What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
Also referred to as Defra Exempt Stoves and Smoke Control Approved Stoves, these stoves are designed to burn Defra approved smokeless fuels, such as Anthracite ovals. However, they will not be suitable for use with wood.
To be deemed Defra exempt, a stove has to meet laboratory testing requirements for flue draught control and air controls. These tests differ slightly from real world conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that has passed a rigorous test conducted by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This test ensures that the stove is able to use approved smokeless fuels, like briquettes and logs in Smoke Controlled Areas. This kind of stove isn't just more eco-friendly, but it is also better for your neighbours too because it reduces the nuisance smoke.
These DEFRA stoves are equipped with a specialised combustion system that allows them to sleep longer or rest longer than other stoves. They will burn any smokeless fuels that have been approved in a safe and efficient manner while maintaining the required heat output for your home. This is accomplished by restricting the oxygen supply to the firebox. The fuel will then burn at a lower temperature until it is completely consumed.
Defra stoves are typically called SE stoves or smoke-free stoves. They also will have an emblem or label with the DEFRA logo on it. You may find them labeled as 'Ecodesign compliant 2022' to indicate they will meet the new Ecodesign emission limits when they become effective next year.
There are a variety of factors to take into account when buying a DEFRA. Included in this are the model of stove, the types of fuel that can be burned, and the amount of heat it's capable of producing. There are DEFRA stoves price range that you might wish to think about such as a simple remote control system or an air-washing system.
When selecting when choosing a DEFRA woodburning or multi-fuel stove, it is important to think about the style of decor you want to incorporate into your home, as there are various styles to choose from. There are numerous traditional models available if you want to fit a stove into an existing fireplace or inglenook. There are also contemporary and modern models that look amazing without a mantle or surround. You will also have to consider what fuel you wish to use. There are DEFRA approved stoves and wood burners which are exempt from regulations.
Smoke Controlled Areas
The majority of cities and towns 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. They are designed to be in compliance with the Clean Air Act regulations and have been tested to ensure that they burn in a smokeless way.
The key feature of the DEFRA approved stove is that they have been engineered with Clean Burn technology, which is how they manage to be smoke-free. This is accomplished by pushing oxygen into the combustion chamber constantly until the fuel has been consumed. This means that the fire will not be turned off, as in the traditional stove. It will continue to burn at a low level until all the fuel is consumed and the exhaust gases have been exhausted.
This allows you to legally use the stove in a Smoke Control Area with 'authorised fuels' which include wood and manufactured smokeless fuels (anthracite, smokeless briquettes, and firelogs). This is different to stoves that are not approved by the Defra, which are only permitted to be used in a Smoke Control Area provided they've been equipped with a specific Smoke Control Kit.
Although 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 put your family members at risk of breathing toxic gasses and toxins that could cause lung damage. Additionally, the use of a non-DEFRA exempt stove within a Smoke Control Area can result in hefty fines.
Stovax provides a variety of wood-burning, multi-fuel and fireplaces which are all DEFRA exempt and can be used in smoke-controlled areas. Please enter your postcode to find the nearest dealer. Our dealers will be glad to assist you in finding the ideal DEFRA-approved stove for your home.
It is essential to remember that all new stoves should be installed by HETAS-registered installers to ensure that they are fitted safely and comply with current building regulations. Stoves that are DEFRA approved and is able to be used in a Smoke Control Area helps to reduce your emissions which has helped in reducing sulphur dioxide levels in the air. From 2022 EU-wide Ecodesign regulation will set minimum efficiencies, NOX and OGV ceilings and emissions limits which appear to be more strict than the current requirements for Defra Exempt stoves.
Smokeless Fuels
When selecting a stove that uses smokeless fuels, there are many aspects to take into consideration. To begin the stove has to be DEFRA approved to be employed in a smoke-free area. The appliance has been subjected to rigorous tests to reduce particulate emissions. In addition, there are a number of stoves that use 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, which is a smokeless fuel. They are made to be more environmentally friendly than traditional coal, and can last 40 percent longer. Additionally smokeless fuels generate more heat than traditional coal and they don't emit the same amount of carbon dioxide.
They are more expensive, but have many advantages for you and your family. They are less difficult to ignite and will not produce as much soot or ash. The glass screen and the stove grates will need to be cleaned less frequently. They create dancing flames and emit less smoke.
It is essential to remember that if reside in a smoke control zone, you are only allowed to burn fuels that are approved in your stove. You could be fined if you burn fuels that are not approved. If you are using an unapproved woodburner approved by DEFRA, you could create smoke that will make your neighbors angry.
It is therefore vital to buy a DEFRA-exempt stove that allows you to burn smokeless substances in your home. All stoves in this category have been tested thoroughly to ensure they're in compliance with DEFRA regulations and don't emit noxious smoke. This is accomplished by ensuring that the stoves use the most modern combustion technology that prevent part-burned combustibles being released into the air.
Warranty
DEFRA stoves are wood burning or multi fuel stoves that are approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas. They have gone through rigorous testing to ensure that they provide clean and efficient combustion, with low emissions, and the best performance. They also come in various styles to match your style and home.
Defra Approved Stoves are referred to in the market under a variety of different names like Defra Exempt Stoves, SE Stoves, Smoke Exempt stoves, Smoke Control Area Approved stoves and Cleanburn Stoves. They are all referring to the same type of stove that has been tested and proven to be capable of meeting the strict requirements of UK regulations that limit the amount of smoke that can be emitted over a specified period of time.
The stove should only be used with approved smokeless fuels such as blue flame or anthracite. If you try to burn anything other than approved smokeless fuels it will release smoke that can cause respiratory issues for people suffering from asthma. The installer and customer are responsible for ensuring whether the appliance is suitable for the property by using the Defra Calculator, making sure that all chimney parts are correct and adhere to the minimum distances from the combustibles.
Stoves that have been installed incorrectly can cause damage, leakage and void the warranty. Installation must be carried out by a HETAS-certified engineer to ensure that the stove is safe and properly installed. The warranty does not cover consumable items such as glass seals made of glass rope on doors and windows, paint finishes, internal lining plates, firebricks, and baffles. These are considered as customer replaceable parts and can be purchased from us in the event of need. The warranty does not cover any damage caused by high humidity or salt air.
A DEFRA stove can not only add warmth to your home but will also give you peace of mind knowing you're doing your part to protect the environment. You can rest assured that a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove will last many years.