Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves
A multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove permits you to legally burn wood and certain non-smokeless fuels in a UK Smoke Control Area. They are usually equipped with a continuous supply of secondary combustion air to prevent the fuel from smoldering or releasing noxious smoke.
A Defra stove (sometimes known as a DEFRA smoke exempt appliance) has been tested and passed the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs guidelines for emission levels.
Smoke Control Areas
The smoke from open fires and stoves in the UK can contribute to air pollution, especially in urban areas. This has led to the establishment of Smoke Control Areas where only specific kinds of fuels and home fire appliances are allowed to be used. Clean Air Act regulations are strict in order to reduce pollution. If you live in a Smoke Control Area, it is important to only use wood-burning stoves or log burners that are approved by Defra. This will ensure that you are using legal fuels and aren't creating smoke that disturbs your neighbors.
A lot of Stovax multi-fuel and wood burning DEFRA approved stoves include secondary and tertiary combustion units that help to make your logs burn more efficiently and, in turn, aids in reducing emissions. This means that you can produce less smoke and enjoy a beautiful fire.
A Defra approved stove or to grant 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 produces only the smallest amount of smoke during normal operation. It also means that you can legally burn certain kinds of wood in your stove, as long as it's'ready to burn' firewood with a moisture content below 20 percent. You cannot burn damp or wet firewood in a stove that is approved by DEFRA because it could emit noxious fumes that are contrary to the Clean Air Act.
There are many traditional and modern Defra stoves that are available. It is also important to be aware of the kind of fuel you will be burning. Some Defra approved stoves are only compatible with wood, and do not offer the option of a multi-fuel burner.
If you'd like to be able to use other fuels that are authorised in your stove such as anthracite or smokeless coal you'll need to purchase an additional smoke control kit that can be installed on non-Defra exempt appliances. The Stovax shop has a variety of smoke control kits that work with the majority of stoves that are not Defra approved.
Coal
Defra approved multi-fuel stoves are the green choice, allowing you to relax in the warmth of your stove and reduce your impact on the planet. They must comply with the regulations of the government and manufacturers are obliged to adhere to the regulations if they want to continue operating.
The most sustainable way to heat your home is to use a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove. They can also burn other fuels, such as coal. Coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel that first began to form around 300 million years ago. At that time, swamps with giant plants and ferns were common on Earth. When these plants died, they sank in the water and over time produced a substance known as peat. It was then buried under layers of rock and other elements until it was pressed into solid coal.
When coal is burned, it releases lots of energy in the form of heat and sulphur dioxide which can contribute to air pollution. Sulphur dioxide is one of the main contributors to acid rain. It can damage rivers, lakes and wildlife as well as crops. Because of the risk of acid rain several countries including the United States have banned the use coal.
While coal produces a lot of pollutants, it's a very important part of heating. It is the most used fossil fuel, and has the lowest cost in comparison to other fossil fuels, such as natural gas and oil. Moreover coal is a very energy efficient fuel that produces plenty of heat per pound.
A DEFRA exempted wood-burning stove, or DEFRA approved, stove can be used to burn authorised fuels like briquettes and coke in areas that are smoke-free. They can be used with a large variety of firelogs, which are essentially compressed sawdust and other wood waste and sometimes mixed with paraffin-based fuel to make them easier to light.
If you live in a Smoke Control Area, you must only make use of an DEFRA approved stove to prevent huge fines. Choice Stoves offers a range of DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves from leading manufacturers like Mi-fires. Contura, Stovax and many more. We can help you choose the right stove for your home and make sure it is installed by a qualified engineer to avoid any problems.
Wood
Wood stoves that are Defra-approved are perfect for homeowners living in areas with smoke control. They emit less pollution by burning low-smoke, clean fuel. They are also affordable and come in a range of styles that match your interior design.
Most multi-fuel stoves that are DEFRA exempt will have an additional air inlet that is 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 helps the burning logs to draw air. Some stoves may also have a tertiary air inlet that is heated by the flue gases as they exit, ensuring an improved combustion and more efficient flames.
More Support can also choose to get an DEFRA approved log burner specifically designed to burn dry and well-seasoned hardwoods. This type of timber is locally sourced, and is carbon neutral. When trees are burnt, they release carbon dioxide that was absorbed by the trees as they grew.
Log burners that have been approved by DEFRA can be used in smoke-controlled areas provided that you only make use of fuels that have been approved by DEFRA. If you aren't 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 wish to be able use other fuels too. It is important to remember that only DEFRA-approved stoves can be fitted with a 5" chimney liner when burning wood, and it must be installed by a qualified installer. If you prefer an edgier design, there are a variety of stoves that are Defra-approved and can be installed into fireplace chambers or inglenooks and still look great. However, it's worth noting that these stoves don't offer the option to burn authorized fuels, such as smokeless anthracite oval. This means you will need to purchase and install a different, approved woodburning stove by DEFRA to accomplish this. This is a good idea, since burning unauthorised fuels in a stove that isn't DEFRA approved could put you in breach of the rules and risk prosecution.
Smokeless Fuels
The use of smokeless fuels in a multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove is a great 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 brquettes. They are designed to produce less pollutant than household coal and also provide a more consistent fire. They are a great choice for those in smoke control areas However, they are suitable for anyone who enjoys using a traditional open-fire or multi-fuel stove.
A DEFRA approved wood-burning stove comes with secondary or tertiary burner system that enhances combustion and eliminates harmful particles and gases. These systems can also prolong the life of your stove, by limiting the speed at which it wears down and clogs up the flue. The majority of newer stoves are DEFRA approved, but older models can be modified using the help of a kit to make them conforming.
The Portway Luxima, a wood burning stove that is DEFRA-compliant. The large, warp-free doors made of cast iron allows for an excellent view of the fuel bed. The stove is stylish with a door bevel design as well as a striking chrome handle that is modern in design.
The choice of the right stove for your home is a crucial decision, and that's why you need to ensure that your new stove is in compliance with all of the government's requirements. A DEFRA approved stove can help you save money, give you more flexibility, and keep you and your family warm and cozy.
We have a range of DEFRA approved stoves made by top brands like Mi-fire and Contura. Other top brands include ACR, Broseley Westfire Hamlet and ACR. We also provide expert installation and can recommend an engineer who is certified to work with gas. For more information or to request a quotation for your home, please contact us now. We proudly serve customers across the UK. We are one of the largest stockists of DEFRA approved stoves in the UK So you can be at ease knowing that you're receiving the highest quality stove at a a competitive price. Our stoves are DEFRA approved and have passed all tests.