Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves
In a UK Smoke Control Area, you can burn wood and certain smokeless materials using a multi-fuel DEFRA approved appliance. They usually come with a continuous supply secondary combustion air in order to prevent the fuel from burning out or releasing smoke that is a nuisance.
A Defra Stove (sometimes known as a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance) has been tested for levels of emissions and has met the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs requirements.
Smoke Control Areas
The smoke that is produced by 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 are allowed. They are strictly regulated by the Clean Air Act to reduce pollution to the environment. If you reside in the Smoke Control Area it is essential that you use only Defra approved wood burning stoves and log burners. This ensures that you are burning legal fuel and not generating smoke that disturbs your neighbors.
Stovax stoves are DEFRA approved and a lot of them come with secondary and tertiary systems to help burn logs efficiently. This helps reduce emissions. This allows you to have a gorgeous fire while creating less smoke.
A Defra approved stove or to confer the full title of 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 produces only the smallest amount of smoke when it is in normal operation. This means you can burn certain types wood in your stove as you're able to burn firewood' with the moisture level being less than 20%. You cannot burn wet, damp or spruced wood in a DEFRA approved stove since it can produce noxious smoke that violates the laws of the Clean Air Act.
When choosing a Defra approved stove you should think about the style of the stove and how it will fit into your living space, there are a variety of traditional Defra stoves available and also modern ones. You should also take into account the kind of fuel you will be using, a few Defra stoves are only approved for use with wood and do not allow for a multi-fuel burner.
If you'd like to be able to use other fuels that are authorised in your stove such as smokeless coal or anthracite, you'll need an additional smoke control kit that can be fitted to appliances that are not exempt from Defra. The Stovax shop has a selection of smoke control kits that work with all stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
Coal
Multi-fuel stoves that are Defra-approved are the eco-conscious option. They allow you to take advantage of the warmth of your stove while reducing your impact on the environment. These stoves must adhere to regulations set by the government and manufacturers are obliged to comply if they wish to continue operating.
The most sustainable method to heat your home is to use a DEFRA approved wood-burning stove that can also burn authorised fuels such as coal. Coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel that first began to form around 300 million years ago. During that time swamps with massive ferns and other species were common on Earth. When the plants died, they submerged in the water and over time created a substance called peat. This was then buried beneath layers of rock and other substances, until it became solid coal.
When coal is burned it releases lots of energy in the form of heat and sulphur dioxide that can cause air pollution. The sulphur dioxide is a major contributor to acid rain, which can harm rivers and lakes, causing harm to wildlife and damaging crops. Many countries, including the United States, have banned coal mining due to the risk of acid rain.
While coal produces many pollutants, it is still a significant part of the heating world. It is the most well-known fossil fuel and is cheaper than other fossil fuels like natural gas and oil. Coal is a fuel which is highly efficient in energy use and produces a significant amount of heat per kilogram.
A DEFRA exempt wood-burning stove, or a DEFRA approved stove as it's sometimes called, is one that can be used in smoke controlled areas to burn authorised fuels such as briquettes and coal. They can be used with a large variety of firelogs, which are basically compressed sawdust as well as other wood wastes, and are often combined with paraffin-based fuels to allow them to be lighter.
If you live in an area under Smoke Control, you can avoid hefty fines by using a DEFRA-approved stove. Fireplaces And Stove Stoves offers a range of DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves by major manufacturers such as Mi-fires. Contura, Stovax, and many more. We can help you choose the best stove for your home, and ensure that it is installed correctly by a certified engineer to avoid any problems.
Wood
Defra-approved wood stoves are ideal for those who live in smoke-free areas. They burn clean, low-smoke fuel which produces less pollution than coal and other fossil fuels. They are also affordable and come in a range of styles that match your interior design.
Oft, multi-fuel stoves which are DEFRA exempt have a second inlet that is above the main vent. This air inlet is pre-heated and used to prevent ash from sticking on the stove glass. It also aids the burning logs to draw air. Some stoves have a secondary inlet that is heated by flue gasses when they exit. This helps ensure a more efficient combustion and flame.
You can also opt for an approved log burner from DEFRA, which is designed to burnseasoned, dry hardwoods. This kind of wood is sourced locally, and is carbon neutral. Since trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, it is returned to the atmosphere after it is burned.
Log burners that are approved by DEFRA can be used in areas that are smoke-free provided that you use authorised 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 alternative for those who love the traditional look of a log burner, but wish to be able use other fuels as well. However, it's important to remember that only DEFRA-approved stoves are able to be fitted with a 5" chimney liner when burning wood, and must be fitted by a qualified installer. If you'd prefer modern style, there are many stoves that are Defra-approved and can be fitted into fireplace chambers or inglenooks and still look stunning. However, it's worth noting that these stoves do not offer the option to burn authorised fuels such as smokeless anthracite oval. This means that you'll have to purchase and install a separate Defra-approved woodburning stove to do this. This is a good idea as burning unauthorised fuels in a stove that isn't DEFRA approved could cause you to be in breach of the regulations and are at risk of being prosecuted.
Smokeless Fuels
The use of smokeless fuels in a multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove is a great way to reduce the amount of emissions and soot produced by your fireplace. The smokeless fuels are generally anthracite based and are supplied in the form of brquettes. They are designed to emit less carbon dioxide than coal used in homes and also provide an even and consistent fire. They are great for areas that need to control smoke but are also suitable for anyone who loves using an open fire or multifuel stove.
A DEFRA-approved wood stove has a secondary or third-burn system that enhances 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 can clog up the flue. Most newer stoves are DEFRA certified, however older stoves can be modified with the help of a kit to make them compliant.
The Portway Luxima is an example of a wood burner that has been constructed to be DEFRA compliant. The large cast iron door is warp-free and provides a stunning view of the fuel bed. The stove features a stylish door bevel design and contrasting chrome handle that is modern in style.
Choosing 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 the government's requirements. A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance can save you money, give you more flexibility, and help keep your family warm.
At Choice Stoves, we carry a selection of the best DEFRA approved stoves from the top brands like Mi-fire, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Westfire, Hamlet, and many more. We also offer professional installation and can recommend an experienced gas safe engineer. Contact us today for more details, or to request a quote for your home. We are privileged to serve customers across the UK. We are among the largest stockists of DEFRA approved stoves in the UK So you can be at ease knowing that you're receiving an excellent stove at a a competitive price. Our stoves have been thoroughly tested and meet all Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) standards.