What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A multi-fuel stove that has been approved by DEFRA permitted stoves is one which has passed the Defra test for smoke. They are also sometimes referred to as SE (smoke exempt) stoves.

The Defra department of the government is responsible for rules and regulations relating to rural issues, agriculture and the environment. The DEFRA approved sustainable stoves test demonstrates that you are able to burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite in a smoke controlled area without causing annoyance to neighbors with nuisance smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves are made to emit a minimum amount of carbon dioxide, by making use of fuel efficiently, and using sustainable materials. They typically burn wood or a combination of authorised fuels and are designed with eco-friendly considerations in the back of their minds. There are a variety of eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves as well as log burners that are available, ranging from traditional to modern models. Some eco-friendly stoves use the dung of pigs as a reliable and carbon-negative alternative to wood.

The most important aspect to ensuring that your stove is eco-friendly is ensuring that the fuel used is properly seasoned or kiln dried. This reduces the moisture content and allows the wood to burn more efficiently, producing less smoke. It is also a good idea to purchase only wood that is sourced from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure ‘Ready to Burn’ logo when purchasing wood to ensure that it has been dried at an appropriate temperature.

The majority of newer stoves are built to meet the strict EU EcoDesign standards. These standards require stove makers to design wood burning stoves that have energy efficiency and environmental protection in mind. Manufacturers must consider emissions, resource efficiency, and waste reduction when they design Ecodesign stoves. This makes them some of the cleanest and greenest stoves available.

Another way to make your stove more green is to substitute the grates with ceramic. It is not just visually appealing, but also non-smoking, and helps reduce the amount of sulphur oxide that is in the air. Additionally, ceramic grate liners 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, however it is important to only use approved fuels by Defra. You could be breaking the law if you do not. You should only use fuels approved by Defra, such as anthracite-based round manufactured by Defra in your stove.

Clean Burning

Multi fuel stoves that are approved by DEFRA stoves price range are only permitted to be used in areas that are smoke-controlled in the event that they burn only smokeless fuel. It could be a form of naturally occurring or manufactured smokeless log or anthracite, and it must adhere to certain rules to be able to qualify as a Defra approved wood burning stove. The stove makers must adhere to the regulations for selling a DEFRA-exempt wood burner. Here at The Stove Yard we have a fantastic choice of Defra burning mdf approved wood burning stoves as well as multi fuel stoves from leading brands such as Arada, Parkray, Burley, Stovax and many more.

These types of Defra exempt stoves offer the most modern combustion technology that is designed to reduce emissions and tar build in your chimney and flue system. The stoves use secondary and tertiary systems to ignite particulates, tar gases and other pollutants before they are released into the air. This is why Defra approved wood burning stoves are so much healthier than open fires as well as older models of stoves.

The design of a stove that is Defra-approved is different. Most of our range has an in-built mechanism that allows a small, continuous flow of air to the flame, even when the air vents have been shut. This prevents soot and ash being carried up the chimney, which can hinder the stove’s performance and lead to dangerous chimney fires.

The new Defra-approved cooktops don’t permit you to completely shut the vents for air and sleep the stove over night and release part burned combustibles in the air.

A DEFRA-approved stove will also have a longer burning duration compared to stoves that are not DEFRA-approved. However should you decide to switch your approved fuel with smokeless coal to rest the stove for a night it would also reduce the burning time due to the continuous supply of air required for slumbering will reduce the burning of smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

If used correctly the DEFRA exempt stove can generate very low levels of emission. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles, which could cause a range of health issues, including heart conditions and lung disease, when inhaled.

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

The effectiveness of a stove can lower the cost of heating your house. By using a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove place of a gas boiler you can reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill.

If you live in a zone where smoke is controlled, it’s crucial that your stove is DEFRA approved (or Smoke Exempt) because it allows you to use Defra Approved Fuels such as manufactured smokeless ovals like Anthracite or Homefire and dried wood and other fuels that are authorised. This allows you to relax in your fireplace and not worry about a nuisance smoke affecting your neighbours.

In addition to being DEFRA Approved and DEFRA Approved, a lot of stoves are tested to clearSkies level requirements and can be marked with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies mark is an independent scheme that requires stove manufacturers to provide information on their appliances efficiency and emissions making it easier for consumers to make an informed decision. The information must include a stove’s efficiency rating as well as emissions, along with its type and size.

It is important to remember that, just like Ecodesign the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards. Manufacturers are able to go over and beyond these. ESSE has developed its most recent stoves to make them even more efficient and clean, producing less smoke without compromising the performance or control. This latest development uses Twin Catalytic Combustion Technology that burns all smoke particles, reducing their impact on the environment.

If you live in a smoke-controlled zone and you use a DEFRA Approved Stove with a top-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, you’ll get the same amount of heat, or even more, from the same amount dry wood as if it were burned in a non DEFRA Approved Stove. In fact, it could be up to 24 percent cheaper to heat your home using a the latest DEFRA Approved stove than with a traditional gas boiler.

Compliant with Building Regulations

If you live in an area that is under smoke control, it’s essential to choose 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. They can therefore be used them in areas with a significant amount of buildings. We supply and install DEFRA approved log stoves from top brands such as Mi-fires and Contura.

You can also safely burn peat, wood, and other solid fuels by using a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. Be aware that some fuels are prohibited for use in Smoke Control Areas, so it’s essential to be familiar with local guidelines and restrictions.

Proper ventilation is essential for safety when operating a multi fuel stove as this will help to minimize carbon monoxide build-up in your home. DEFRA stoves cost approved multi fuel stoves come with a built-in venting system that automatically delivers enough air to the combustion process, meaning that your home will be fully ventilated and safe to use.

Additionally, DEFRA approved stoves have a minimum flue size of 550mm2, so they can be used with a standard twinwall system. Our line of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA-approved stoves. You can make your fireplace meet the latest emission standards by using our wide range.

Look for the DEFRA symbol on the stove’s packaging or online. Numerous reputable stove retailers will also include this information on their websites as well as on their displays in the store to help you identify which stoves comply with the regulations.

It is essential to employ a certified professional 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 fail to adhere to the proper instructions for installation and procedures, you could face an expensive fine or damage to your home. We suggest that you select an HETAS-approved installer to set up your stove, as they are familiar with the guidelines of the manufacturer and the building codes.