What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
These stoves, also referred to as Defra Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Approved Stoves are designed to burn smokeless fuels approved by Defra such as Anthracite ovals. However, they won't be suitable to use with wood.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/286/nrg-4-5kw-eco-design-stove-multifuel-cast-iron-fireplace-portable-defra-approved-286.jpg)To be exempt from Defra, a stove's air control and flue draught must be tested in tests in a laboratory. These tests are slightly different from actual conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi-fuel stove that has passed a strict test designed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This test confirms that the stove can burn approved smokeless fuels like briquettes, logs, and briquettes in Smoke Controlled Areas. This kind of stove will not only be more eco-friendly but it will also benefit your neighbors as it reduces nuisance fumes.
These DEFRA stoves have a a specialised combustion system that allows them to sleep longer or rest longer than other stoves. They can burn smokeless fuels that have been approved in a safe and efficient manner while maintaining the required heat output for your home. This is achieved by restricting the oxygen supply to the firebox. The fuel will then burn at a lower temperature until it has been completely consumed.
DEFRA Stoves comparison stoves are commonly called smoke-free or SE stoves and will come with a label or badge with the DEFRA logo on it. You might even see them marked as Ecodesign 2022 compliant' to indicate that they will be able to meet the new Ecodesign emissions limits when they enter force next year.
There are a variety of factors to consider when buying a DEFRA. These include the style of stove, the type of fuels you can burn, and the amount of heat it is capable of producing. There are additional features you may want to think about, such as a simple remote control system or an air wash system.
There are many styles of DEFRA stoves that are woodburning or multi-fuel available. There are a variety of traditional models to choose from for those who want to incorporate a stove into an existing fireplace or inglenook. But, there are also modern and contemporary options that look great without a mantel or surround. It is also important to think about the fuel you're planning to use, as there are DEFRA exempt wood burners as well as many dedicated Defra approved stoves that allow the use of smokeless fuels that are approved by the government.
Smoke Controlled Areas
Most towns and cities in the UK are defined as Smoke Control Areas, so if you reside in one, you'll require a DEFRA exempt wood burner or multi-fuel stove. These stoves are made to conform to the Clean Air Act regulations, and have been tested for smokeless combustion.
A DEFRA approved stove has been designed with Clean Burn Technology, which is why they are smoke-free. This is achieved by injecting oxygen into the combustion chamber continuously until the fuel is consumed. This means that the fire cannot be shut off like a traditional stove, and it will continue to burn at a lower temperature until the fuel is completely consumed and the flue gasses are exhausted.
This allows the stove to be used legally in a Smoke-Control Area, with approved fuels. These include wood and manufactured smokeless fuels such as anthracite and smokeless briquettes and firelogs. This is in contrast to non-Defra stoves that are only permitted to be used in a Smoke Control Area if they are fitted with a specific smoke control kit.
While it is possible to install a non-DEFRA exempt wood stove equipped with the proper Smoke Control Kit, this is not recommended because you could put your family at risk of breathing in toxic gasses and toxins that could cause lung damage. The use of a non DEFRA approved British stoves exempt wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area may result in massive fines.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/268/nrg-defra-5kw-eco-design-stove-multifuel-cast-iron-fireplace-portable-indoor-space-heater-268.jpg)Stovax offers a variety of multi-fuel and wood burning stoves, fires and fireplaces that are all defra burning mdf exempt and are suitable for use in smoke controlled areas. Enter your postcode below to locate the closest dealer. Our dealers are more than glad to assist you in finding the ideal DEFRA-approved stove for your home.
It is crucial to keep in mind that all new stoves should be installed by HETAS-registered installers to ensure they are installed safely and in compliance with current building regulations. A DEFRA-approved stove that is able to be used in Smoke Control Zones helps reduce emissions, which has led to a reduction in amount of sulphur dioxide in the air. Ecodesign regulation across the EU will be implemented in 2022. It will establish minimum efficiencies and emission limits.
Smokeless Fuels
When choosing a stove with smokeless fuels, there are a lot of aspects to take into consideration. To begin with, the stove needs to be DEFRA approved to be used in a smoke-free area. The appliance has been put to rigorous tests to reduce the emissions of particulate matter. In addition, there are a number of stoves with specially-designed smokeless fuels which burn cleaner than traditional coal. This is beneficial for the environment as well as your neighbours!
Briquettes are generally made of anthracite and are smokeless fuels. They are made to be more eco-friendly than traditional coal, and they can last 40 percent longer. In addition smokeless fuels generate more heat than traditional coal, and they don't release the same amount of carbon dioxide.
They are more expensive, yet they have many benefits for you and your family. They are less difficult to light and do not produce as much ash or soot. The glass screen and the stove grates will need to be cleaned less frequently. They produce a dancing flame and emit less smoke.
You should always be aware that if your house is located in a smoke-control zone that you are only permitted to use wood or authorised fuels to heat your stove. You could be fined if burn unauthorised fuels. If you decide to use a wood stove that isn't DEFRA approved, then you will create smoke that can upset your neighbors.
It is therefore crucial to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove to allow you to use smokeless fuels in your home. All stoves included in this group have been rigorously tested to ensure they comply with DEFRA regulations and do not emit nuisance smoke. This is achieved by making sure that they are equipped with the most recent technology for combustion that prevents part-burned combustibles from 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. They have gone through rigorous testing to ensure that they are efficient and clean combustion, with low emissions and optimum performance. They are available in a variety of styles to fit your home's style.
Defra Approved Stoves are known in the market under a variety of different names including Defra Exempt Stoves, SE Stoves, Smoke Exempt stoves, Smoke Control Area Approved stoves and Cleanburn Stoves. All of these terms refer to the same type stove that has been proven to be in compliance with strict UK legislation which limits smoke for a specified period of time.
A Defra Approved stove can only be used to burn dry wood and approved smokeless fuels like anthracite oval or blue flame anthracite. If you attempt to burn any other than approved smokeless fuels, it will release smoke that could cause respiratory issues for people with asthma. The installer and customer are responsible for ensuring that the appliance is appropriate for the home using the Defra Calculator, making sure that all chimney parts are correct and adhering to the minimum distances from combustibles.
Stoves installed incorrectly could cause damage, leakage and invalidate the warranty. The installation must be completed by a certified HETAS engineer to ensure that the stove is safe for use and is correctly installed. Consumable items like glass door and glass rope seals, paint finishes internal lining plates, baffles and firebricks are not covered by the warranty. They are considered to be customer replaceable parts and can be purchased from us should you require them. Damage to the stove by high moisture or salty air environments is not covered by the warranty.
A DEFRA stove will not only provide warmth to your home but also give you peace of mind knowing that you're helping to help protect the environment. By choosing a DEFRA approved wood burning or multi fuel stove you can be sure that you will be enjoying your stove for many years to come.