What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
These stoves, also referred to as Defra Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Approved Stoves are designed to burn smokeless fuels approved by Defra like Anthracite Ovals. However, they won't be suitable to use with wood.
To be deemed Defra exempt, a stove has to meet laboratory testing requirements for air controls and flue draught. These tests are slightly different from the actual conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi-fuel stove that has passed a strict test conducted by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This test ensures the stove is able to burn approved non-smokeless fuels like briquettes or logs, in smoke Controlled Areas. This kind of stove will not only be better for the environment but it will also benefit your neighbors as it will reduce nuisance fume.
These DEFRA stoves come with special combustion technology that allows them to sleep longer or rest longer than other stoves. They can burn any non-smokeless fuels that are approved in a safe and efficient manner while maintaining the heat output required for your home. They do this by limiting the oxygen supply into the firebox, which forces the fuel to burn at a low level until it is eliminated.
Defra stoves are commonly called smoke-free or SE stoves. They will have a badge or label with the DEFRA logo on it. They may be labeled as Ecodesign compliant 2022 to indicate that they will be able to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits when they go into effect next year.
When you are looking to purchase a DEFRA stove there are a variety of aspects you need to consider. These include the design of stove, the kinds of fuel you can burn and the amount of heat that it is capable of producing. There are also some additional options to think about, such as an easy-to-use remote control system or an air-washing system.
When selecting the right DEFRA woodburning or multi-fuel stove, it is crucial to consider the type of decor in your home as there are various styles to choose from. If you are looking for a stove to fit into an existing fireplace or inglenook, there are plenty of traditional options to choose from, whereas there are also modern and contemporary models that would look stunning without a surround or mantle. You will also need to be aware of the fuel you want to use as there are DEFRA exempt wood burners as well as a number of dedicated Defra approved stoves that allow for the usage of smokeless fuels that are approved by the government.
Smoke Controlled Areas
Most towns and cities in the UK are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so if you reside in one of them, you will need to have a DEFRA exempt wood burner or multi-fuel stove. These stoves are designed to comply to the Clean Air Act regulations, and have been tested for smokeless combustion.
A DEFRA approved stove is designed using Clean Burn Technology, which is why they are smoke-free. This is accomplished by injecting oxygen into the combustion chamber continually until the fuel has been consumed. This means that the fire cannot be shut off like a traditional stove and therefore it will continue to burn at a lower temperature until the fuel is consumed completely and the flue gases are exhausted.
This allows you to use the stove legally in a Smoke-Control Area that uses authorized fuels. This includes wood and manufactured smokeless fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless briquettes as well as firelogs. This is contrary to non-Defra stoves that are only permitted to be used in the Smoke Control Area if they are fitted with a specific smoke control kit.
It is possible to fit a non-DEFRA exempt wood stove equipped with the proper Smoke Control Kit, this is not recommended because you could be putting your family members at risk of breathing in toxic gases and toxins that can cause lung damage. Furthermore, the use of an exempt stove that is not DEFRA-compliant within a Smoke Control Area can result in massive 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 more than willing to assist you in finding the perfect DEFRA approved stove for your home, simply enter your postcode here to locate your nearest dealer.
It is crucial to keep in mind that all new stoves should be installed by HETAS-registered installers to ensure they're installed safely and in compliance with current building regulations. A DEFRA-approved stove that is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas can help reduce emissions, which has led to a reduction in amount of sulphur dioxide emitted into the air. From 2022 EU-wide Ecodesign regulation will establish minimum efficiency, NOX and OGV ceilings and emission limits that appear to be more stringent than those currently required for Defra Exempt stoves.
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There are many things to take into consideration when selecting the right stove for you that utilizes smokeless fuels. To begin with the stove must be DEFRA certified to be employed in a smoke-free area. The appliance has been subjected to rigorous tests to reduce the amount of particulate emissions. Additionally there are a lot of stoves that utilize specially designed smokeless fuels that burn more cleanly than traditional coal. This is better for the environment as well as your neighbours.
Briquettes are typically made from anthracite and are smokeless fuels. They are more environmentally friendly and last 40% better than traditional coal. Smokeless fuels also generate more heat and emit less carbon dioxide than traditional coal.
They are more expensive than traditional coal, but they come with a number of benefits to offer you and your family. They are easier to ignite and do not produce as much soot or Ash. This means that your stove grates and glass screen will not need cleaning as frequently. They create an elongated flame and emit less smoke.
It is important to remember that if live in a smoke control zone, you are allowed to only burn fuels that are approved in your stove. You could be fined if you burn fuels that are not approved. If you choose to use a wood stove that is not DEFRA approved, then you will create smoke that could cause trouble for your neighbours.
It is therefore vital to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove that permits you to burn smokeless substances within your home. All stoves in this category have been rigorously tested to ensure they comply with DEFRA regulations and don't emit noxious smoke. This is achieved by ensuring that the stoves use the most modern combustion technology that stop part-burned combustibles from being released into the air.
The Right to Rent
DEFRA stoves are multi fuel stoves that have been approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas. They have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they offer clean and efficient burning, low emissions and the best performance. They are also available in a variety of styles to fit your interior and style.
Defra Approved Stoves are identified in the industry as many different names like Defra Exempt Stoves, SE Stoves, Smoke Exempt stoves, Smoke Control Area Approved stoves as well as Cleanburn Stoves. All of these terms refer to the same type stove that has been tested to meet strict UK regulations that limit smoke for a specified period of time.
A Defra Approved stove can only be used to burn dry wood and approved smokeless fuels, such as blue flame or anthracite oval anthracite. If you attempt to burn other than approved smokeless fuels, it will release smoke that can cause respiratory issues for people who suffer from asthma. It is the responsibility of the installer and the purchaser to verify that the appliance is appropriate for their property by using the Defra calculator, making sure that all chimney components are in order, ensuring minimum distances to combustibles are adhered to and the hearth size is appropriate for the stove being installed.
Stoves installed incorrectly may cause leakage, damage and could void 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 consumable items such as glass rope seals for glass doors and windows, paint finishes, internal lining plates, firebricks, and baffles. They are considered to be replacement parts for the customer and can be purchased from us should you require them. Damage caused to the stove by salt air or high moisture environments is not covered by the warranty either.
A DEFRA stove will not only bring warmth to your home but will 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 will be in a position to enjoy your stove for many years to come.