What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
These stoves, also referred to as Defra Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Approved Stoves are designed to burn fuels that are smokeless and approved by Defra like Anthracite Ovals. However, they will not be suitable for use with wood.
To be deemed Defra exempt a stove must be able to pass laboratory tests for flue draught and air controls. These tests differ from the actual conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA-approved stove is a wood-burning or multifuel stove that has passed a rigorous examination designed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This test ensures the stove is able to burn approved smokeless fuels, like logs or briquettes in smoke Controlled Areas. This type of stove is not only more eco-friendly, but it is also more beneficial for your neighbors too as it will reduce the nuisance smoke.
These DEFRA stoves come with an exclusive combustion system that allows them to sleep longer or rest longer than other stoves. They will burn any smokeless fuels that are approved in a safe and efficient way while maintaining the amount of heat required for your home. They achieve this by restricting the oxygen supply to the firebox, which forces the fuel to burn at a low amount until it's completely exhausted.
Defra stoves will often be described as SE stoves or smoke-free stoves. They also will have an emblem or label with the DEFRA logo on it. They may also be marked as Ecodesign 2022 compliant which means they will meet the new Ecodesign emission limits when they come into force next year.
When you are looking to purchase a DEFRA stove, there are many different factors that you will need to consider. Included in this are the type of stove, the types of fuel that can be burned and the amount of heat it is capable of producing. You might also want to think about other options, like a remote control system that is easy to use or an air-wash system.
There are many styles of DEFRA woodburning stoves and multi-fuel stoves available. If you're seeking a stove that can be able to fit into a fireplace, or inglenook there are plenty of traditional options to choose from, whereas there are also more modern and contemporary models that would look great without the mantle or surround. You will also need to consider the fuel that you'd like to use since there are DEFRA exempt wood burners and a number of specifically Defra approved stoves that only allow the use of authorised smokeless fuels.
It is suitable for Smoke Controlled Areas
The majority of cities and towns in the UK are defined as Smoke Control Areas, so if you live in one then you'll need an DEFRA exempt wood burner or multi-fuel stove. These stoves are designed to adhere with the Clean Air Act regulations, and have been tested for smokeless combustion.
A DEFRA approved stove is designed using Clean Burn Technology, which is why they are smoke-free. This is accomplished by directing a continuous flow of oxygen into the combustion chamber until the fuel is used up. This means that the fire cannot be shut off as in a traditional stove and therefore it will continue to burn at a lower temperature until the fuel is consumed completely and the flue gases are exhausted.
This ensures that you can legally use the stove in a Smoke Control Area using 'authorized fuels', which are manufactured smokeless fuels and wood (anthracite, smokeless briquettes, and firelogs). This is different to non-Defra approved stoves which can only be used in a Smoke Control Area when they are fitted with a special Smoke Control Kit.
It is possible to fit the Smoke Control Kit on a wood burning stove that is not exempt from DEFRA however this is not recommended. You could put your family members at risk of exposure to toxic gases and toxins which could cause lung damage. The use of a non DEFRA exempt wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area may result in large fines.
Stovax offers a wide range of wood burning, multi-fuel and fireplaces which are all DEFRA exempt and can be used in smoke-controlled areas. Our dealers are more than happy to help with finding the ideal DEFRA approved stove for your home, just enter your postcode here to find your closest dealer.
It is crucial to remember that all new stoves must be installed by a HETAS registered installer to guarantee they are installed safely and meet the requirements of current building regulations. A stove that is DEFRA approved and is suitable for use in a Smoke Control Area helps to reduce your emissions which has helped in reducing the levels of sulphur dioxide in the air. From 2022, the EU-wide Ecodesign regulation will establish minimum efficiencies, NOX and OGV ceilings and emissions limits which look to be stricter than those currently required for Defra Exempt stoves.
Smokeless Fuels
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting an appliance that is smokeless fuels. To begin with, the stove needs to be DEFRA approved to be employed in a smoke-free area. The stove has been subjected to rigorous tests in order to reduce the emissions of particulate matter. Additionally, there are a number of stoves with specially designed smokeless fuels that burn more cleanly than traditional coal. This is beneficial for the environment as well as your neighbours!
Smokeless fuels are generally anthracite-based and come in the form of Briquettes. They are designed to be greener than traditional coal and can last 40% longer. Smokeless fuels also produce more heat and release less carbon dioxide than traditional coal.
They are more expensive than traditional coal, but they have a lot of advantages for you and your family. They are less difficult to ignite and do not produce more soot or Ash. This means that the stove's grates and glass screen won't need cleaning as often. They create a dancing flame and emit less smoke.
Always be aware that if your house is located in a smoke-control zone it is only allowed to make use of approved fuels or wood to heat your stove. You could be fined if burn fuels that are not approved. If you choose to use a wood burner that is not DEFRA approved, then you will produce smoke that can upset your neighbours.
It is therefore essential to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove that permits you to burn smokeless materials in your home. All stoves in this group have been thoroughly tested to ensure they comply with DEFRA regulations, and don't emit noxious smoke. This is achieved by making sure that the stoves use the most recent combustion technology to prevent part-burned combustibles being released into the air.
Warranty
DEFRA stoves can be wood burning or multi-fuel stoves that have been approved for use in Smoke Control Areas. 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they offer clean and efficient combustion, with low emissions and optimum performance. They are available in many different styles to match your home's aesthetic.
Defra Approved Stoves are identified in the industry as many different names like Defra Exempt Stoves, SE Stoves, Smoke Exempt stoves, Smoke Control Area Approved stoves as well as Cleanburn Stoves. All of these terms are referring to the same type of stove that has been proven to meet the strict requirements of UK laws that limit the use of smoke for a set period of time.
The stove should only be used with approved smokeless fuels like blue flame or anthracite. If you try to burn anything else will produce smoke that is noxious and can cause health problems for people with asthma or other breathing problems. The installer and the customer are responsible for ensuring that the appliance is appropriate for the property by using the Defra Calculator, making sure that all chimney parts are correct and that they adhere to the required distances from burning combustibles.
Stoves installed incorrectly may cause leakage, damage and could
