Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves
A multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove permits you to legally burn wood and other smokeless fuels in a UK Smoke Control Area. They typically have a continuous supply of secondary combustion air to prevent the fuel from smoldering and releasing smoke that is a nuisance.
A Defra Stove (sometimes called a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance) has been tested for emission levels and has passed the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Criteria.
Smoke Control Areas
The smoke from open stoves and fires in the UK can contribute to air pollution, particularly in urban areas. This has led to the creation of Smoke Control Areas where only certain types of fuels and home fire appliances are allowed to be employed. They are strictly regulated by the Clean Air Act to reduce environmental pollution. If you live in an area that has a Smoke Control Area then it is important to only use Defra approved wood-burning stoves and log burners. This will ensure that you are burning legal fuel and are not causing nuisance smoke that upsets your neighbours.
Many of the Stovax multi fuel and wood burning DEFRA approved stoves have secondary and tertiary combustion systems that allow you to effectively burn your logs and, in turn, helps reduce emissions. This means you can create less smoke and enjoy a gorgeous fire.
My Home Page approved appliance, or to use its full title a "Smoke Exempt Appliance" It has been tested and passed the UK Government DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), legislation regarding the levels of smoke in Smoke Control Areas. This means that the stove produces only the smallest amount of smoke when it is in normal operation. This means you can use certain types wood in your stove as long as it's'ready to burn firewood' with a moisture level below 20 percent. You are not able to burn damp or wet firewood with a DEFRA-approved stove because it could emit noxious fumes that are contrary to the Clean Air Act.
There are a variety of modern and traditional Defra stoves that are available. Also, you should be aware of the type of fuel that you will be burning. Certain Defra approved stoves are only compatible with wood and do not have the option of a multi-fuel burner.
If you wish to be able to burn other approved fuels in your stove, like anthracite or smokeless coal you'll need an additional smoke control kit which can be fitted to non-Defra exempt appliances. The Stovax store offers a variety of smoke control kits that work with non-Defra approved appliances.
Coal
Multi-fuel stoves that have been certified by the Defra are the most eco-friendly option. They let you relax in the warmth of your stove while reducing your environmental impact. These stoves adhere to government regulations and manufacturers must comply if they want to stay in business.
The most sustainable method to heat your home is to use a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove. These stoves also burn other fuels, such as coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that was first discovered about 300 million years ago. In this time, huge swamps containing plants and ferns were prevalent on Earth. When the plants died, they submerged in the water and over time formed a substance known as peat. It was then buried under layers of rock and other substances, until it became solid coal.
When coal is burned, it releases a large amount of energy as heat and sulphur oxide which can contribute to pollution of the air. Sulphur dioxide is the main cause of acid rain, which may damage lakes and rivers, harming wildlife, and even causing damage to crops. Because of the dangers of acid rain, many countries, including the United States have banned the use coal.
While coal does emit lots of pollutants, it is still a significant part of the world of heating. It is the most sought-after fossil fuel, and it has a lower cost than other fossil fuels like natural gas and oil. Coal is a fossil fuel that is very efficient in energy use and produces a large amount of heat per pound.
A DEFRA exempted wood-burning stove, or DEFRA approved, stove can be used to cook authorised fuels like briquettes or coke in smoke controlled areas. They are also compatible with a variety of firelogs. Firelogs are compressed sawdust or wood waste, or any other wood waste that is sometimes mixed with paraffin to help light.
If you live in an area that is subject to Smoke Control, you can avoid hefty fines by only using an approved DEFRA stove. Choice Stoves offers a range of DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves by leading manufacturers like Mi-fires. Contura, Stovax and many more. We can help you select the best stove for your home and ensure that it is installed by a licensed engineer to avoid any issues.
Wood
Defra approved wood stoves are a great choice for homeowners who live in an area that has a smoke control. They burn clean, low-smoke fuel which creates less pollution than coal and other fossil fuels. They are also economical and come in a variety of styles that can be adapted to your interior design.
Most multi-fuel stoves that are DEFRA exempt will have a secondary air inlet above the main air vent. The air inlet is pre-heated and used to prevent ash from sticking on the glass of the stove. It also assists the burning logs draw air. Some stoves may also have a tertiary air inlet that is heated by the flue gases as they exit, which ensures the best combustion and cleaner flames.
You can also select an approved log burner from DEFRA designed to burnseasoned dry hardwoods. This kind of timber is sourced locally and it is carbon neutral. Since trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, it is returned to the atmosphere when they are burned.
Log burners approved by DEFRA are permitted in areas that are smoke-free provided that you use authorized fuels only. If you're unsure whether your property is in a Smoke Control Area you can contact your Local Authority to find out more.
A Defra approved wood stove is an excellent option for those who like the appearance of a traditional log burner, but wish to be able use other fuels too. It is important to remember that only DEFRA-approved stoves are able to be used with a 5" chimney liner when burning wood and this must be fitted by a licensed installer. If you'd like a more contemporary design, there are plenty of stoves that are Defra-approved and can be installed in fireplace chambers and inglenooks and still look fantastic. They are not equipped to burn approved fuels, like smokeless oval anthracite. You'll need to install a separate woodburning stove that is Defra approved to use this feature. This is a good idea as burning fuels that are not approved in a non-DEFRA approved stove could cause you to be in breach of the regulations and you could be prosecuted.
Smokeless Fuels
The use of smokeless fuels in a multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove is an excellent way to reduce the amount of soot and emissions produced by your fire. Smokeless fuels are typically anthracite-based and come in the form of brquettes. They are designed to emit less carbon dioxide than coal used in homes, and provide a more steady fire. They are perfect for areas with smoke control, but are also suitable for anyone that enjoys using an open flame or multifuel stove.
A DEFRA approved wood-burning stove comes with secondary or tertiary burner system that improves combustion and eliminates harmful particulates and gases. These systems also help to extend the lifespan of your stove by reducing the rate at which it wears out or clogs the flue. Most modern stoves are DEFRA approved, but older models can be modified by an upgrade kit to be fully compliant.
The Portway Luxima, a wood burning stove that is DEFRA-compliant. The large, warp-free door in cast iron gives an amazing view of the fuel bed. The stove has a chic door bevel design and contrasting chrome handle that is modern in design.
It's crucial to choose the best stove for your house. That's why it's important to ensure that your new stove is in line with the government's standards. A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance can save you money, offer more flexibility, and keep your family warm.
At Choice Stoves, we carry a range of the top DEFRA approved stoves from the top brands such as Mi-fire, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Westfire, Hamlet, and more. We can also recommend a certified engineer who is gas safe. For more information or to request a quotation for your home, call us today. We are delighted to serve customers all over the UK. We are one the largest retailers in the UK of DEFRA approved products and you can be sure that you're receiving a top-quality stove for affordable prices. Our stoves have been thoroughly tested and meet all Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) standards.
