What is a Stove Defra?
Stove DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves is an expression that is a reference to a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has been pre-approved for use in smoke controlled areas. This is a requirement in some UK cities and towns.
These stoves emit almost no smoke as they employ the smallest amount of air. They are also available in different styles and designs to fit your home’s style.
Clean Burning
In the past, homeowners and businesses could burn any fuel they wanted. This led to a lot more smoke polluting our atmosphere. This led to a lot of health issues in the affected areas. Today in the UK several towns and cities have been designated as Smoke Control Areas or Smokeless Zones and it is prohibited to operate a wood burning stove without the DEFRA approved or SE (Smoke Exempt) approved stove.
These DEFRA stoves are made and designed to comply with specific requirements for use in these kinds of zones. They usually have air vents that are not completely closed. This helps stop the stove from becoming starved of oxygen during the combustion process. This in turn reduces the amount of particulate matter released into the atmosphere. They also have advanced combustion systems, such as secondary and tertiary burn which aid in reducing emissions further.
Stoves that are Defra approved can also be used to burn other kinds of fuel like anthracite, meaning that they offer you more options for heating your home. However when you live in a Smoke Control Area, it is highly recommended that you only burn dry, “ready to burn” wood logs in your stove. Not only will this minimise the amount of air pollution produced and emitted, but it will also help to keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer.
At The Stove Yard we have an extensive selection of both traditional and contemporary Defra approved wood burners or multi fuel stoves beginning at just PS420. Whether you’re looking for a 5kW Defra approved stove or a larger 8kW model, we’ve got something that will suit your needs.
Recent headlines have been scaremongering about the effect of stoves on the quality of air. Some of these reports have incorrectly mixed the emissions from modern stoves with older stoves, open fires and other kinds of equipment and fuels used in the home. The reality is that modern stoves, including those that are Defra approved or Ecodesign have lower emissions levels than any other heating or stove and play a vital part in keeping our indoor air healthy.
Low Emissions
There are many common misconceptions regarding the use of wood burning stoves and their relationship to air pollution. Wood burning stoves aren’t responsible for a high percentage of UK small particulate matter. This is a common myth. In reality the domestic combustion of wood and solid fuels account for less than one-third of the PM.2.5 in Britain. This is the result of research conducted by the government, which used faulty data to estimate the contribution of wood stoves while more recent research by the SIA and other organisations shows that this figure is closer to 13 percent.
This is why it is crucial to install a DEFRA approved stove or a smoke exempt log burner if you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, these appliances have been tested and approved to meet strict emission standards that were specifically designed to minimize air pollution levels. The Defra exempted stove logo is widely used in the industry. If you see it on a stove, or in its specifications or names you can be certain that it has very low emissions and is suitable for use in a smoke-free area.
A DEFRA-approved appliance will also comply with the EU Ecodesign Regulations that will come into effect in 2022. These new regulations will decrease the amount of smoke stoves emit when it is burning. Many Defra exempt stoves are being designed to meet these new standards, and the SIA recommends that you consider installing an Ecodesign Ready stove rather than a Defra Exempt appliance as the particulate emissions limit is lower by 55% for Ecodesign Ready appliances.
In addition to decreasing emissions, DEFRA approved stoves are typically more efficient than traditional open fires and help you save the cost of heating. They are designed to burn coal, wood and other solid fuels efficiently to generate maximum heat while eliminating waste. If you choose a wood-burning stove, you can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the combustion.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
If you reside in a smoke-free zone it is essential to use a DEFRA approved stove or face penalties. These stoves are designed to burn smokeless fuel which means they produce minimal amounts of particulate matter as well as other harmful gases. They are more energy efficient than conventional stoves and help you reduce your heating bills. Defra’s stoves come in a wide range of styles so that you can choose the right one for your home.
A DEFRA approved stove is commonly called an SE (smoke exempt) stove, fireplacesandstove and it allows you to burn fuels that are normally prohibited in smoke control areas. These include logs, briquettes, smokeless coal and other readily available smokeless fuels. It is important to keep in mind that DEFRA approved stoves do not allow you to avoid other regulations imposed by your local authority, therefore it’s still essential to follow the regulations of your local region.
Defra-approved stoves are subjected to rigorous tests to ensure they are safe and safe to use. They usually have secondary and tertiary systems that increase efficiency and reduce emissions. They also have a huge firebox, which permits the burning of larger amounts of fuel in one go. These features make them a great choice for homes located in smoke controlled areas.
It is also essential to ensure that your stove is in good working order to ensure that it’s efficient and safe. This means cleaning it frequently and ensuring that the chimney is free of obstructions. Performing routine maintenance on your stove will help to lower the chance of fire hazards and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you are using only approved fuels and have an 8-inch liner, the Defra Multifuel stove can be used to reduce smoke in areas. Bowland Stoves has a wide selection of Defra multifuel stoves that come in a range of styles to suit your home. Our stove experts are on hand to answer any questions you might have.
Affordable
Defra approved wood burning stoves give homeowners a clean, low-emissions fire and a cost-effective method of heating their homes. These appliances can be found at a variety of prices, ranging from basic log burners to the most expensive wood burning stoves. They offer many advantages, such as being eco sustainable and compatible with smoke control areas.
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves are suitable for use in smoke controlled areas of the UK and offer a practical and economical alternative to traditional open fires or gas stoves. They are built to burn a variety of fuels which include solid fuels, peat, and logs. Some are compatible with wood pellets or smokeless briquettes. These are great options for environmentally conscious homeowners.
As well as offering an elegant and cost-effective method to heat your home These stoves are also highly efficient, offering the best possible levels of combustion. They also have features such as secondary and tertiary systems that help minimise emissions and guarantee optimal performance.
A DEFRA stove can be used with a 5″ chimney liner when burning dry wood (with the stove also having a 5″ flue size); whereas if you purchase an appliance that isn’t DEFRA exempt, you will need to upgrade the chimney liner to a minimum of 6″ which can be costly.
When shopping for a new stove, there are several aspects to take into consideration, including the physical size of the space it will be installed in, the amount of heat required and the power output it can provide for the space. It is also important to be aware of the design of the stove and how it will suit your interior design. If you’re installing your stove into an existing fireplace chamber or inglenook, there are plenty of aesthetically-pleasing traditional and contemporary DEFRA stoves to choose from. Additionally contemporary Defra models will look great even without a traditional mantel or fireplace surround.