10 Unexpected Defra Approved Multi Fuel Tips
What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?
A defra certified multi fuel stove is one that has been successfully passed the Defra smoke tests. They are also sometimes called SE (smoke exempt) stoves.
The government's Defra department handles rules and regulations pertaining to the rural, agricultural and environmental issues. The Defra test demonstrates that you are able to burn wood or approved smokeless fuels such as Anthracite in an area that is smoke-free without upsetting your neighbours with annoying smoke.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly stoves make use of sustainable materials and fuels to reduce emissions. Eco-friendly stoves are usually designed to burn wood, or in combination of other approved fuels. A wide range of eco-friendly log burners and multi fuel stoves are available that range from modern to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves make use of the dung of pigs as a reliable and carbon-negative substitute for wood.
The most important thing you can do to ensure your stove is eco-friendly is ensure that the fuel is properly seasoned, or dried in a kiln. This reduces the moisture content of the wood and allows it to burn more efficiently. It's also a great idea to only purchase wood that is sourced from sustainable forests. When buying wood be sure to look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' label to ensure that it has been dried properly.
Most modern stoves are designed to meet the strict EU EcoDesign standards. These standards require stove manufacturers to design wood burning stoves that are energy efficient and with the environment in mind. Ecodesign stoves must consider the environment, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. They are among the most eco-friendly and clean stoves available.
Replace the grate on your stove with ceramic grate. This makes it more sustainable. This material is not only attractive and attractive, but it also comes with the added benefit of not being a smoker and reducing the amount of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. Ceramic Grease liners also have a longer time and are more easy to clean than steel grate inserts.
In a Smoke Control Area you can still enjoy a wood burner or multi-fuel stove, however it is crucial to only use approved fuels by Defra. You could be in breach of the law if you do not. It is recommended to only make use of fuels that have been approved by Defra for example, anthracite manufactured round in your stove.
Clean Burning
A Defra approved multi fuel stove can be used in smoke-controlled areas if it burns authorised smokeless fuels only. It can be a smokeless log, anthracite or naturally occurring or manufactured product. The stove manufacturers must comply with the rules for selling an exempt from DEFRA wood burner. The Stove Yard has a huge range of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves as well as wood burning stoves made by top brands such as Arada, Parkray and Burley.
These types of Defra exempt stoves feature the most advanced combustion technology, designed to reduce emissions and the build-up of tar in your chimney and flue system. They use the latest secondary and tertiary airflow systems that ignite tar gas and particulates before they escape into the atmosphere. This is the reason why a DEFRA approved low emission stoves approved stove so much more eco-friendly than the older generation stoves that burn wood and open fires.
The design of a stove that is Defra-approved is also different. The majority of our range has a hidden mechanism that allows a small, continuous flow of air into the fire even if the air vents have been shut. This prevents ash and soot being pushed up the fireplace, which could cause dangerous chimney fires.
This is a crucial feature for anyone living in a smoke control area, the new DEFRA stoves installation approved stoves don't permit you to shut off the air vents completely and allow you to sleep your stove all night that could release combustibles that have been partially burned into the air.
A DEFRA-approved stove will also have a longer burn duration compared to stoves that aren't DEFRA-approved. However, if you were to swap your authorised fuel with smokeless coal to rest the stove for a night and reduce the time of the burn as the continuous supply of air required for slumbering would curtail the burning of smokeless fuel.
Reduced Emissions
If used correctly, a DEFRA exempt stove can create very low levels of emission. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles, which can cause a range of health issues such as heart diseases and lung diseases when inhaled.
The high efficiency of combustion of a DEFRA approved wood burner reduces the amount of harmful particles and pollutants released during the burning process. This helps reduce the impact of the process of burning on the environment.
In addition to reducing harmful emissions, the efficiency of a stove can reduce the cost of heating your home. Making use of a DEFRA approved wood burning stove instead of gas boilers that are conventional will reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills.
If you live in a smoke controlled zone, it's essential to make sure that your stove is DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt because this permits you to burn approved Defra fuels like manufactured smokeless coal ovals like Anthracite and Homefire and dried wood and other approved solid fuels. This lets you relax in your fireplace and not worry about nuisance smoke disturbing your neighbours.
In addition to being DEFRA lawful stoves Approved, many stoves are also tested to meet the requirements of clearSkies and are able to be identified with the mark clearSkies. The clearSkies mark is an independent scheme that requires stove manufacturers to display information about their appliances' efficiency and emissions, making it easier for consumers to make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating, emissions, and type and size.
However, it's important to keep in mind that, like Ecodesign the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards and manufacturers are able to exceed them. ESSE, for example, has engineered its new stoves to be more efficient and less polluting and produce less particulates, without compromising on performance or control. This latest advancement utilizes patented twin catalytic combustion technology that burns off any smoke particles it produces drastically reducing their impact on the atmosphere.
If you live in a smoke-controlled zone and you use a defra stove Approved Stove with a high-quality, kiln-dried or seasoned log, you'll get as much heat, or perhaps more, from the same amount dry wood as the same amount of wood burned in a non DEFRA Approved Stove. In fact, it can be up to 24 percent less expensive to heat your home using a an newest DEFRA Approved stove than conventional gas boilers.
Compliant with Building Regulations
If you live in an area that is under smoke control, it's important to choose a 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved-fuel stove that has been approved by DEFRA. These stoves have been tested to ensure that they do not emit smoke when burning approved fuel. They can therefore be used them in areas that have large number of buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a range of DEFRA approved log burners from the top brands like Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.
A DEFRA approved multi fuel stove will allow you to burn peat, wood and other solid fuels in a safe manner. You should be aware that certain fuels are not permitted in Smoke Control Areas, so it's important to be aware of local guidelines and restrictions.
A proper ventilation system is crucial to the safety when operating multi fuel stoves, as this will help to minimize carbon monoxide build-up in your home. DEFRA approved stoves have a built-in ventilation system that provides enough air to the combustion process. This will ensure that your home is always ventilated, and safe to use.
Additionally, DEFRA approved stoves have the minimum size for flues of 550mm2, so they can be used with a standard twinwall system. Our vast selection of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, so you can use them to improve your fireplace to ensure it is compliant with the latest emission standards.
Look for the DEFRA symbol on the stove's packaging or on the internet. This information is also available on many reputable retailers' websites and in the store displays.
If you're thinking of installing a multi-fuel stove, it's essential that you have the task completed by a licensed professional to ensure that you are in compliance with the building regulations. Inadequately following installation guidelines could result in a fine and damage to your property. We recommend that you choose an HETAS-approved contractor to install your stove, because they are knowledgeable about the manufacturer's guidelines and building codes.