Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves
A multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove allows you to legally burn wood and other smokeless fuels within a UK Smoke Control Area. They are often equipped with a continuous supply of secondary combustion air to stop the fuel from smoldering or producing nuisance smoke.
A Defra stove (sometimes known as a DEFRA smoke exempt appliance) has been tested and has passed the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs guidelines for emission levels.
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 created where only certain types of fuels and home fire appliances can be used. Clean Air Act regulations are strict to reduce pollution. If you live in a Smoke-Control Area It is crucial to use only wood burning stoves or log burners approved by Defra. This ensures you are burning legal fuel and not causing nuisance smoke that disturbs your neighbors.
Stovax stoves are DEFRA approved and a large number models have secondary and tertiary systems in order to aid in the burning of logs efficiently. This helps reduce emissions. This means you can create less smokier flames and still enjoy a beautiful fire.
A Defra approved stove or to confer the full title of Smoke Exempt Appliance has been tested and cleared the UK Government's DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) regulations regarding smoke levels in Smoke Control Areas. This means that the stove produces only a small amount of smoke during normal operation. It also means that you are legally able to burn certain kinds of wood in your stove, provided it is'ready to burn' firewood with moisture content less than 20 percent. You are not able to burn damp or wet firewood in a stove that is approved by DEFRA because it could emit noxious emissions that are in violation of the Clean Air Act.
There are a variety of traditional and modern Defra stoves to choose from. It is also important to be aware of the kind of fuel you will be burning. Certain Defra approved stoves can only be used with wood, and do not have the option for a multiple-fuel burner.
If you want to burn anthracite, smokeless coal, or other fuels approved by Defra in your stove you will require a smoke control kit. This is a possibility on appliances that are not exempt from Defra. The Stovax shop offers a range of smoke control kits that are compatible with the majority of stoves that are not Defra approved.
Coal
Defra approved multi-fuel stoves are the green choice that lets you enjoy the warmth of your stove and reduce your impact on the environment. These stoves must adhere to the regulations of the government and manufacturers are required to comply if they wish to continue operating.
The most sustainable way to heat your home is with an DEFRA approved wood-burning stove that can also burn authorised fuels such as coal. Coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel that was first discovered around 300 million years ago. At that time, huge swamps containing plants and ferns were commonplace on Earth. These plants sank into the water when they died and formed peat over time. This was then buried beneath layers of rock and other materials until it became solid coal.
When coal is burned, it releases lots of energy in the form of heat and sulphur dioxide that can contribute to air pollution. Sulphur dioxide is one the major contributors to acid rain. It can harm the ecosystem of rivers, lakes, wildlife, and crops. Many countries, including the United States, have banned coal mining due to the risk of acid rain.
While coal produces lots of pollutants, it is still an important part of the world of heating. It is the most sought-after fossil fuel and has a lower cost than other fossil fuels such as natural gas and oil. Furthermore, coal is an energy efficient fuel and produces lots of heat per kilogram.
A DEFRA exempted wood-burning, or DEFRA approved stove is a stove which can be used to burn approved fuels such as briquettes and coke in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves can also be used with a range of firelogs. Firelogs are compressed sawdust, wood waste or other wood waste that's often mixed with paraffin to enable it to be lit.
If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, you must only use a DEFRA approved stove to prevent huge fines. Choice Stoves offers a range of DEFRA-approved wood-burning stoves made by major manufacturers such as Mi-fires. Contura, Stovax and many more. We can help you choose the right stove for your home, and make sure that it is installed by a certified engineer to avoid any problems.
Wood
Wood stoves that are Defra-approved are perfect for homeowners living in smoke control areas. They produce less pollution when they burn low-smoke clean fuel. They also provide economical heat, and are available in a wide range of styles to match your interior design.
Often, multi-fuel stoves that are DEFRA exempt will have an additional air intake above the main air vent. It is pre-heated prior to when the main air flow is allowed to enter and assists in preventing the ash from sticking to stove glass as well as helping the burning logs draw in air. Some stoves have a tertiary inlet that is heated by flue gasses as they exit. This ensures a better combustion and flame.
You can also choose to use a DEFRA approved log burner that has been specifically designed to burn dry seasoned, seasoned hardwoods. This kind of timber is sourced locally, and it is carbon neutral. When trees are burned, they release carbon dioxide, which was absorbed by the trees as they grew.
Log burners that are approved by DEFRA can be used within smoke-controlled areas, provided you only use fuels that are approved. If you're not sure if your property is within 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 enjoy the appearance of a traditional log burner, but wish to be able to utilize other fuels as well. It is important to note that only DEFRA approved stoves can be fitted with a 5" liner when burning wood, and it is required to be installed by a qualified installer. Many Defra approved stoves can be placed in fireplace chambers or inglenooks and still look fantastic. These stoves aren't capable of burning approved fuels, for example smokeless oval anthracite. This means you will need to purchase and install a different, approved woodburning stove by DEFRA to accomplish this. This is a great option since burning unapproved fuels on an appliance that is not DEFRA-approved could cause you to be in violation of the rules.
Smokeless Fuels
Smokeless fuels can be used in a multifuel DEFRA approved fireplace to reduce emissions and soot. These smokeless fuels are usually anthracite-based and come in the form of Briquettes. They are designed to produce less pollutant than household coal, and provide an even and steady fire. They are perfect for areas that need to control smoke but also work for anyone who loves using an open fire or multifuel stove.
A wood-burning stove that is DEFRA-approved has an additional or third-burn system that improves combustion, and removes harmful gases and particles. These systems can also prolong the lifespan of your stove by limiting the speed at which it wears down and clogs up the flue. The majority of modern stoves have DEFRA approval, however older stoves may be modified to make them compliant by using the kit.
The Portway Luxima is an example of a wood burner that has been designed to be DEFRA compliant. The large, cast iron door is warp-free and provides a stunning view of the fuel bed. The stove is stylish with a bevelled door design as well as the handle is chrome and contrasts with the style.
It is crucial to select the best stove for your house. This is why it's crucial to ensure that the new stove is in line with the standards set by the government. A DEFRA approved stove will save you money, give you greater flexibility, and keep you and your family warm and cosy.
At Choice Stoves, we carry a range of the top DEFRA approved stoves from top brands like Mi-fire, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Westfire, Hamlet, and more. We can also recommend a qualified engineer who is gas safe. For more information or to request a quote for your home, contact us now. We proudly serve customers across the UK. We are one of the largest stockists of DEFRA approved stoves in the nation and 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.