What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A defra certified multi fuel stove is one that has been cleared of the Defra smoke tests. They are also known as SE (smoke-exempt) stoves.

The government DEFRA approved contemporary stoves department oversees rules and regulations pertaining to the rural, agricultural and environmental issues. The DEFRA Approved sustainable stoves Test assures you that you are able to burn wood and approved smokeless fuels, like Anthracite Ovals, for instance, in a smoke-controlled space without causing disturbance to your neighbors.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves are made of renewable materials and fuels to reduce emissions. Eco-friendly stoves are typically designed to burn wood, or a combination of other approved fuels. There are numerous eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves and log burners available, from modern to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves even use dung (the excreta of domesticated livestock) as a highly efficient and carbon-free alternative to wood.

The most important thing you can do to ensure your stove is green is to make sure that the fuel is properly seasoned or kiln-dried. This reduces the moisture content of the wood, allowing it to burn more efficiently. It is also a good idea to buy only wood that is sourced from sustainable forests. When buying wood be sure to look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' label to verify that it has been properly dried.

The majority of modern stoves meet strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require that stove makers create wood-burning stoves with energy efficiency and environmental protection in the back of their minds. Ecodesign stoves should take into account emissions, resource efficiency, and the reduction of waste. This makes them some of the greenest and most environmentally friendly stoves on the market.

Another way to make your stove green is to replace the grate with a ceramic one. Ceramic is not just attractive and attractive, but it also comes with the added benefit of being anti-smoking and helping to reduce sulphur dioxide in the air. Ceramic grate liners are easy to maintain and last longer than steel inserts into grates.

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

Clean Burning

Multi fuel stoves that have been approved by Defra can only be used in smoke-controlled areas in the event that they burn only smokeless fuel. It can be a non-smokeless log, anthracite or naturally occurring or manufactured product. Stove manufacturers must adhere to the regulations in order to make an DEFRA exempt wood burner for sale. The Stove Yard has a great choice of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves as well as wood burning stoves made by top 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 flue system. They utilize the latest secondary and tertiary airflow techniques to ignite tar gas and particulates before they are released into the atmosphere. This is what makes a Defra approved stove so much cleaner than older generation wood burning stoves and open fires.

The design of the Defra approved stove is also different, most of our range include a hidden mechanism within the stove that allows for a small continuous circulation of air into the fire even when the air vents are shut. This is to prevent the soot and ash from getting released up the chimney that can cause obstruction to your stove and result in dangerous chimney fires.

The new Defra-approved cooktops don't allow you to shut the air vents and slumber the stove overnight that could release part burned combustibles in the air.

A DEFRA-approved stove can have a longer burning time than older stoves that are not DEFRA-approved. However it is possible to switch your approved fuel with smokeless coal to slumber the stove overnight, this would also shorten the burn as the constant air supply required for slumbering would curtail the combustion of the smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

If used correctly, a DEFRA exempt stove can produce extremely low levels of emissions. These emissions are usually PM2.5 particles that, if inhaled, can lead to various health issues, including heart problems and lung illnesses.

The high efficiency of combustion provided by a DEFRA-approved wood burner reduces the amount of harmful particles and pollutants released during the burning process. This minimizes the impact of the burning process on the environment.

The efficiency of a stove can lower the cost of heating your home. By using a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove in place of a gas boiler, you can reduce your carbon footprint while saving money on your energy bill.

If you reside in a smoke-free zone, you must ensure that your stove is DEFRA approved or Smoke Exempt because this permits you to burn Defra Approved fuels such as manufactured smokeless coal ovals such as Anthracite and Homefire as well as dried wood and other authorised solid fuels. This will allow you to relax in the fireplace, without worrying that nuisance smoke could disturb your neighbors.

In addition to being DEFRA approved, defra approved sustainable stoves many stoves are also tested to clearSkies standards and can be marked with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies mark is an independent system that requires stove manufacturers to provide information on their appliances' efficiency and emissions, allowing consumers to make an informed decision. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating as well as emissions, along with the type and size of the stove.

However, it's important to keep in mind that, just as with Ecodesign, the clearSkies regulations are merely minimum standards, and manufacturers can exceed these. ESSE for instance has developed its latest stoves to be more efficient and cleaner burning and produce less particulates, without compromising on performance or control. This latest innovation utilizes twin catalytic technology that reburns any smoke particles it produces significantly reducing their impact on the atmosphere.

If you live in a smoke-free zone and are using a DEFRA Approved Stove with a top-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, then you will get as much heat, or more than that, from the same amount of dry wood as when it was burned in an non DEFRA Approved Stove. It can be up 24 percent less expensive to heat your home using a new DEFRA Approved Stove than with gas boilers.

Compliant with Building Regulations

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it's important to have a DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove. The stoves have been tested to ensure that they don't emit any smoke when burning authorised fuel, which means they can be used in areas that are typically heavily populated by buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a variety of DEFRA approved log burners from top brands including Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.

You can also safely burn wood, peat and other solid fuels by using a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. It is important to be aware that some fuels are restricted for use in Smoke Control Areas, so it's essential to familiarise yourself with local guidelines and restrictions.

Proper ventilation is essential for safety when operating a multi fuel stove since it will help reduce carbon monoxide accumulation within your home. DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves come with an inbuilt venting system that is able to automatically deliver an adequate amount of air to the combustion process, meaning that your home will always be fully ventilated and safe for use.

DEFRA approved stoves also come with a minimum size of 550mm2, which means they can be used conjunction with a standard dualwall system. Our extensive selection of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, which means you can utilize them to upgrade your existing fireplace and ensure it meets the latest emission standards.

Look for the DEFRA symbol on the stove's packaging, or online. This information is also available on numerous reputable retailers' websites and in store displays.

If you're planning to install a multi-fuel stove, it's essential to have the work done by a certified professional to ensure that you are in compliance with the building codes. If you don't adhere to the proper installation guidelines and procedures, you could face an expensive fine or damage to your home. We recommend using an HETAS approved installer to carry out the stove installation, since they are well-versed in the guidelines of the manufacturer and building regulations.