10 Quick Tips About Defra Approved Multifuel Stoves
Defra Approved Multifuel Stoves
Defra approved multifuel stoves are an excellent choice for people living in areas that are smoke-free. They are clean and can burn wood or authorised smokeless fuels.
The Defra logo is usually present on the appliance or written in the specifications to show it is suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas. They also come with high energy ratings and have low emissions.
Clean Burn Technology
We offer a range of wood-burning stoves that are Defra-approved. This means they are able to meet stricter emission standards when they are used with wood or other approved fuels. This is because these stoves are built to work with a variety of different fuels and have been tested independently to ensure they don't produce excessive smoke. A stove that is Defra-approved will feature features like secondary and tertiary combustion, which maximize the amount of energy and minimise harmful gasses.
Multifuel stoves that have been approved by Defra are usually marked with a "SE" logo or SE (which stands for smoke exempt) in their name. This signifies that the stove has been independently tested to prove it can be used legally in Smoke Control Area with logs and other approved solid fuels. The testing process includes several tests to test on the stove's performance under a variety of conditions, and to confirm that it generates a minimum of 5 grams of particulates per kg when burning wood.
To comply with this standard, stoves that are Defra-approved have a modified top air control that prevents the user closing the top vent completely. Closing hop over to here will reduce the flow of oxygen to the fire, and this causes it to smolder instead of burning. If you were to do this with a non-Defra approved stove, you would be in breach of the law and could be prosecuted for a nuisance smoke offence.
The best method to avoid nuisance smoke when using the wood burner is to purchase kiln dried or seasoned wood. It is wood that has been dried for a long period of time which helps reduce the moisture content to less than 20%. You can test the moisture content of your wood using a simple wood moisture meter.
You can also reduce the amount of nuisance smoke that is produced by your Defra approved stove by only using dry well-seasoned, well-seasoned, kiln-dried or spruce logs. You should never burn damp, wet, or unseasoned wood. This will cause lots of smoke and could result in you being penalized by the local authority.
Smoke Control Area Approval
DEFRA approved stoves meet the strict air quality standards set by the government. They can use a range of fuels, including wood and some 'authorised smokeless fuels within Smoke Control Areas (see DEFRA's indicative interactive tool here).
The smoke from burning untreated wood or other wet fuels in a stove which isn't DEFRA approved or exempt from DEFRA will annoy your neighbours. This can also cause issues with local air quality, especially if you live in an urban zone. If you are located in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area and burn unauthorised fuels or an appliance not specifically designed to use authorized smokeless fuels, then you could receive a fine or be prosecuted.
Defra approved stoves come with secondary and tertiary burning systems, which burn fuel at lower temperature. This means less particulate matter (PM2.5). This is achieved through the use of stainless steel liners and a unique convection system that pushes air down the chimney, even when the fire has been put out. This lets the stoves burn wood more efficiently and create less carbon dioxide.
A Defra Approved Stove will also feature an adjustment on the top air vent that prevents you from closing it down to the fullest extent. When you stop the air supply to a stove, it stops burning properly and starts to smoke and create excessive smoke. Defra approved stoves allow you to close the vent a bit but not entirely so the fire can continue to burn at the lower temperature and comply with the UK laws.
When selecting a new stove that is approved by Defra, it is important to think about the style and design and whether it will match the decor of your home. There are a variety of styles and sizes available including traditional fireplaces and inglenooks, to more modern designs which look great in open-plan living spaces.
Most stoves that are Defra-approved feature an outlet for a chimney of 5kW that allows them to be utilized in Smoke Control Areas. This includes most UK towns and cities. This will also help reduce your installation costs since the stove will only require a 5" flue liner instead of a more costly 6" liner.
Aesthetics
A multi-fuel stove does not have to be a utilitarian feature in your home. you can select one that has style and appeal. There are many models available in a variety to match your style either modern or traditional. They tend to have cleaner lines and sleeker appearance than wood-burning stoves. This makes them a better choice for any space.
Make sure the multi-fuel stove you choose will fit in your space and is compatible with your chimney or flue. Make sure that the stove is in compliance with local requirements for clearance from combustible substances. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to see how far away you need to keep combustibles, such as furniture, curtains, and walls from your stove.
When shopping for a multi-fuel stove, you might be interested in the airwash system. This keeps the glass windows clear so that you can enjoy your fire. Some multi-fuel stoves even include an grate that can be removed, making it easier to change fuel and clean the stove.
Multi-fuel stoves which are endorsed by Defra are designed to minimize emissions and pollution, making them a responsible choice for homeowners who are environmentally conscious. They're also extremely efficient, allowing you to use less fuel and lower the cost of heating.
Defra multifuel stoves come in a variety of styles that can be customized to suit your preferences. For instance stoves that are inset, such as the Hamlet Solution 5 Compact and the Woodford Lovell C400 fit into the wall or fireplace opening for a seamless appearance. Additionally, cylindrical stoves like the Opus Harmony and the ACR Solis have a slim, rounded shape that can stand on the hearth without taking up too much floor space.
Many stoves are constructed in a way that reflects the history of the manufacturer. They could have cast iron construction, or intricate details. These stoves are ideal for country cottages as well as other homes that have an old-fashioned, rustic look. Some models are more contemporary in style, with simple lines and materials such as glass and steel. These models are perfect for homes with a minimalist style, such as those in urban areas as well as modern homes.
Energy Efficiency
You can be certain that a multifuel stove endorsed by DEFRA will be in compliance with or exceed the most recent standards for clean air. The top stove manufacturers like Arada, Stovax, and Parkray have invested heavily in cutting-edge combustion technologies that cut down on the amount of smoke generated during the burning process. Modern stoves that use the latest clean air technologies like secondary and tertiary combustion systems are greener and lower the cost of fuel for households.
If you're in an area with Smoke Control or not, we have the stove you need for your home. From the stunning Danish design on the Uniq 37, to the modern and cozy design of the Arundel Deluxe. You'll also find models that have more traditional design and are suitable for existing fireplaces and inglenooks.
The Defra approved multifuel stoves in our collection are all available with a choice of finishes to complement your décor from matt black to gloss black enamel to majolica brown enamel and gloss buttermilk. A majority of our multifuel stoves are in compliance with 2022 EU Ecodesign emissions reduction standards which allows you to reduce your energy bill while making a positive impact on our environment.
For those who reside in Smoke Control Areas, DEFRA approved wood stoves are available for purchase. This makes it simple to follow the law. Make sure you only use approved fuels for your stove (such as'smokeless anthracite coal). It is illegal to burn damp or wet woods and you could be fined.
If you live in a region that is under Smoke Control Choose a DEFRA Approved Multifuel Stove that comes with the ClearSkies Mark to ensure you are complying with the laws. This means that the stove has been tested to ensure it meets all current UK and European emission standards including those for wood and fuels that are smokeless. You can easily check the status of a stove's product page by looking for the label that says "DEFRA Approved" or "Approved by DEFRA".