What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?
A defra-approved multi-fuel stove is one that has passed the Defra test for smoke. These stoves are sometimes called SE (smoke-exempt) stoves.
The government Defra department is responsible for implementing rules and regulations related to the rural, agricultural and environmental issues. The Defra test demonstrates that you are able to burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite in a smoke controlled area without causing any disturbance to your neighbors by emitting annoying smoke.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly stoves use sustainable fuels and materials to reduce emissions. They typically burn wood or a mixture of approved fuels and are designed with eco-friendly considerations in mind. A wide selection of eco-friendly log burning and multi fuel stoves are readily available that range from modern to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves use dung as an efficient and carbon-negative alternative to wood.
The most crucial aspect in ensuring that your stove is eco-friendly is to make sure that the fuel used is properly seasoned or dried. This reduces the moisture content of the wood and allows it to burn more efficiently. It's also a great idea to purchase only wood that is sourced from sustainable forests. When buying wood be sure to look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' label to ensure that it has been dried correctly.
The majority of modern stoves comply with strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require stove makers to design wood-burning stoves with energy efficiency and the environment in mind. Manufacturers must consider emissions, resource efficiency, and waste reduction when they design Ecodesign stoves. These are among the cleanest and eco-friendly stoves on the market today.
Another way to make your stove green is to replace the grates with ceramic. It is not just attractive, but it also has the added benefit of not being a smoker and helping to reduce sulphur dioxide in the air. In addition, ceramic grate liners are easy to maintain and last longer than steel grate inserts.
While you may still relax in cozy wood burning stoves or multi fuel stove in a Smoke Control Area, it is essential to use only Defra approved fuels. If you don't, it is possible that you may be in violation of the law and risk getting a fine from your local council. To avoid this, you should only use Defra approved fuels, for example, an amorphous smokeless oval in your stove.
Clean Burning
Multi fuel stoves approved by Defra are only permitted to be used in smoke-controlled areas if they burn only authorised smokeless fuel. It can be a non-smokeless log, anthracite or manufactured or natural product. The stove manufacturers must comply with the rules for selling a DEFRA-exempt wood burner. Here at The Stove Yard we have an incredible selection of DEFRA approved stoves for wood burning and multi fuel stoves from leading brands like Arada, Parkray, Burley, Stovax and many more.
The Defra-exempt stoves employ the most advanced combustion technology to reduce the amount of tar and emissions in your chimney or flue system. They use the latest secondary and tertiary airflow systems to ignite particulates and tar gases before they escape into the atmosphere. This is the reason why the Defra approved stove so much cleaner than older generation stoves that burn wood and open fires.
The design of a Defra approved stove is different. The majority of our models have an in-built mechanism that allows the continuous flow of air into the fire even after the vents for air are shut. This stops ash and soot from being blown into the fireplace, which could cause dangerous chimney fires.
The new Defra-approved stoves won't permit you to completely shut the vents for air and sleep the stove over night and release part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere.
A DEFRA approved stove will also offer you a much longer burn time than other models, however it's important to note that if you switched your fuel of choice for smokeless coal, and wanted to rest your stove over night then this could reduce the burn time too because the continuous supply of air needed to slumber burn would slow the combustion of the smokeless fuel.
Reduced Emissions
If used correctly, a DEFRA exempt stove can generate very low levels of emissions. These emissions are usually PM2.5 particles that, if inhaled, can cause a variety of health issues, including heart problems and lung diseases.
The high efficiency of combustion of a DEFRA approved wood burner reduces the amount of harmful particles and pollutants released during the combustion process. This reduces the impact of the process of burning on the environment.
The efficiency of a stove can reduce the cost of heating your home. Using an DEFRA approved wood burning stove over gas boilers of the conventional variety can help reduce your carbon footprint as well as save money on your energy costs.
If you live in a smoke controlled zone, it's important to ensure that your stove is DEFRA approved or Exempt because this permits you to burn Defra Approved fuels like manufactured smokeless coal ovals such as Anthracite and Homefire as well as dried wood and other approved solid fuels. This will allow you to enjoy the fireplace without having to worry about whether the smoke could be a nuisance to your neighbors.
Many stoves, in addition to being DEFRA certified, are tested to meet clearSkies standards and can be labelled using the clearSkies label. The clearSkies mark is an independent scheme that requires stove makers to disclose information about their appliances efficiency and emissions allowing consumers to make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating, emissions, as well as the type and size.
It is important to keep in mind that, as with Ecodesign the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards. Manufacturers are able to go over and over these. ESSE has designed its latest stoves to be even more efficient and clean, producing less dust without compromising the performance or control. This latest development uses twin catalytic technology that recycles any smoke particles it produces, dramatically reducing their effects on the environment.
In defra burning mdf that if you're in an smoke-free zone and you use a DEFRA Approved stove with a good quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, you'll be able to generate as much, or more heat from the same amount of dry wood as you would if you were burning it in a non-DEFRA Approved stove. It can be up 24 per cent less expensive to heat your home using a new Defra Approved Stove than with gas boiler.
Compliant with Building Regulations
If you live in an area under smoke control, it is crucial to select a multi-fuel stove that is approved by DEFRA. The stoves have been tested to ensure they don't emit smoke when burning approved fuel. Therefore, you can use them in areas with a lot of buildings. We supply and install DEFRA approved log stoves made by top brands like Mi-fires and Contura.
A DEFRA approved multi fuel stove can allow you to burn wood, peat and other solid fuels in a safe manner. It is essential 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, as this will help to reduce carbon monoxide accumulation within your home. DEFRA approved stoves come with an inbuilt ventilation system that supplies enough air to the combustion process. This will ensure that your home is always well ventilated, and safe to use.
DEFRA approved stoves also have a minimum size of 550mm2, which means they can be used in combination with a standard dualwall flue system. Our wide selection of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, so you can upgrade your existing fireplace and ensure it meets the latest emission standards.
When choosing the DEFRA approved stove, look for the 'DEFRA' symbol on its packaging or in the manufacturer's information online. This information is also available on a variety of trustworthy retailers' websites and in store displays.
If you're thinking of installing a multi-fuel stove, it's crucial to have the work done by a certified professional to ensure that you are in compliance with the building regulations. If you don't follow the correct instructions for installation this could result in the issuance of a fine or damage to your home. We recommend choosing an HETAS certified installer to complete your stove installation, as they will be well-versed in the guidelines of the manufacturer and building regulations.