What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A multi-fuel stove that is defra-approved is one which has passed the Defra test for smoke. These stoves are often referred to as SE (smoke-exempt) stoves.

The Defra department of the government is responsible for the rules and regulations related to agriculture, rural issues and the environment. The Defra test guarantees that you can burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals in a smoke controlled area without upsetting your neighbours with nuisance smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves make use of sustainable fuels and materials to reduce emissions. Eco-friendly stoves are generally designed to burn wood, or a combination with other approved fuels. There are many eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves as well as log burners that are available, ranging from traditional to modern models. Some eco-friendly stoves make use of the dung of pigs as a reliable Fireplaces And Stove carbon-negative substitute for wood.

The most important aspect to making sure that your stove is eco-friendly is to make sure that the fuel you are using is properly seasoned and kiln dried. This helps reduce the amount of moisture and allows the wood to burn more efficiently, generating less smoke. It is recommended to buy only wood procured from sustainable forests. When purchasing wood be sure to look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' label to ensure that it has been dried properly.

Most modern stoves are designed to meet strict EU EcoDesign standards. These standards require that stove manufacturers create wood burning stoves that have energy efficiency and environmental protection in the back of their minds. Manufacturers must take into account emissions, resource efficiency, and waste reduction when designing Ecodesign stoves. These are among the most eco-friendly and cleanest stoves available.

Replace the grates on your stove with ceramic grates. This makes it more sustainable. Ceramic is not only visually appealing, but also non-smoking, and helps reduce sulphur oxide in the air. In addition, ceramic grates are easy to keep clean and last longer than steel inserts into grates.

In a Smoke Control Area you are able to use the wood burner or multi-fuel stove, but it is important to use only fuels that have been approved by Defra. You could be in breach of the law if you don't. To avoid this, you should only use Defra approved fuels, like anthracite that is manufactured smokeless, in your stove.

Clean Burning

Multi fuel stoves that are approved by Defra are only permitted to be used in smoke-controlled areas that burn only smokeless fuel. It could be a form of manufactured or natural smokeless log or anthracite and it must conform to specific regulations to meet the requirements for a Defra approved wood burning stove. The stove manufacturers must also follow the regulations to sell an exempt from DEFRA wood burner. The Stove Yard has a an extensive selection of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves as well as wood burning stoves by leading brands such as Arada, Parkray and Burley.

These Defra-exempt stoves use the latest technology for combustion to reduce emissions and tar accumulation within your chimney or DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves flue system. The stoves employ secondary and tertiary systems to ignite particulates, tar gasses and other pollutants before they are released into the air. This is why Defra approved wood burning stoves are so much cleaner than open fires and older generation stoves.

The design of a stove that is Defra-approved is different. The majority of our models have an internal mechanism that allows for an intermittent flow of air to the flame even after the vents for air are closed. This prevents ash and soot being pushed into the fireplace, which can cause dangerous chimney fires.

This is a crucial feature for those who live in a smoke-free zone The new Defra approved stoves don't allow you to shut the air vents completely and slumber your stove overnight which can send part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere.

A DEFRA approved stove will also offer you the longest burn time than non-Defra models, however it's worth noting that if you switched your approved fuel 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 to slumber burn would slow the combustion of the smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

If used properly, a DEFRA-exempt stove can produce very low levels of emissions. These emissions are usually PM2.5 particles, which, if inhaled, can cause various health problems, including heart diseases and lung illnesses.

The high combustion efficiency of a DEFRA approved wood burner decreases the amount of harmful particles and pollution released during the burning process. This significantly lowers the environmental impact especially in urban areas where pollution levels are high.

In addition to decreasing harmful emissions In addition, the efficiency of a stove can reduce the cost of heating your home. Making use of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stove instead of a conventional gas boiler can reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy costs.

If you live in a region where smoke is controlled, it's essential that your stove is DEFRA Approved (or Smoke Exempt) as this permits you to burn approved Defra fuels, such as manufactured smokeless ovals such as Anthracite or Homefire as well as dried wood and other approved fuels. This lets you enjoy your fireplace without worrying about nuisance smoke disturbing your neighbors.

In addition to being DEFRA Approved, many stoves are also tested to meet the requirements of clearSkies and can be marked with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies mark is an independent scheme that requires stove manufacturers to disclose information about their appliances efficiency and emissions, so that consumers can make an informed choice. The information must include a stove's efficiency rating and emissions, along with its type and size.

It is important to keep in mind that, just like Ecodesign the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards. Manufacturers may go above and above these. ESSE has developed its most recent stoves to make them even more efficient and cleaner, producing less smoke without any compromise in the performance or control. This latest innovation utilizes patented twin catalytic combustion technology that recycles the smoke particles it releases, dramatically reducing their effects on the environment.

If you live in a smoke-free zone and you use a DEFRA Approved Stove with a high-quality, kiln-dried or seasoned log you will get as much heat, DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves or perhaps more than that, from the same amount of dry wood than when it was burned in a non DEFRA Approved Stove. In fact, it could be as much as 24 percent cheaper to heat your home with a a new Defra Approved stove than the traditional gas boiler.

Conforms to 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 do not emit smoke when burning approved fuel. Therefore, you can use these stoves in areas that have a significant amount of buildings. We install and supply DEFRA approved log stoves from the top brands such as Mi-fires and Contura.

A DEFRA approved multi fuel stove will allow you to burn wood, peat and other solid fuels in a safe manner. It is important to be aware that certain fuels can't be used in Smoke Control Areas.

A proper ventilation system is crucial to the safe operation of a multi fuel stove, because it helps to minimize carbon monoxide build-up in your home. DEFRA approved stoves have an inbuilt ventilation system that supplies enough air to the combustion process. This ensures that your home is always ventilated and safe to use.

DEFRA approved stoves also come with a minimum size of 550mm2, which means they can be used combination with a standard dualwall system. Our extensive selection of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, so you can utilize them to upgrade your existing fireplace and ensure that it is in line with the latest emissions requirements.

When choosing the DEFRA approved stove, look for the 'DEFRA symbol on the packaging or in the manufacturer's information online. This information is also available on a variety of reputable retailers' websites and in the store displays.

If you're considering installing a multi-fuel stove, it's essential that you get the job done by a professional who is certified to ensure compliance with the building regulations. If you don't adhere to the proper installation guidelines this could result in the issuance of a fine or damage to your home. We recommend choosing a HETAS approved installer to handle the stove installation, since they will be familiar with the manufacturer's guidelines and building regulations.