Why Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves Is More Dangerous Than You Believed
Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves
In a UK Smoke Control Area, you can burn wood and other smokeless materials using a multi-fuel DEFRA approved appliance. They typically provide a continuous supply of secondary combustion air to stop the fuel from smouldering and producing nuisance smoke.
A Defra stove (sometimes known as a DEFRA smoke exempt appliance) has been tested and has passed the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs guidelines for emission levels.
Smoke Control Areas
Smoke from open flames or stoves can contribute to the pollution of air in the UK, especially in urban areas. This has led to the establishment of Smoke Control Areas where only specific types of fuels and home fire appliances are allowed to be used. These are strictly regulated under the Clean Air Act to reduce environmental pollution. If you reside in the Smoke Control Area then it is crucial to use only Defra approved wood-burning stoves and log burners. This ensures that you are burning legal fuel and not generating smoke that irritates neighbors.
Many of the Stovax multi-fuel and wood burning DEFRA approved stoves have secondary and tertiary combustion units which help you effectively burn your logs and, in turn, helps reduce emissions. This allows you to have a gorgeous fire, but also produce less smoke.
A Defra approved stove or to confer the full title of a Smoke Exempt Appliance has been tested and cleared the UK Government's DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) regulations regarding smoke levels in Smoke Control Areas. This ensures that the stove will only produce tiny amounts of smoke when it is in operation. It also means you can legally burn certain kinds of wood in your stove as long as it's'ready to burn' with a moisture content below 20 percent. You are not able to burn wet, damp or spruced wood in an DEFRA approved stove because it could produce smoke that violates the laws of the Clean Air Act.
There are many modern and traditional Defra stoves available. It is also important to take into account the kind of fuel you'll be using, some Defra stoves are only approved to be used with wood, they don't offer the option for a multi-fuel burner.
If you'd like to be able to use other fuels that are authorised in your stove such as smokeless coal or anthracite, then you will need to purchase an additional smoke control kit that can be installed on non-Defra exempt appliances. The Stovax shop has a variety of smoke control kits that work with all stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
Coal
Defra approved multi-fuel stoves are an eco-friendly choice, allowing you to enjoy the warmth of your stove while minimising the impact on the environment. These stoves must adhere to the regulations of the government and manufacturers are obliged to adhere to the regulations if they want to remain in business.
The most sustainable way to heat your home is with a DEFRA approved wood-burning stove that also burns approved fuels like coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that was first discovered around 300 million years ago. At that time, swamps containing giant ferns and other plants were common on Earth. When these plants died they sank in the water and over time formed a substance known as peat. This was then buried beneath layers of rock, and other substances until it became solid coal.
When coal is burned, it releases a large amount of energy as heat and sulphur oxide which can contribute to the pollution of the air. Sulphur dioxide is a major cause of acid rain, which can damage lakes and rivers, harming wildlife and damaging crops. Many countries including the United States, have banned coal mining due to the threat of acid rain.
While coal produces many pollutants, it is still an important part of the heating world. It is the most sought-after fossil fuel, and it is cheaper than other fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. Moreover coal is an energy efficient fuel that produces plenty of heat per kilogram.
A DEFRA exempt wood-burning stove, or a DEFRA approved stove as it's sometimes referred to, is a stove that is used in smoke controlled areas to burn authorised fuels like briquettes and coal. These stoves can be used with a large variety of firelogs, which are basically compressed sawdust and other wood wastes and sometimes blended with paraffin-based fuel to enable them to be lit.
If DEFRA approved sustainable stoves live in an area that is subject to Smoke Control, you can avoid hefty fines by using an approved DEFRA stove. At Choice Stoves, we supply a wide range of DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves from top manufacturers like Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax and many more. We can help you choose the ideal stove for your home, and ensure it is installed correctly by a certified engineer to avoid any potential issues.
Wood
Wood stoves that have been approved by Defra are great for homeowners who live in areas with smoke control. They burn clean, low-smoke gas that creates less pollution than coal and other fossil fuels. They also provide efficient heat and are offered in a wide range of styles to suit your interior design.
Most multi-fuel stoves that are DEFRA exempt will include an additional air inlet that is above the main air vent. The inlet is heated prior to when the main air flow enters and prevents the ash from adhering to the glass of the stove as well as aiding the burning logs to draw in air. Some stoves might also have a tertiary air inlet which is heated by flue gases as they exit, ensuring the best combustion and more efficient flames.
You can also opt to use an DEFRA approved log burner that has been specifically designed to burn dry, well-seasoned hardwoods. This kind of wood is sourced locally, and is carbon neutral. Since trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, this is released to the atmosphere when they are burned.
Log burners that are approved by DEFRA can be used within smoke-controlled areas, as long as you only make use of fuels that have been approved by DEFRA. If you're unsure whether your property is in a Smoke Control Area you can contact your Local Authority to find out more.
A Defra approved wood stove is a great option for those who enjoy the look of a traditional log burner, but want to be able to use other fuels too. It is crucial to know that only DEFRA-approved stoves may be used with a 5" chimney liner when burning wood, and must be fitted by a certified installer. Many Defra approved stoves can be installed in fireplace chambers or inglenooks, and still look great. It's worth noting that these stoves do not provide the option of burning authorised fuels such as smokeless anthracite oval. This means that you'll have to purchase and install a separate approved woodburning stove by DEFRA to do this. This is a great option, as burning fuels that are not authorized in a stove that is not DEFRA-approved could result in you being in violation of the rules and are at risk of being prosecuted.
Smokeless Fuels
The use of smokeless fuels in a multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove is a great method to reduce the amount of emissions and soot produced by your fireplace. The smokeless fuels are generally anthracite-based and are available in the form of Briquettes. They are designed to emit less carbon dioxide than coal used in homes and also provide more constant fire. They are great for areas with smoke control, but also work for those who enjoy using an open flame or multifuel stove.
A DEFRA-approved wood stove has a secondary or third-burn system that enhances combustion and helps eliminate harmful gases and particulates. These systems can also help extend the lifespan of your stove by reducing the rate at which it wears out or clogs the flue. The majority of modern stoves are equipped with DEFRA approval, however older stoves may be modified to become compliant by using kits.
The Portway Luxima, a wood burning stove that is DEFRA-compliant. The large, warp-free door made of cast iron allows for a great view of the fuel bed. The stove is stylish with a door bevel design as well as a striking chrome handle that is modern in appearance.
It is crucial to select the best stove for your home. This is why it's essential to make sure your new stove is in line with the requirements of the government. A DEFRA-approved stove will save you money, provide you with more flexibility, and help keep your family warm.
At Choice Stoves, we carry a selection of the best DEFRA approved stoves from top brands such as Mi-fire, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Westfire, Hamlet, and many more. We can also recommend a qualified engineer who is gas safe. Contact us today for more information or to request a quote for your home. We are proud to serve customers throughout the UK. We are among the largest stockists in the UK of DEFRA approved products So you can rest assured that you are receiving a top-quality stove at an affordable price. Our stoves are DEFRA approved and have passed all tests.