A Complete Guide To Defra Approved Multi Fuel Dos And Don ts
What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?
A defra-approved multi fuel stove is one that has successfully passed the Defra smoke tests. These stoves are sometimes called SE (smoke-exempt) stoves.
The Defra department of the government is responsible for implementing rules and regulations related to rural issues, agriculture and the environment. The Defra test guarantees that you can burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals within a smoke-free area without causing any disturbance to your neighbors by emitting nuisance smoke.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly stoves are made to produce minimal emissions, making use of fuel efficiently, and using sustainable materials. They typically burn wood or a mixture of approved fuels, and are designed with ecological considerations in mind. There are many eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves and log burners that are available, ranging from traditional to modern models. Some eco-friendly stoves even use dung (the excrement of domestic livestock) to provide a highly efficient and carbon negative alternative to wood.
The most important factor in making sure that your stove is eco-friendly is to make sure that the fuel you are using is properly seasoned or kiln dried. This reduces the moisture content and lets the wood burn more efficiently, producing less smoke. It is recommended to buy only wood sourced from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when buying wood to guarantee that it has been dried to an appropriate level.
The majority of newer stoves are compliant with the strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require stove makers to design wood burning stoves keeping energy efficiency and the environment in mind. Ecodesign stoves must take into account emissions, resource efficiency, and waste reduction. These are among the cleanest and eco-friendly stoves available.
Another way to make your stove more eco-friendly is to replace the grates with ceramic. Ceramic is not only attractive, but it is also anti-smoking and reduces the amount of sulphur oxide that is in the air. In addition, ceramic grate liners are also easy to keep clean and have a longer lifespan than steel grate inserts.
In a Smoke Control Area you are able to use a wood-burner or 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved-fuel stove, but it is important to only use approved fuels by Defra. You could be breaking the law if you don't. You should only make use of fuels that have been approved by Defra for example, anthracite manufactured round in your stove.
Clean Burning
A DEFRA approved clean burning stoves approved multi fuel stove can be used in smoke controlled areas if it burns authorised smokeless fuel only. It can be a non-smokeless log, anthracite, or a manufactured or natural product. Stove makers must also comply with the regulations in order to make an DEFRA exempt wood burner for sale. The Stove Yard has a huge range of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves as well as wood burning stoves made by top brands like Arada, Parkray and Burley.
These Defra-exempt stoves use the most advanced combustion technology to reduce emissions and tar accumulation in your chimney or flue system. They use the latest secondary and tertiary airflow systems to ignite particulates and tar gases before they can escape into the atmosphere. This is what makes a Defra approved stove much less polluting than older wood burning stoves and open fires.
The design of a Defra approved stove is also distinct. Most of our range has an internal mechanism that allows for the continuous flow of air to the flame even if the air vents have been shut. This prevents soot and ash being sent up the fireplace, which could cause dangerous chimney fires.
The new Defra-approved stoves won't allow you to completely close the vents for air and sleep the stove overnight, which can send part-burned combustibles to the air.
A DEFRA-approved stove will also have a longer burn time compared to older non-Defra stoves. However it is possible to replace your fuel of choice with smokeless coal in order to sleep the stove over night, this would also shorten the burn as the constant air supply required for slumbering would curtail the combustion of smokeless fuel.
Emissions Reductions
If used correctly, a DEFRA exempt stove can generate very low levels of emission. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles which, when inhaled, can cause a variety of health issues including heart conditions and lung diseases.
The high efficiency of combustion provided by a DEFRA-approved wood burner reduces the amount harmful particles and pollutants released by the process of burning. This helps reduce the impact of the process of burning on the environment.
In addition to reducing harmful emissions, the efficiency of a stove reduces the cost of heating your home. Making use of a DEFRA approved wood burning stove over gas boilers of the conventional variety can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills.
If you live in a zone where smoke is controlled, it's crucial that your stove is DEFRA Approved (or Smoke Exempt) as this permits you to burn approved Defra Fuels such as manufactured smokeless ovals like Anthracite or Homefire as well dried wood and other fuels that are authorised. This will let you enjoy your fireplace without worrying that nuisance smoke could be a nuisance to your neighbors.
Many stoves are, in addition to being DEFRA approved, are also tested in accordance with clearSkies standards and are able to be identified with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies mark is an independent scheme that requires stove makers to display information about their appliances efficiency and emissions, allowing consumers to make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating and emissions, along with its size and type.
It is important to keep in mind that, just as with Ecodesign the clearSkies guidelines are minimum standards and manufacturers can exceed these. ESSE has developed its most recent stoves to be even more efficient and clean, producing less smoke without impacting efficiency or control. This latest innovation utilizes Twin Catalytic Combustion Technology, a patent-pending technology that burns all smoke particles and reduces their impact on the environment.
In fact it's true 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 even more heat from the same amount of dry wood as you would if you were to burn it on a non-DEFRA Approved stove. It is up to 24 percent less expensive to heat your home with the latest DEFRA Approved Stove than 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 that they do not emit smoke when burning approved fuel. They can therefore be used them in areas with a large number of buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a variety of DEFRA approved log burners from the top DEFRA stoves brands including Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.
A DEFRA approved multi fuel stove can allow you to burn peat, wood and other solid fuels in a safe manner. It is crucial to be aware that certain types of fuels cannot be used in Smoke Control Areas.
Proper ventilation is vital for safety when operating a multi fuel stove, since it will help reduce the amount of carbon monoxide that builds up in your home. DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves come with an integrated venting system that is able to automatically deliver sufficient air to the combustion process, so your home will be properly ventilated and safe for use.
DEFRA approved stoves also have a minimum size of 550mm2, which means they can be used conjunction with a standard dualwall system. Our vast range of flue liners are compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, which means you can utilize them to upgrade your existing fireplace and ensure it meets the latest emissions requirements.
When selecting 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 reputable retailers' websites and in the store displays.
It's important to hire an experienced professional who is certified if you are planning to install a multi-fuel fireplace. This will ensure that the installation is in line with the building codes. If you do not adhere to the proper installation guidelines and procedures, you could face a fine or damage to your home. We recommend choosing a HETAS certified installer to handle your stove installation, as they will be familiar with the manufacturer's guidelines and building regulations.