Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves
In a UK Smoke Control Area, you can burn wood and other smokeless materials using a multi-fuel DEFRA approved appliance. They often have a continuous supply of secondary combustion air to keep the fuel from smouldering and releasing noxious smoke.
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
Smoke from open fires and stoves can contribute to air pollution in the UK, especially in urban areas. This has led to the establishment of Smoke Control Areas where only certain types of fuels and home fire appliances are allowed to be employed. Clean Air Act regulations are strict in order to reduce pollution. If you live in an area that has a Smoke Control Area then it is crucial to use only Defra approved wood-burning stoves and log burners. This will ensure that you are using legal fuels and aren't creating smoke that disturbs your neighbors.
Stovax stoves are DEFRA approved and many of them have secondary and tertiary systems to aid in the burning of logs efficiently. This can reduce emissions. This means you can create less smoke and enjoy a gorgeous fire.
A Defra approved stove or to give them the full title of Smoke Exempt Appliance has been tested and cleared the UK Government's DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) law regarding the amount of smoke in Smoke Control Areas. This means that the stove will only produce very little 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 a moisture level below 20 percent. It is not possible to burn wet, damp or spruced wood in an DEFRA approved stove because it will produce nuisance smoke that violates the laws of the Clean Air Act.
When selecting a Defra approved stove, you must take into consideration the design of the stove and how it will fit in your living space, there are lots of traditionally styled Defra stoves to pick from as well as modern options. It is also important to be aware of the type of fuel that you will be burning. Certain Defra approved stoves can only be used with wood, and do not have the option of a multi-fuel burner.
If you wish to burn anthracite or smokeless coal or other fuels approved by Defra in your stove you will require a smoke-control kit. This can be fitted on appliances that are not exempt from Defra. The Stovax store offers a variety of smoke control kit options that are compatible with non-
DEFRA stoves disadvantages certified appliances.
Coal
Multi-fuel stoves that are Defra-approved are the eco-conscious option. They allow you to enjoy your stove's warmth while minimizing your environmental impact. These stoves comply with the regulations of the government and manufacturers must adhere to the rules if they wish to remain in business.
The most sustainable way to heat your home is by using an DEFRA approved wood-burning stove that is also able to burn approved fuels like coal. Coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel that first began to form about 300 million years ago. During that time swamps with huge ferns and other plants were commonplace on Earth. When these plants died, they fell into the water and eventually produced a substance known as peat. The peat was then buried underneath layers of rock and other substances until it was transformed into solid coal.
When coal is burned, it releases a lot of energy in the form of heat and sulphur dioxide, which can cause air pollution. Sulphur dioxide is a major
Best DEFRA Stoves contributor to acid rain, which can harm lakes and rivers, harming wildlife, and even causing damage to crops. Many countries including the United States, have banned coal use due to the risk of acid rain.
Although coal is a major source of pollutants, it is still an essential element of heating. It is the most used fossil fuel and comes at an affordable price when in comparison to other fossil fuels like natural gas and oil. Coal is a fossil fuel that is highly efficient in energy use and produces a substantial amount of heat per pound.
A DEFRA exempted wood-burning, or DEFRA approved, stove is a stove which can be used to cook authorised fuels like briquettes or coke in smoke-controlled areas. These stoves can also be used with a variety of firelogs. Firelogs are compressed sawdust wood waste, wood waste or any other wood wastes that are sometimes mixed with paraffin to help light.
If you live in an area that is subject to Smoke Control and you want to avoid paying hefty fines by only using an approved DEFRA-approved stove. At Choice Stoves, we supply an extensive range of DEFRA approved wood burning stoves from leading manufacturers such as Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax and more. We can assist you in selecting the
best DEFRA Stoves stove for your home, and ensure that it is installed by a certified engineer to avoid any problems.
Wood
Defra approved wood stoves are the ideal option for homeowners living in a smoke-free zone. They are less polluting when they burn low-smoke, clean fuel. They are also economical and come in a variety of styles that can be adapted to your interior design.
Oft, multi-fuel stoves which are DEFRA exempt include a secondary inlet just above the main vent. This air inlet is pre-heated to keep ash from getting stuck on the stove glass. It also assists the burning logs draw air. Some stoves also have a tertiary inlet, which is heated by the flue gases when they exit, ensuring the best combustion and more efficient flames.
You can also opt for a DEFRA-approved log burning device, which is specifically designed to burn seasoned dry hardwoods. This type of wood is locally sourced and is carbon neutral. As trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, it is released back into the atmosphere when it is burned.
Log burners approved by DEFRA are permitted in smoke controlled areas provided that you use authorized 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 wood stove that is Defra-approved is a great option for those who like the look of traditional log burners however, they would like to be able to use other fuels in addition. However, it is crucial to know that only DEFRA-approved stoves may be used with a 5" chimney liner for wood burning, and this must be fitted by a qualified installer. If you prefer an edgier style, there are many stoves that are DEFRA-approved that can be installed in fireplace chambers and inglenooks and still look stunning. These stoves aren't equipped to burn approved fuels, like smokeless oval anthracite. This means that you'll need to purchase and install a different, Defra-approved woodburning stove for this purpose. This is a good option, as burning fuels that are not approved in a stove that isn't DEFRA approved could cause you to be in breach of the rules and are at risk of being prosecuted.
Smokeless Fuels
The use of smokeless fuels in a multi-fuel
DEFRA recognized stoves approved stove is an excellent way to reduce the amount of soot and emissions generated by your fire. The smokeless fuels are generally anthracite-based and are available in the form of briquettes. They are made to be cleaner than household coal and provide a more consistent flame. They are a great choice for those in areas of smoke control, but they are also ideal for those who love using a traditional open-fire or multi-fuel stove.
A wood-burning stove that is DEFRA-approved has a secondary or third-burn system that boosts combustion and removes harmful gases and particles. These systems can also help prolong the life of your stove by reducing how quickly it wears out and clogs up the flue.
