Twenty Myths About Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves: Busted

Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a range of multi-fuel stoves that are exempt from defra regulations. Defra approved stoves meet government regulations and are designed to burn fuel efficiently and emit low emissions.

This is particularly important especially if you live in a smoke-control area. Even if you don't, the Defra stove is better for your chimney and the neighbours.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed that on our website, a number wood burning stoves are listed either as DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. These terms may seem like words to the typical homeowner, but they are not.

DEFRA stands for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and they manage regulations and policies concerning the environment, DEFRA Approved Sustainable Stoves farming and food. Defra approved products have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that they comply with the strict guidelines of the government for smoke emissions during operation. These stoves are also designed to burn approved fuels such as coal and wood more efficiently, which means they emit less pollution.

It is good news for those who live in a Smoke Control Area, as the law currently prohibits smoke emissions in such areas except when using an approved DEFRA stove and an approved fuel. In the past, it was possible to install a non-Defra-approved stove in a Smoke Control Area as long as you used only approved fuels, such as wood. As of January 2022, the law will be changed and stoves that are not approved will not be permitted to be used unless they're equipped with a secondary and tertiary system that can reduce their productions of particulate, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous substances.

In the case of our Defra approved stoves, they are also equipped with a mechanism which will stop you from closing the top air vent completely down as this can cause the fire to smoulder and emit smoke into your home. These stoves feature an adjustable air flow that lets you open the top vent a small amount and still have a safe, efficient burning.

A stove that is Defra-approved can be fitted with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is vital since there are a variety of construction regulations that require you must have an elongated chimney with at least a 5-inch diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you reside in a smoke control area, you will 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 zones for control. You can view the list of areas for which you require a Defra approved stove on the Defra website.

Multifuel stoves and Defra exempt stoves

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

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

Unlike older stoves, which are generally not suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, the latest Defra woodburning and multi-fuel stoves feature secondary and tertiary air systems to ensure that the wood is completely burned before it exits the chimney. This is more efficient than leaving a log on the fire for a long period of time. It also reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that is produced.

If you are in a Smoke Control Area, or considering moving into one, then a Defra exempt stove is the best choice for your home. Not only is it more eco-friendly, but it will help to reduce the amount of smoke that can upset your neighbors.

You can still enjoy open fires, barbecues and pizza ovens in your yard but be aware that toxic or excessive smoke could be a statutory nuisance and you may be fined. In an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, you are not permitted to use open fires or stoves for burning damp, rotten, or wet wood or other fuels.

Burning Other Fuels Other Than Petroleum

Defra Approved stoves are made to burn a variety of fuels including wood. They burn wood so efficiently that they comply with the strict regulations of the government for emissions when operating in smoke zones of control. They can be used in any smoke-control zone, provided they are burning approved fuels, such as pellets, briquettes, and logs. Stoves that are Defra Approved are usually identified with the a 'SE' logo which stands for Smoke Exempt.

What makes a Defra approved stove different from standard multifuel stoves is that they have secondary air vents that heat the air prior to entering the firebox. The pre-heated, heated air ensures that all fuel is ignited to create a cleaner burning. This also prevents the build-up of soot and clogs in the chimney. The Defra stoves come with internal baffles which help to regulate the flames, and maintain a uniform heat distribution.

The use of non-Defra-approved stoves in smoke controlled areas could result in hefty fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). If you want to avoid being accused of being prosecuted by Defra make sure you use a DEFRA-approved stove that has been inspected in accordance with the government's guidelines.

DEFRA stoves can also be called Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with most kinds of fuel, but they are especially suited to dry wood, both soft and hard. Air vents cannot be closed completely, so there's always oxygen to aid in the clean combustion.

This technology is not just compatible with the current air quality standards of the government as well as with the future Ecodesign requirements that will be in place in 2022. A majority of Stovax multi-fuel and wood burning stoves we sell will have this SIA Ecodesign Ready mark which confirms that they meet these new stricter emissions standards. These new standards are part of the government’s continuous efforts to ensure that the air in the country clean and healthy.

Installation

If you live in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra-exempt multifuel stove can assist you in complying with the rules. This is because these multi fuel and wood burning stoves have been independently tested to ensure they comply with the strict standards for smoke emissions that are required in a Smoke Control Area. These stoves can be used to burn wood or other approved fuels like coal without concern about the amount of smoke they generate.

Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can lower smoke levels using advanced combustion techniques that produce less smokiness. They usually employ an additional stage of combustion that re-burns some of the waste products from the initial stage, making them even less polluting and more efficient. In addition to reducing emissions they also reduce the amount of soot that accumulates in the chimney and flue.

This is an excellent option especially if you reside in a smoke-free area as it means that you can sit in front of a real fire more often and for longer, with the added benefit of having lower utility bills. Due to the lower levels of pollution, these types of wood-burning and multi fuel stoves are eco-friendly since they can be used to use a wider range of materials than other stoves.

A simple kit provided by the manufacturer can make many stoves DEFRA-exempt. This kit can alter the air vents of the stove to ensure that they do not shut at night. This is known as slumbering. It allows part-burned combustibles to escape into the air instead of being pushed up the chimney where they could hinder the flue. DEFRA Approved Sustainable Stoves approved stoves do not slumber and are therefore much better for the environment and less likely to block a chimney.

It is recommended DEFRA stoves that you have a HETAS registered installer or Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the best out of it. You'll be able to rest in mind knowing that your installation was completed according to the correct specifications, and is compliant with the latest regulations. Additionally, it will also help to ensure your warranty since the installer can self-certify their work.