Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves That Are DEFRA Approved
Multi fuel and wood burning stoves that are DEFRA approved, also referred to as Defra Smoke Exempt, have been tested for emissions in stringent ways. This means that they are able to be used in UK cities and large townships that are classified as smoke control zones.
ACR has designed a stunning, modern-styled stove that is EcoDesign-2022 compatible. It also comes with DEFRA approval, which permits it to be used in areas that have smoke control.
Defra Approved
If you reside in an UK Smoke Control Area and would like to use wood on your stove, you will need an DEFRA approved appliance or exemption from Defra. DEFRA is the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and it is the government that prohibits the release of smoke into cities and towns in areas that could pose problems for residents. These devices have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that particulate emissions levels are significantly reduced and that they can pass the strict Defra test.
The Defra logo or DEFRA exemption logo is widely known and widely used by industry. You'll usually see it engraved or printed on the stove, but sometimes the wording is included in the specification sheet. There are also several models that are both DEFRA approved and DEFRA exempt, which means that they can be used for wood and solid fuels.
A wood-burning stove that has been approved by Defra has undergone extensive tests to determine how much particulate matter it creates. It is able to comply with the Clean Air Act by supplying an appropriate amount of combustion air to the fuel, so that it can burn efficiently without generating excessive smoke. These stoves are typically more eco-friendly than stoves that are not Defra-approved and can help you reduce your heating bills too.
Defra approved wood burning stoves are particularly beneficial for those who live in a Smoke Control Area. You might be penalized a lot when you choose to use an non Defra approved wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area. A Defra-approved stove is also more friendly to neighbors, since it doesn't emit any noxious fumes. It also keeps your chimney and flue cleaner for longer.
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove will be legally fit a 5kW stove with a stainless steel twin wall liner that is flexible (provided the manufacturer doesn't demand a larger diameter). This is worth considering if you want to save money on the cost of a new chimney. It is a great option when space is at a premium.
Exempt from Defra
A DEFRA approved stove is an essential piece of equipment if you reside in a zone that is smoke-free. The stoves have been thoroughly tested to ensure they emit minimal emissions that reduce the amount of particulate matter within your home (PM10).
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves bear a 'Defra Approved' or the DEFRA Exempt logo on their specification. Stoves that have the logo have been independently tested and have met strict standards for smoke control.
You should not burn dry wood using a Defra Exempt Stove in a Smoke Control Zone, as this will create unintentional smoke. You should not use non-Defra certified multi fuel stoves unless located in a Smoke Control Area. The stoves will also produce PM10 and could cause a significant fine from the council.
Multi fuel stoves approved by Defra are designed to burn smokeless coal and wood without producing any unpleasant smoke. This is accomplished by using the most advanced combustion technology that does not restrict airflow to the fireplace, also known as slumbering. Stoves that are left to rest for a long time can create a lot of black smoke, which is bad for the chimney and stove.
A great example of a top-quality Defra Exempt multi fuel stove is the Stovax Vogue small. The popular wood burning stove is extremely efficient, with a maximum heat output of 5kW and features a built in log store base which makes it ideal for fitting into fireplaces with larger openings.
Another approved Defra-approved multi wood burner is the ACR Earlswood LS. The Earlswood is a different multi-fuel stove which has undergone an extensive series of tests to ensure it meets the stringent requirements set by DEFRA for particulate emissions. It is therefore suitable for use in smoke controlled areas and can be used to burn a variety of wood and approved smokeless fuels.
The choice of a DEFRA Exempt multi fuel stove could be a cost-effective solution for the need for a new chimney liner. Because they all have a 5" flue outlet this means that you can fit an 125mm diameter stainless steel twin wall flexible chimney liner rather than the standard 6" (150mm). This can be particularly economical in situations where there is a limited space for a larger sized liner, and is particularly useful if the existing chimney stack has unwieldy bends, making it difficult to install a traditional 6" chimney liner.
Smoke Control Areas
Many regions in the UK have been designated as Smoke Control Areas. This means that if your property is equipped with an open fire, wood burning stove or fireplace, you are able to only burn fuels approved by the UK government. This legislation was enacted to prevent nuisance smoke from affecting neighboring properties, as well as to keep the environment free of pollutants. However, it does not prohibit the use of solid fuel appliances and stoves when they meet certain requirements. DEFRA approved stoves, also referred to as Defra exempt stoves are an excellent option when you reside in a smoke control area since they've been specially tested to meet these standards.
A Defra approved multi fuel stove is typically capable of burning all authorized fuels including wood, without producing excessive amounts of smoke. The combustion technology of a stove that is approved by Defra is designed to limit the amount of air that the stove is devoid of during the combustion process. Usually, this is accomplished by using specially designed baffles in the stove which redirect airflow and stop it from leaving the stove.
The most effective DEFRA approved stoves also feature a 'clean burn' feature which allows the combustion of part-burnt combustibles such as soot and ash and allows them to be ejected out of the chimney, rather than into the room. This prevents combustibles with part-burns from re-entering the stove and causing a buildup that eventually causes black smoke.
If you have an appliance that is exempt from Defra and you are allowed to burn the types of fuels listed in the Clean Air Act. This is especially true if you're burning damp wood or any other wet fuel that will produce nuisance smoke. Check with your stove's manual or with your supplier to determine which fuels you can burn in your stove.
Gr8Fires offer a range of DEFRA exempt stoves that can be used in smoke controlled areas. For example, the Dimplex Langbrook is a stylish wood-burning stove that is Defra exempt and can be used with any of the authorised fuels. This model is available in several different heat outputs and comes in a range of colors, including a contemporary matte black finish.
Heat Output
If you see the Defra approved logo on a stove, it indicates that it is safe for use in a smoke control zone when burning wood and other fuels that are permitted. The Defra certification process is strict testing and examination to ensure the stove meets the Department of Environment requirements for low emissions. These features will make the stove more efficient in heating your home, which can help to lower your heating bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
There are a variety of multi-fuel stoves that have been certified by Defra, ranging from small models with 4kW to large models with 5kW. The best model is determined by many factors, such as the size of the room and the amount of heat needed. Using a stove that is too large for your space could result in overheating and result in unnecessary fuel costs. It is crucial to seek the advice of a qualified when selecting a wood burning or multi-fuel stove.
In addition to Defra approval, you should also look for a stove in compliance with Ecodesign 2022 regulations. These regulations are designed to improve the energy efficiency of appliances and reduce their environmental impact. Ecodesign 2022 stoves burn energy more efficiently and produce less CO2 and other harmful pollutants. These stoves are also simpler to clean, as they produce less soot and tar than other stoves.
Most Defra-approved multi fuel stoves have air controls that can be adjusted to control how much fuel is burned. These stoves also come with an ash pan, grate and an ash collector to ensure the efficient combustion of smokeless coal. The ash pan collects the ashes from the firebox, and prevents them from interfering with the air flow to the combustion chamber.
Multi-fuel stoves come in many different styles and colors. Bright hues like red and blue can add an imposing look to your space and metallic finishes can give your stove a sleek and modern feel. Some multi-fuel stoves even come in a variety of sizes, meaning you can choose the ideal one that will fit in with your space.