What Are Defra Approved Stoves?

These stoves, also known as Defra Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Approved Stoves are designed to burn smokeless fuels approved by Defra such as Anthracite ovals. However, they will not be suitable to use with wood.

To be exempt from Defra the stove's air controls and flue draught have to pass tests in a laboratory. These tests differ slightly from the 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). The test confirms that the stove can burn approved smokeless fuels, like logs or briquettes, in Smoke Controlled Areas. This kind of stove will not only be better for the environment but also for your neighbors since it will reduce nuisance fume.

These DEFRA stoves have a an exclusive combustion system that lets them sleep or slumber longer than other stoves. This means that they can burn any authorised smokeless fuels efficiently and in a safe manner while retaining the required heating output for your home. They do this by limiting the oxygen supply into the firebox, forcing the fuel to burn at a low amount until it's completely exhausted.

Defra stoves are often called smoke-free or SE stoves and will be branded with a badge or label with the DEFRA logo on it. You may even find them labeled as ecodesign 2022 compliant which means they will be able to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits when they enter force next year.

When it comes to purchasing a DEFRA stove there are numerous aspects you need to take into consideration. These include the style of stove, the types of fuels you can burn and the amount of heat that it is capable of producing. There are additional features you may want to consider such as an easy-to-use remote control system or an air-washing system.

When selecting when choosing a DEFRA woodburning or multi-fuel stove, it is important to consider the type of decor in your home since there is a range of styles available. There are numerous traditional models to pick from when you are looking to install a stove into an existing fireplace or inglenook. However, there are also contemporary and modern options that look great without a mantel or surround. You should also consider the fuel that you're planning to use, as there are DEFRA exempt wood burners as well as a number of dedicated Defra approved stoves that only allow the use of approved smokeless fuels.

Ideal for Smoke Controlled Areas

Most towns and cities in the UK are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so if you reside in one, you'll need a DEFRA exempt wood burner or multi-fuel stove. These stoves are designed to adhere with the Clean Air Act regulations, and have been tested for smokeless combustion.

The main feature of the DEFRA approved stove is that they've been designed with Clean Burn technology, which is the reason they can be smoke-free. This is achieved by directing a continuous flow of oxygen to the combustion chamber until all the fuel has been consumed. This means the fire can't be shut off like an ordinary stove and it will continue to burn at low levels until the fuel is completely consumed and the flue gases are exhausted.

This allows you to legally use the stove in a Smoke Control Area with 'authorized fuels', which include manufactured smokeless fuels and wood (anthracite, smokeless briquettes and firelogs). This is in contrast to non-Defra models that are only permitted to be used in a Smoke control Area provided they are fitted with a specific smoke control kit.

While it is possible to put in a wood burning stove that is not exempt from DEFRA with the correct Smoke Control Kit, this is not recommended since you could put your family members at risk of breathing in toxic gases and toxins that could cause lung damage. Additionally, the use of a stove that is not exempt from DEFRA within a Smoke Control Area can result in massive fines.

Stovax provides a variety of wood burning multi-fuel, fireplaces and stoves that are all DEFRA-exempt and may be used within smoke controlled areas. Our dealers are more than happy to help with finding the ideal DEFRA approved stove for your home. Simply enter your postcode below to find your closest dealer.

It is crucial to remember that all new stoves must be installed by a HETAS certified installer to ensure they are fitted safely and in compliance with current building regulations. A DEFRA approved sustainable stoves-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 that is in the air. From 2022, the EU-wide Ecodesign regulation will establish minimum efficiencies OGV, NOX, and NOX ceilings and emission limits that appear to be more strict than the current requirements for Defra Exempt stoves.

Smokeless Fuels

When choosing a stove with smokeless fuels, there are many aspects to take into consideration. For a start the stove must be DEFRA approved to be used in a smoke-free area. The appliance has been subjected to rigorous tests in order to reduce the emissions of particulate matter. There are stoves that are smokeless, which burn cleaner than traditional coal. This is healthier for the environment as well as your neighbours.

Briquettes are generally made of anthracite and are smokeless fuels. They are designed to be more eco-friendly than traditional coal, and can last 40 percent longer. Smokeless fuels also produce more heat and release less carbon dioxide than traditional coal.

They are more expensive than traditional coal, however they come with a number of advantages for you and your family. They are easier to ignite and do not produce as much soot or Ash. The glass screen and the stove grate will have to be cleaned less often. They also create a more dancing flame, and they don't emit as much nuisance smoke.

It is important to be aware that if your house is in a smoke-control zone, you can only make use of approved fuels or wood to heat 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 produce smoke that could upset your neighbors.

It is therefore vital to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove that permits you to use smokeless fuels within your home. All stoves in this category have gone through rigorous testing to ensure that they meet the DEFRA regulations and that they do not emit smoke that is harmful to the environment. This is accomplished by ensuring that the stoves use the most modern combustion technology that make sure that part-burned combustibles are not released into the air.

Warranty

top DEFRA stoves stoves can be multi-fuel or wood burning stoves that are approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas. They have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they offer high-quality and efficient burning, low emissions and optimal performance. They are available in a variety of different styles to complement your home's aesthetic.

Defra Approved Stoves are identified in the industry as many different names, including DEFRA guidelines stoves Exempt Stoves, SE Stoves, Smoke Exempt stoves, Smoke Control Area Approved stoves, and Cleanburn Stoves. All of these terms are referring to the same stove that has been tested to be in compliance with strict UK regulations that limit smoke for a specified period of time.

The stove can only be used with approved smokeless fuels such as anthracite or blue flame anthracite. If you try to burn anything other than approved smokeless fuels, it will produce nuisance smoke that can cause respiratory issues for people suffering from asthma. The installer and the customer are responsible for ensuring whether the appliance is suitable for the building using the Defra Calculator, ensuring all chimney parts are correct and that they adhere to the required distances from combustibles.

Stoves that have been installed incorrectly may cause leakage, damage and void the warranty. The installation must be done by a trained HETAS engineer to ensure the stove is safe to use and is properly installed. Consumable items like glass, door and glass rope seals, paint finish, internal lining plates or firebricks and baffles are not covered under the warranty. These are regarded as parts that can be replaced by the customer and can be purchased from us should you require them. The warranty does not cover damage caused by high humidity or salt air.

The purchase of a DEFRA stove is an investment into your home, not just for the warmth it will provide you with but also for the security of knowing that you are doing what you can to help to protect the environment and your neighbours too. 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.