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Why We Love Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves (And You Should, Too!)
Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a range of multi-fuel stoves exempt from the defra regulations. Defra approved appliances are compliant with the regulations of the government, and are engineered for fuel efficiency with low emissions.

This is particularly important especially if you live in a smoke control area. But even if don't need to, a Defra stove is safer for your chimney and the neighbours.

Defra Approved

You might have noticed that on our website, a variety of wood burning stoves are described as DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. These terms may appear to be words to the average homeowner, but they're not.

DEFRA stands for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and they oversee policies and regulations regarding the environment, farming and food. Defra approved stoves have been passed rigorous tests to ensure they adhere to the strict guidelines of the government for emissions of smoke during operation. These stoves are designed to burn fuels such as coal and wood more efficiently. This means they emit fewer pollutants.

It is good news for those who reside in Smoke Control Area because the law currently prohibits smoke emissions within such areas except when using a DEFRA-approved stove and an approved fuel. In the past, it was possible to install a non Defra approved wood stove in a Smoke Control Area, as long as you used only authorised fuels. But, as of January 2022 the laws are changing and stoves that aren't approved will not be allowed to be installed at all unless they have been equipped with a secondary or tertiary combustion system that can dramatically reduce the production of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, NOx and organic gaseous compounds.

Our Defra approved ranges are also equipped with a mechanism that prevents you from closing the top air vent completely. This could result in the fire smouldering and emitting smoke into your home. Instead, these stoves feature an adjustable air flow that allows you to open the top vent slightly and still keep the safety and efficiency of your fire.

Another benefit of buying a Defra approved stove is that it comes with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is important because the majority of building codes require a chimney to have a minimum of 5 inches diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you live in a zone of smoke control you'll need a DEFRA-approved stove to legally burn wood in your home. DEFRA has tested these stoves to confirm that they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions required in smoke control zones. You can see the list of areas in which you need a Defra approved stove on the Defra website.

Multifuel stoves and stoves exempt from Defra

A Defra approved stove, also known as a DEFRA multi fuel or wood burning stove will have passed a stringent test that was developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government body who are responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, assisting the agriculture and food industries and ensuring a vibrant rural economy. The tests Defra approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance only produces low levels of smoke and grit when it is in operation.

A lot of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are multi fuel stoves that allow you to burn authorised smokeless fuels and seasoned wood. They will often be described as Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners, and they are usually abbreviated to SE.

The most recent Defra multi-fuel stoves and woodburning stoves come with secondary and tertiary ventilation systems that ensure the wood is completely burned before it leaves the chimney. This is a much cleaner process than just leaving a fire in the stove to burn for long periods and reduces the amount smoke that can be generated.

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, or in the process of moving into one, then a Defra exempt stove is the best choice for your home. DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves 's not just more sustainable however, it also helps in reducing the amount of smoke that can cause a disturbance to your neighbors.

You can still use an open fire, barbecues and pizza ovens in your backyard. However excessive or toxic smoke may be considered to be a nuisance and you could be fined. You are also not allowed to burn damp, wet or rotting wood or any other fuels in an open flame or stove in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area.

Burning Other Fuels Other Than Petroleum

Defra Approved stoves are made to burn a wide variety of fuels, including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they meet the strict emission regulations of the government when operating in smoke control zones. You can use them in any smoke-control area, provided they are burning approved fuels like pellets, briquettes, and logs. Stoves that have been authorised by Defra will be marked with the SE' logo that stands for Smoke Exempt.

A stove that is Defra-approved differs from a conventional multifuel stove in that it has secondary air vents that heat air before it enters into the firebox. The pre-heated, heated air ensures that the fuel is ignited in order to produce a cleaner combustion. It also reduces soot build up and stops the chimney from clogging. Defra stoves also have internal baffle plates that aid to regulate the flames and maintain an uniform heat distribution.

Defra could impose severe penalties on anyone who uses an appliance that is not approved by DEFRA in smoke-controlled areas. If you want to avoid being accused of being prosecuted by Defra ensure that you use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested in accordance with the guidelines of the government.

DEFRA stoves are also referred to as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with all types of fuel but are especially suited to dry soft and hard wood. Air vents cannot be shut completely, which means there is always oxygen to aid in pure combustion.

This technology is not just compliant with the current air quality standards of the government as well as with the future Ecodesign requirements that will be in place 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 standards for emission. These new standards are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the air we breathe healthy and clean.

Installation

If you live in a zone of smoke control 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 to ensure that they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions required in a smoke control area. 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 are DEFRA certified can reduce smoke levels through advanced combustion technology that creates less smoke. These stoves use the second stage of combustion, which recycles waste products from the first stage. This makes them cleaner and more efficient. In addition to the reduced emissions the stoves also lessen the amount of soot that builds up within the flue and chimney.

This is great news especially if you live in a smoke controlled area since it means you can sit in front of a real fire more often and for longer, with the added benefit of having lower utility bills. Because of the reduced levels of pollution, these kinds of wood-burning and multi fuel stoves are also good for the environment as they are able to burn a wider variety of materials than other stoves.

A simple kit supplied by the manufacturer can make most stoves DEFRA-exempt. This kit alters the vents for air on the stove so that they are not closed at night. This is referred to as slumbering and it allows part-burned combustibles which would otherwise block the flue to be released into the air. DEFRA approved stoves don't slumber and are more sustainable for the environment. They also prevent chimneys from being blocked less often.

To make the most of your DEFRA approved stove it is recommended you have it professionally installed by a HETAS Registered Installer or by an official from the Building Control Office. You'll have peace of mind knowing that your installation was done in accordance with the correct specifications, and is in compliance with the latest regulations. Additionally, it will also guarantee your warranty as the installer will be able to self-certify their work.