What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
Also known as Defra Exempt Stoves and Smoke Control Approved Stoves, these stoves are typically designed to burn Defra approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals. They are not suited for use with wood.
To be exempt from Defra, a stove's air controls as well as its flue draught have to pass tests in a laboratory. These tests may differ from actual conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that has passed a stringent test conducted by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This test ensures the stove can burn approved smokeless fuels, like logs or briquettes in smoke Controlled Areas. This type of stove will not just be better for the environment but also for your neighbors as it reduces nuisance fumes.
These DEFRA stoves are equipped with an exclusive combustion system that lets them sleep longer or rest longer than other stoves. They will burn any non-smokeless fuels that are approved in a safe and efficient way while maintaining the amount of heat required for your home. They accomplish this by limiting the flow of oxygen into the firebox, which forces the fuel to burn at a lower level until it is depleted.
Defra stoves are often described as SE stoves or smoke-free stoves. They also will have the label or badge bearing the DEFRA Logo. You might even see them labelled as 'Ecodesign 2022 compliant to indicate that they will be able to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits when they enter into force next year.
There are many aspects to take into account when buying a DEFRA. Included in this are the type of stove, the types of fuel that can be burned and the amount of heat it's capable of producing. You might also want to consider other options, for instance a remote control system that is easy to use or an air-wash system.
When choosing when choosing a DEFRA woodburning or multi-fuel stove, it is crucial to consider the type of decor in your home, as there are a range of styles available. If you're seeking a stove that can be able to fit into a fireplace, or inglenook there are a variety of traditional stoves to choose from, whereas there are also modern and contemporary models that would look stunning without mantles or surrounds. You will also have to consider what fuel you wish to use. There are DEFRA approved stoves and wood burners which are exempt from regulations.
Smoke Controlled Areas
Smoke Control Areas are defined in the majority of UK towns and cities. If you live in one of these areas you'll need a DEFRA-exempt stove or multifuel stove. These stoves are designed to adhere to the Clean Air Act regulations, and have been tested for smokeless combustion.
A DEFRA approved stove has been developed with Clean Burn Technology, which is the reason they are smoke-free. This is achieved by directing a continuous flow of oxygen to the combustion chamber until the fuel has been consumed. This means that the fire can't be shut off like the traditional stove. It will continue to burn low until all the fuel has been consumed and the exhaust gases have been eliminated.
This allows the stove to be used legally in a Smoke-Control Area and with approved fuels. This includes wood as well as manufactured smokeless fuels like anthracite, smokeless briquettes, and firelogs. This differs from stoves that are not Defra approved, and are only allowed to be used in a Smoke Control Area provided they've been equipped with a specific Smoke Control Kit.
Although it is possible to put in a non-DEFRA exempt wood burning stove equipped with the proper Smoke Control Kit, this is not recommended since you could be putting your family at risk of breathing 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 heavy fines.
Stovax offers a broad selection of wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, fires and fireplaces that are all DEFRA exempt and can be used in smoke controlled areas. Our dealers are happy to help with choosing the best DEFRA approved stove for your home, simply enter your postcode here to find the closest dealer.
It is important to remember that all new stoves must be installed by registered HETAS installers to ensure they are fitted in a safe manner and conform to current building regulations. Stoves that are DEFRA approved and is able to be used in a Smoke Control Area helps to reduce your carbon emissions, which has assisted in reducing the levels of sulphur dioxide in the air. Ecodesign regulation across the EU will be implemented in 2022 and will set emissions limits and minimum efficiencies.
Smokeless Fuels
There are many things to consider when choosing a stove that uses smokeless fuels. The stove has to be approved by DEFRA to be used in areas with smoke control. The appliance has been put to rigorous tests to reduce the emissions of particulate matter. Additionally there are a lot of stoves that utilize specially designed smokeless fuels that burn more cleanly than traditional coal. This is healthier for the environment as well as your neighbours.
Briquettes are usually made from anthracite and are non-smokeless fuels. They are more eco-friendly and last 40% longer than traditional coal. Smokeless fuels also produce more heat and release less carbon dioxide than traditional coal.
They cost more than traditional coal, but they come with a number of benefits to offer you and your family. They are easier to light and do not create more ash or soot. The glass screen and stove grate will have to be cleaned less frequently. They also produce a more lively flame and don't emit the same amount of smoke that is a nuisance.
It is important to remember that if reside in a smoke-free zone, you are only allowed to burn fuels that are approved in your stove. If you decide to burn unauthorised fuels, you could be breaking the law and may be liable to an enormous fine. If you use the wrong woodburner, one that isn't approved by DEFRA, you could create smoke that will upset your neighbors.
It is therefore essential to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove that allows you to burn smokeless substances within your home. All stoves in this category have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they comply with the DEFRA regulations and do not produce nuisance smoke. This is achieved by ensuring that the stoves use the latest combustion technologies which stop part-burned combustibles from being released into air.
The Right to Rent
DEFRA stoves can be wood burning or multi-fuel stoves that have been approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas. They have been tested rigorously to ensure they are efficient and clean burning, low emissions, and the best performance. They are also available in various styles to suit your style and home.
Defra approved stoves are also known as SE Stoves in the industry, Smoke Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Stoves that are approved for use in the Area. They are all referring to the same type of stove that has been tested and proven to be capable of meeting strict UK legislation that limits smoking to a predetermined period of time.
The stove must only be used with approved smokeless fuels such as blue flame anthracite or anthracite. Trying to use it to burn other fuels will result in nuisance smoke which could cause health issues for those suffering from asthma or other breathing disorders. The installer and the client are responsible for checking that the appliance is appropriate for the home using the Defra Calculator, ensuring all chimney components are functioning properly and that they adhere to the required distances from combustibles.
Stoves that are installed incorrectly may cause leakage, damage and invalidate the warranty. Installation must be carried out by a HETAS-certified engineer in order to ensure that the stove is safe and correctly installed. The warranty does not cover consumable items such as glass seals made of glass rope 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 should you require them. The warranty does not cover any damage caused by high humidity or salt air.
A DEFRA stove is an investment in your home, not only for the warmth it will provide you, but also for the security of knowing that you are doing all you can to help safeguard the environment and your neighbours too. You can be assured that a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove will last many years.