Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves
In a UK Smoke Control Area, you can burn wood and certain smokeless substances in a multi-fuel DEFRA approved appliance. They are often equipped with a continuous supply of secondary combustion air to stop the fuel from smouldering or releasing smoke that is a nuisance.
A Defra Stove (sometimes known as a
DEFRA list stoves 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 produced from open stoves and fires in the UK can contribute to air pollution, especially in urban areas. Smoke Control Areas have been established where only certain kinds of fuels and home fire appliances are permitted. These are strictly regulated under the Clean Air Act to reduce pollution to the environment. If you live in a Smoke Control Area it is essential to only use wood-burning stoves or log burners that are approved by Defra. This ensures you are burning legal fuel and are not creating nuisance smoke that disturbs your neighbors.
Stovax stoves are DEFRA approved and many of them have secondary and tertiary systems to aid in the efficient burning of logs. This helps reduce emissions. This means you'll be able to create less smokier flames and
Defra approved multi-fuel stoves still enjoy a beautiful fire.
A Defra approved stove or to give them the full title a Smoke Exempt Appliance has been tested and passed the UK Government's DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) legislation regarding smoke levels in Smoke Control Areas. This means that the stove only produces a small amount of smoke in normal operation. This means you can burn certain types wood in your stove as long as it's "ready to burn firewood' and has the moisture level being less than 20%. You are not able to burn damp or wet firewood with a DEFRA-approved stove since it can cause nuisance fumes that violate the Clean Air Act.
There are many traditional and contemporary Defra stoves available. It is also important to take into account the type of fuel you will be using, a few Defra stoves are only approved for use with wood, they do not offer the option to use a multi-fuel burner.
If you want to be able to use other fuels that are authorised in your stove such as anthracite or smokeless coal you will need to purchase a separate smoke control kit which can be installed on appliances that aren't exempt from the Defra regulations. The Stovax store has a wide range of smoke control kit options that are compatible with non-Defra approved appliances.
Coal
Defra approved multi-fuel stoves are an eco-friendly choice, allowing you to enjoy the warmth of your stove and reduce your impact on the planet. They must comply with regulations set by the government, and manufacturers are required to follow the rules if they want to continue operating.
The most sustainable method to heat your home is with a DEFRA approved wood burning stove that is also able to burn legal fuels, such as coal. Coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel that began forming about 300 million years ago. At that time, swamps with massive ferns and other species were common on Earth. When these plants died they sank in the water and over time formed a substance known as peat. The peat was then buried underneath layers of rock, and other materials until it became solid coal.
When coal is burned it releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat and sulphur dioxide, which can cause air pollution. Sulphur dioxide is one the main contributors to acid rain. It can harm lakes, rivers, wildlife, and crops. Many countries including the United States, have banned coal use due to the risk of acid rain.
Although coal emits a lot pollutants, it's an essential element of heating. It is the most utilized fossil fuel and comes at a low price compared to other fossil fuels such as natural gas and oil. Coal is a fossil fuel that is highly energy efficient and produces a substantial amount of heat per kilogram.
A DEFRA exempted wood-burning, or DEFRA approved stove is a stove which can be used to burn approved fuels like briquettes and coke in smoke-controlled areas. These stoves can also be used with a broad variety of firelogs, which are basically compressed sawdust and other wood wastes and sometimes blended with paraffin-based fuel to make them easier to light.
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, you must only make use of a DEFRA approved stove to avoid hefty fines. At Choice Stoves, we supply an array of DEFRA approved wood burning stoves from leading manufacturers such as Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax and many more. We can assist you in selecting the ideal stove for your property and ensure that it is installed correctly by a qualified engineer to avoid any potential issues.
Wood
Wood stoves that are Defra-approved are perfect for homeowners who live in smoke control areas. They are less polluting by burning low-smoke, clean fuel. They also provide efficient heating, and are available in a variety of styles to match your interior design.
Most multi-fuel stoves that are DEFRA exempt include a secondary inlet just above the main vent. The inlet is heated prior to when the main air flow enters and prevents the ash from adhering to the glass of the stove and helping the burning logs draw in air. Some stoves have a third inlet which is heated by flue gasses as they exit. This will ensure a better flame and combustion.
You can also select an approved log burner from DEFRA, which is designed to burn seasoned dry hardwoods. This kind of wood is locally sourced and is carbon neutral. As trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, it is released to the atmosphere after it is burned.
Log burners approved by DEFRA can be used in smoke controlled areas provided you use approved fuels only. If you're not sure if your home is in a Smoke Control Area, you can contact your Local Authority for more information.
A Defra approved wood stove is a great option for those who like the appearance of a traditional log burner, but want to be able to utilize other fuels as well. It is important to know, however, that only DEFRA approved stoves can be fitted with a 5" liner when burning hardwood, and it is required to be installed by a licensed installer. A lot of Defra approved stoves can be put in fireplace chambers or inglenooks and still look stunning. These stoves are not capable of burning approved fuels, like smokeless oval anthracite. You will need to install an additional woodburning stove that is Defra approved for this purpose. This is a good option, as burning unauthorised fuels in a stove that isn't DEFRA approved could result in you being in violation of the regulations and you could be prosecuted.
Smokeless Fuels
Smokeless fuels can be used in a multifuel DEFRA approved fireplace to reduce emissions and soot. These fuels that are smokeless that are anthracite-based and are sold as briquettes are generally anthracite-based. They are designed to produce less pollution than house coal,
Defra approved multi-fuel stoves and provide an even and constant fire. They are a great choice for those working in areas that have smoke control however, they are suitable for anyone who likes using a traditional open-fire or multi-fuel stove.
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove has a secondary or tertiary burn system that enhances combustion and eliminates harmful particulates and gases. These systems can also help prolong the life of your stove by reducing the rate of wear and tear or clogs the flue. Most modern stoves are DEFRA certified, however older models can be modified with a kit to become fully compliant.
The Portway Luxima is an example of wood burners that have been made DEFRA compliant. The large cast iron door, which is warp-free, offers a superb view of the fuel bed.