Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves That Are DEFRA Approved
Wood burning and multi fuel stoves that are DEFRA approved, also referred to as Defra Smoke Exempt, have passed stringent emissions tests. This means they are able to be used within UK cities and towns classified as smoke control areas.
ACR has created a stunning, contemporary-styled stove that is EcoDesign-2022 compatible. It also has DEFRA approval that allows it to be used in areas that have smoke control.
Defra Approved
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area in the UK and wish to burn wood in your stove then you need a DEFRA approved or Defra exempt appliance. DEFRA is the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and it is the government that prevents the release of smoke into towns and cities in areas that could pose a problem to residents. These appliances have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that particulate emissions are greatly decreased, and are capable of passing the rigorous Defra smoke tests.
The Defra approval or DEFRA exempt logo is well known and widely adopted by the industry. It is often engraved or printed on the stove, but often the words are printed on the specification sheet. There are also models that are DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. This means they can be used with solid and wood fuels.
A Defra approved wood-burning stove has been subjected to extensive tests to determine the amount of particulate matter that it releases. It is able to conform to the Clean Air Act by supplying an appropriate amount of combustion air to the fuel so that it burns effectively without generating too much smoke. These stoves are typically more environmentally friendly than non-Defra approved stoves and can help you save money on your heating bills too.
Defra approved wood burning stoves can be particularly beneficial for those who live in a Smoke Control Area. If you use an unapproved stove in a Smoke Control Area and you're breaking the law and could be punished with a huge fine. A stove that is Defra-approved is more friendly to neighbors, since it doesn't release any harmful fumes. It will also keep your chimney and flue clean for longer.
A DEFRA-approved wood burning stove allows you to install a stove with 5kW capacity that has a stainless steel flexible twin wall liner. (Provided the manufacturer doesn't demand a larger size). It is worth considering this option if you are trying to save money by not having to buy a new chimney.
Defra Exempt
A DEFRA approved stove is an essential piece of equipment if you reside in a smoke controlled area. The stoves have been thoroughly tested to ensure they emit very little emissions that decrease the particulate matter in your home (PM10).
DEFRA approved stoves are marked with a Defra Approved or a DEFRA Exempt logo. Stoves that have the logo have been independently tested and meet strict standards for smoke control.
It is not recommended to use dry wood with an Defra Exempt Stove in a Smoke Control Zone, as this will create unintentional smoke. You cannot use non-Defra approved multi fuel stoves unless in a Smoke control Area. The stoves will also create PM10 and result in a hefty fine from the council.
Defra approved multi fuel stoves are designed to burn authorised wood and smokeless coal cleanly without producing nuisance smoke. They accomplish this using the latest combustion technology which doesn't restrict airflow to the firebox, a process also known as sleeping. Stoves that sleep overnight can produce excessive black smoke, which can be harmful for your chimney and stove.
A good example of a premium Defra Exempt multi fuel stove is the Stovax Vogue small. This well-known wood-burning fireplace is extremely efficient, with a maximum power of 5kW. It also has an integrated log storage base that makes it suitable for taller fireplace openings.
Another Defra Approved multi wood burner that burns fuel is the ACR Earlswood LS. The Earlswood is yet another multi-fuel stove that has passed extensive tests to ensure it is in compliance with the strict standards set by DEFRA for particulate emissions. It is able to be used in smoke-controlled areas and burns a variety of wood and smokeless fuels.
A multi-fuel stove that is DEFRA Exempt can be an inexpensive option for a new chimney lining. As they nearly all feature a 5" flue outlet, this means you can install a 125mm diameter stainless steel twin wall flexible chimney liner rather than the standard 6" (150mm). This is particularly economical when there is limited space for a larger sized liner and especially useful where the chimney stack is already constructed with awkward bends which make it difficult to install a traditional 6" chimney liner.
Smoke Control Areas
Many regions of the UK are designated as Smoke Control Areas which means that when you install an open fire or wood-burning stove to your home, you are required to only use fuels that are approved for burning in it. This law was passed to prevent smoke from affecting neighbouring properties, and to keep the environment clean. It does not prohibit the use solid fuel appliances or stoves that meet certain standards. DEFRA approved stoves (also known as Defra-exempted stoves) are a great choice for those who live in a smoking control area. They have been specially tested and meet these requirements.
A Defra approved stove is able to burn all authorised fuels including wood without generating excessive smoke. To accomplish this the technology used to burn wood in the Defra approved stove has been developed to limit the amount of starved the stove is of air during the burning process. This is typically accomplished by using baffles inside the stove which redirect airflow to stop it from leaving the stove.
The top DEFRA-approved stoves will include a feature called "clean burn" that allows part-burned combustibles like ash and soot to be combusted and released through the chimney rather than into the room. This feature prevents combustibles that have been partially burned from entering the stove and causing a build-up which could eventually result in black smoke.
If you have stoves that are exempt from Defra, you must only burn the fuels specified in the Clean Air Act. This is particularly the case when you are burning damp wood or other wet fuels that will create nuisance smoke. Consult the manual of your stove or with your provider to find out which fuels are permitted in your stove.
Gr8Fires offer a range of DEFRA exempt stoves that are suitable for use in smoke-free areas. The Dimplex Langbrook, for example is a chic wood-burning fireplace that is Defra exempt and can burn a wide range of authorised fuels. This model comes with a range of heat outputs, and in a variety of finishes including a matte black finish.
Heat Output
If you see an Defra approved symbol on the stove, it means that it is suitable for use in an area of smoke control when burning wood or other permissible fuels. The Defra approval process includes thorough examination and testing to make sure that the stove meets the Department of Environmental's requirements for low emissions and high efficiency of combustion. These features will help your stove be more efficient in heating your home and help you to reduce your carbon footprint.
There's a broad selection of Defra approved multi fuel stoves available with a range of sizes, from small 4kW models up to 5kW models. The ideal model will depend on many factors, such as the size of the room as well as the amount of heat needed. A stove that is too big for your space could cause excessive heating and lead to burning out of fuel. When you are choosing a multi-fuel stove or wood-burning stove it is important to seek professional advice.
defra exempt stoves should also check whether the stove is in compliance with Ecodesign 2020 regulations. These regulations aim to increase the efficiency of appliances in terms of energy use and reduce environmental impact. Ecodesign 2022 stoves burn fossil fuel more efficiently and produce less CO2 and other pollutants. They are also easier to clean, as they produce less tar and soot than other stoves.
The majority of Defra approved multi fuel stoves have air controls, which can be adjusted to control the amount of fuel burned. These stoves also come with a grate, ash pan and ash collector to ensure efficient combustion of smokeless coal. The ash pan collects ashes from the firebox and stops them from interfering with airflow to the combustion chamber.
Multi-fuel stoves come in many different styles and colours. Bright hues like blue and red can add a dramatic touch to your room and metallic finishes can give your stove a sleek and contemporary appearance. Some multi-fuel stoves come in a variety of sizes, so you can find the right one for your space.