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 such as Anthracite ovals. They are not suitable for use with wood.
To be exempt from Defra the stove's air control and flue draught must pass laboratory testing. These tests may differ from 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 can burn approved non-smokeless fuels like briquettes or logs, in Smoke Controlled Areas. This type of stove will not just be better for the environment but also for your neighbors since it reduces nuisance fumes.
These DEFRA stoves come with an exclusive combustion system that allows them to sleep longer or rest longer than other stoves. This means that they can burn any authorised smokeless fuels in an efficient and clean way while still maintaining the required heating capacity for your home. They do this by limiting the oxygen supply to the firebox, causing the fuel to burn at a lower level until it is completely eliminated.
Defra stoves are typically described as SE stoves or smoke-free stoves. They also will have a label or badge with the DEFRA Logo on it. They may be labeled as Ecodesign compliant 2022 to indicate they will meet the new Ecodesign emission limits when they go into effect next year.
When it comes to purchasing a DEFRA stove there are a variety of aspects you need to take into consideration. These include the design of stove, the kinds of fuel that you can burn and the amount of heat it is able to generate. You might also want to think about other options, for instance a remote control system that is simple to use or an air wash system.
There are many styles of DEFRA woodburning stoves and multi-fuel stoves available. If you're looking for a stove that will be installed in an existing fireplace, or inglenook there are a variety of traditional stoves to choose from, whereas there are also more modern and contemporary models that would look fantastic without mantles or surrounds. You should also consider what fuel you wish to use. There are DEFRA approved stoves and wood burners that are exempt from the regulations.
Smoke Controlled Areas
Smoke Control Areas are defined in the majority of UK cities and towns. If 5kw defra multifuel stove live in one of these areas you'll need a DEFRA-exempt wood stove or multifuel stove. They are designed to comply with the Clean Air Act regulations and have been tested to ensure they burn in a smokeless manner.
A DEFRA approved stove is designed using Clean Burn Technology, which is the reason they are smoke-free. This is accomplished by forcing a continuous supply of oxygen into the combustion chamber until all the fuel is used up. This means that the fire cannot be shut off, like the traditional stove. It will continue to burn low until all the fuel is consumed and the exhaust gases have been eliminated.
This means that you can legally use the stove in a Smoke Control Area with 'authorized fuels', which are manufactured smokeless fuels and wood (anthracite smokeless briquettes and firelogs). This is in contrast to non-Defra stoves which can only be used within a Smoke control Area if they are fitted with a specific smoke control kit.
It is possible to fit a wood burning stove that is not exempt from DEFRA with the correct 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 exempt wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area may result in massive fines.
Stovax has a wide selection of wood-burning and multi-fuel fireplaces, stoves and fires that are all DEFRA exempt and are suitable for use in areas with smoke control. Enter your postcode below to find the closest dealer. Our dealers are glad to assist you in locating the perfect DEFRA-approved stove for your home.
It is crucial to remember that all new stoves should be installed by registered HETAS installers to ensure they're installed safely and in compliance with current building regulations. A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance that can be used in Smoke Control Areas can help reduce emissions, leading to a reduction in the amount of sulphur dioxide that is in the air. Ecodesign regulation across the EU will be implemented in 2022 and will establish the minimum efficiency and emission limits.
Smokeless Fuels
There are a variety of things to take into consideration when selecting a stove that uses smokeless fuels. To begin the stove has to be DEFRA approved to be used in a smoke controlled area. This means that the appliance has undergone rigourous tests to ensure that emissions from particulates are minimized. In addition there are a lot of stoves with specially-designed smokeless fuels that burn cleaner than traditional coal. This means they are better for the environment and your neighbors!
Briquettes are typically made from anthracite, which is a smokeless fuel. They are more environmentally friendly and last 40% better than traditional coal. Smokeless fuels also produce more heat and emit less carbon dioxide than traditional coal.
They are more expensive, but have numerous advantages for you and your family. They are easier to light and do not generate as much soot or ash. This means that your stove's grate and the glass screen will not need cleaning as frequently. They also produce a much more dancing flame and they do not emit the same amount of smoke that is a nuisance.
It is crucial to remember that if you live in a smoke control zone you can only burn authorised fuels and wood in your stove. You could be fined if burn unauthorised fuels. If you decide to use a wood stove that is not DEFRA approved, then you will be creating nuisance smoke that can upset your neighbours.
This is why it's essential to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove that allows you to burn smokeless fuels inside your home. All stoves in this category have been thoroughly tested to ensure they're in compliance with DEFRA regulations, and do not emit harmful smoke. This is done by ensuring that they are equipped with the most recent combustion technology which prevents part-burned combustibles from being released into the air.
Warranty
DEFRA stoves can be wood burning or multi-fuel stoves that are approved for use in Smoke Control Areas. They have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that they offer clean and efficient combustion, with minimal emissions, and the best performance. They are available in many different styles to match your home's style.
Defra approved stoves are called SE Stoves in the industry, Smoke Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Stoves that are approved for use in the Area. They all refer to the same stove that has been tested and proven to be capable of meeting the strict requirements of UK laws that limit the amount of the amount of smoke that can be emitted over 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 try to burn any other than approved smokeless fuels it will release smoke that can cause respiratory issues for people suffering from asthma. The installer and customer are responsible for ensuring that the appliance is suitable for the property by using the Defra Calculator, ensuring all chimney components are functioning properly and adhering to the minimum distances from the combustibles.
Stoves that have been installed incorrectly can cause leakage, damage and invalidate the warranty. The installation should be carried out by a certified HETAS engineer to ensure the stove is safe to use and is installed correctly. The warranty does not cover consumables such as glass, glass rope seals on windows and doors paint finishes, interior lining plates, firebricks and baffles. These are regarded as replacement parts for the customer and are available from us in the event of need. The warranty does not cover damage caused by high humidity or salt air.
A DEFRA stove will not only bring warmth to your home but also give you peace of mind knowing you're helping to safeguard the environment. If you choose a DEFRA approved wood burning or multi fuel stove you can be sure that you'll be enjoying your stove for many years to come.