Why Defra Approved Multi Fuel Could Be More Risky Than You Think

What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A defra-approved multi-fuel stove is one that has passed the Defra test for smoke. They are also sometimes called SE (smoke exempt) stoves.

The Defra department of the government is responsible for the rules and regulations relating to agriculture, rural issues and the environment. The Defra test ensures you can burn wood or approved smokeless fuels, such as Anthracite ovals in a smoke-free area without causing any disturbance to your neighbors by emitting noisy smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves are made to produce minimal emissions, using fuel efficiently and utilising sustainable materials. Eco-friendly stoves are typically made to burn wood or in combination of other approved fuels. There are many 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) to provide a highly efficient and carbon neutral alternative to wood.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your stove is green is to make sure that the fuel is properly seasoned, or kiln-dried. This helps reduce the amount of moisture and lets the wood burn more efficiently, generating less smoke. It is recommended to buy only wood sourced from sustainable forests. When purchasing wood be sure to look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' label to confirm that it has been properly dried.

The majority of modern stoves meet strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require stove makers to develop wood burning stoves with energy efficiency and the environment in mind. Manufacturers must account for emissions as well as resource efficiency and waste reduction when they design Ecodesign stoves. These are some of the cleanest and eco-friendly stoves on the market today.

Replace the grates on your stove with a ceramic grates. This will make it more eco-friendly. It is not just aesthetically pleasing but also anti-smoking and reduces the amount of sulphur oxide that is in the air. Ceramic grates are easy to keep clean and have a longer lifespan than steel grate inserts.

In a Smoke Control Area you can still use a wood-burner or multi-fuel stove, however it is important to use only fuels that have been approved by Defra. You could be in violation of the law if you do not. It is recommended to only use approved fuels by Defra for example, anthracite-based round manufactured by Defra in your stove.

Clean Burning

Multi fuel stoves approved by Defra are only permitted to be used in areas with smoke control in the event that they burn only smokeless fuel. This can be a type of natural or manufactured smokeless log or anthracite, and it must comply with specific regulations to meet the criteria for an Defra approved wood burning stove. The stove manufacturers must also adhere to the regulations for selling a DEFRA-exempt wood burner. The Stove Yard has a huge choice of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves as well as wood burning stoves made by top brands like Arada, Parkray and Burley.

These stoves that are Defra exempt use the latest combustion technology to reduce emissions and tar accumulation within your chimney or flue system. The stoves employ secondary and tertiary systems that ignite particulates, tar gasses and other pollutants before they are released into the air. This is the reason Defra approved wood burning stoves are so much cleaner than open fires and older models of stoves.

The design of a Defra-approved stove is different. The majority of our stoves have an internal mechanism that allows for an intermittent flow of air to the flame even after the air vents have been closed. This prevents soot and ash from getting released up the chimney that can cause obstruction to your stove and cause dangerous chimney fires.

This is a crucial feature for anyone who lives in a smoke control area, the new Defra approved stoves don't permit you to shut off the vents completely, and then sleep on your stove for the night which could release part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere.

A DEFRA-approved cooktop will have a longer burn time compared to older non-Defra stoves. However should you decide to swap your authorised fuel with smokeless coal in order to rest the stove for a night, this would also shorten the burn as the constant air supply required for slumbering would curtail the burning of smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

If used correctly, a DEFRA exempt stove can create very low levels of emission. These emissions are usually PM2.5 particles, aura-invest.com which could cause a variety health issues, including heart conditions and lung disease, when inhaled.

The high efficiency of combustion offered by a DEFRA compliant stoves list-approved wood burner reduces the amount harmful particles and pollutants released by 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. Utilizing a DEFRA approved wood-burning stove instead of gas boilers that are conventional can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy costs.

If you live in a region where smoke is controlled, it's essential that your stove is DEFRA-approved (or Smoke Exempt) because this will enable you to burn Defra Approved fuels like manufactured smokeless ovals, such as Anthracite or Homefire as well dried wood and other fuels that are authorised. This allows you to relax in your fireplace and not worry about the nuisance smoke that could disturb your neighbours.

In addition to being approved by DEFRA and DEFRA Approved, a lot of stoves are tested to clearSkies level requirements and can be labelled with the mark clearSkies. The clearSkies mark is an independent scheme that requires stove makers to provide information on their appliances efficiency and emissions allowing consumers to make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating, emissions, and the type and size.

It is important to keep in mind that, just as with Ecodesign, the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards and manufacturers can go beyond these. ESSE has designed its latest stoves so that they are even more efficient and less polluting, generating less dust without compromising the performance or control. This latest innovation utilizes patented twin catalytic combustion technology that burns off any smoke particles it produces drastically reducing their impact on the atmosphere.

If you live in a smoke-free zone and use a DEFRA Approved Stove with a top-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, you will get as much heat, or perhaps more than that, from the same amount of dry wood than the same amount of wood burned in the non DEFRA Approved Stove. In fact, it could be as much as 24 percent less expensive to heat your home with an newest DEFRA Approved stove than the traditional gas boiler.

Compliant with Building Regulations

If you reside in an area under smoke control, it is important to select a multi-fuel stove that is approved by DEFRA. They have passed tests to ensure that they don't release any smoke when burning authorised fuel, so they can be used in areas that are well-populated with buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a variety of DEFRA approved log burners from the top brands like Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.

You can also safely burn wood, peat and other solid fuels using a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. It is important to be aware that certain types of fuels cannot be used in Smoke Control Areas.

Proper ventilation is essential for safe operation of a multi fuel stove, because it helps to minimize carbon monoxide build-up within your home. DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves have an integrated venting system that can automatically supply an adequate amount of air to the combustion process, so your home will be properly ventilated and safe for use.

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

When you are choosing the DEFRA approved stove, look for the 'DEFRA symbol on its packaging or in the information provided by the manufacturer online. This information is also available on many reliable retailers' websites as well as in the store displays.

It is important to work with a certified professional if you intend to install a multi-fuel fireplace. This will ensure that the installation is compliant with the building codes. If you don't follow the correct instructions for installation this could result in an expensive fine or damage to your home. We suggest using an HETAS certified installer to handle your stove installation, best as they will be familiar with the manufacturer's guidelines and building regulations.