. They burn wood so efficiently that they comply with the strict government regulations for emissions when operating in smoke control zones. This means that they can be used legally in any area of smoke control in the event that you're burning fuels that are approved, like pellets, logs and briquettes. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will bear a mark with a SE' symbol that stands for Smoke Exempt.

A stove that is Defra-approved differs from a standard multifuel stove in that it has secondary air vents that heat air prior to it entering the firebox. This pre-heated air helps ensure that all the fuel is ignited and burned, leading to an efficient combustion process. It also helps to reduce the build-up of soot up and prevents the chimney from becoming blocked. Defra stoves also come with internal baffle plates that aid to control the flames and maintain an even heat distribution.

Defra could impose heavy penalties on anyone who uses an appliance that is not approved by DEFRA in smoke-controlled areas. To avoid being accused of trespassing by Defra you should only purchase and use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested to the government's strict criteria.

DEFRA stoves are also referred to as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with all types of fuel but are ideally suited for dry wood, both soft and hard. They are designed with air vents that can't be closed completely so that the stove will always receive oxygen to support clean combustion and minimise noxious gases and soot.

This technology not only complies with the current standards for air quality but also the upcoming Ecodesign requirements that will come in 2022. Stovax wood-burning stoves 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 continuous efforts to keep the air in the country clean and healthy.

Installation

If you live in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra-exempt multi fuel stove can help you to comply with regulations. This is because these multi fuel and wood burning stoves have been tested independently to ensure they meet the strict smoke emissions standards that are required in a Smoke Control Area. These stoves can burn wood, or other fuels like coal without worrying about the amount of smoke they produce.

Stoves that are DEFRA certified can reduce smoke levels using advanced combustion technology that creates less smokiness. These stoves typically use an additional stage of combustion, which re-burns some of the waste products that were discarded from the initial stage, making them cleaner and more efficient. In addition to the reduction in emissions the stoves also lessen the amount of soot that builds up within the flue and chimney.

This is an excellent option for those who reside in a smoke-free zone as it means you can enjoy a real fire more often and for longer with the added benefit of having lower utility bills. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are beneficial to the environment as they produce less pollution. They can also be used to burn more fuel than other stoves.

A simple kit offered by the manufacturer can make many stoves DEFRA-exempt. This changes the air vents of the stove to stop them from closing at night. This is referred to as slumbering and it 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.

It is recommended that you have a HETAS certified installer or Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the most out of it. You'll be able to rest in peace of mind knowing that the installation was completed in accordance with the correct specifications, and that it is compliant with most recent regulations. It will also protect your warranty as the installer is able to self-certify their work.