What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
Also called Defra Exempt Stoves and Smoke Control Approved Stoves These stoves are usually designed to burn Defra approved smokeless fuels, such as Anthracite ovals. They are not suitable for use with wood.
To be exempt from Defra the stove's air controls as well as its flue draught must pass tests in a laboratory. These tests are different from the real-world conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA-approved stove is a wood-burning or multifuel stove that has passed a rigorous examination designed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This test ensures the stove can burn approved smokeless fuels, like logs or briquettes in smoke Controlled Areas. This kind of stove isn't just better for the environment, but it is also better for your neighbours too as it will reduce the nuisance smoke.
These DEFRA stoves use specialised combustion technology that allows them to sleep or slumber longer than other stoves. This means 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 flow of oxygen into the firebox, causing the fuel to burn at a low level until it is eliminated.
Defra stoves are often referred to as smoke exempt 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 to indicate that they will be in compliance with the new Ecodesign emissions limits when they enter into force next year.
When it comes to purchasing a DEFRA stove, there are many different aspects you need to consider. These include the design of stove, the types of fuel you can burn, and the amount of heat that it is able to generate. You may also want to consider other options, like a remote control system that is easy to use or an air-wash system.
There are a variety of DEFRA woodburning and multi-fuel stoves available. There are many traditional models available for those who want to incorporate a stove into an existing fireplace or inglenook. There are also contemporary and modern models that look stunning without a surround or mantle. You will also need to think about the fuel you'd like to use since there are DEFRA exempt wood burners and many dedicated Defra approved stoves that allow for the usage of authorised smokeless fuels.
Smoke Controlled Areas
Most towns and cities in the UK are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so if you reside in one, you will need to have 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 they burn in a smokeless way.
The main characteristic of a DEFRA approved stove is that they've been designed with Clean Burn technology, which is how they are able to be smoke free. This is achieved by forcing oxygen into the combustion chamber continuously until the fuel has been consumed. This means that the fire won't be shut off like a traditional stove and therefore it will continue to burn at a low level until the fuel is consumed completely and the flue gases are exhausted.
This permits the stove to be used legally in a Smoke-Control Area that uses 'authorized fuels'. This includes wood as well as manufactured smokeless fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless briquettes and firelogs. This is different to non-Defra approved stoves which are only allowed to be used in a Smoke Control Area when they are fitted with a special Smoke Control Kit.
It is possible to put the Smoke Control Kit on a wood burning stove that is not exempt from DEFRA However, this is not recommended. You could put your family members at risk of exposure to toxic gases and toxins which can cause lung damage. The use of a non DEFRA exempt wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area may result in heavy fines.
Stovax has a wide selection of multi-fuel and wood burning fireplaces, stoves and fires that are all DEFRA exempt and are able to be used in smoke-free areas. Enter your postcode to find the closest dealer. Our dealers will be happy to assist you in locating the perfect DEFRA-approved stove for your home.
It is important to remember that all new stoves must be installed by a HETAS registered installer to guarantee they are safe and in compliance with current building regulations. defra stove -approved stove that can be used in Smoke Control Areas helps reduce emissions, which has led to a reduction in amount of sulphur dioxide emitted into the air. Ecodesign regulation across the EU will be implemented in 2022 and will establish minimum efficiencies and emission limits.
Smokeless Fuels
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a stove that uses smokeless fuels. The stove must be DEFRA-approved to be used in areas with smoke control. This means that the appliance has been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that particulate emissions are reduced. In addition, there are a number of stoves that utilize specially designed smokeless fuels that burn cleaner than traditional coal. This is better for the environment as well as your neighbors.
Smokeless fuels are typically anthracite based and come in the form of brquettes. They are designed to be more eco-friendly than traditional coal, and they can last 40% longer. In addition smokeless fuels generate more heat than traditional coal, and they don't emit as much carbon dioxide.
They are more expensive, but they offer many benefits for you and your family. They are less difficult to ignite and will not produce more soot or Ash. The glass screen and stove grates will need to be cleaned less often. They also create a more dancing flame, and they don't emit more smoke.
You should always remember that if your home is in a smoke-control zone that you are only permitted to use wood or authorised fuels to heat your stove. If you choose to use unauthorised fuels, you could be in violation of the law and could be subject to an expensive fine. If you use an unapproved woodburner approved by DEFRA, you could create smoke that will make your neighbors angry.
This is why it's important to purchase the DEFRA exempt stove that will allow you to burn smokeless fuels in your home. All stoves included in this group have been thoroughly tested to ensure that they are in compliance with DEFRA regulations, and don't emit noxious smoke. This is achieved by ensuring that they are equipped with the most recent combustion technology which prevents part-burned combustibles from being released into the air.
Warranty
DEFRA stoves can be wood burning or multi-fuel stoves that have been approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas. They have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they provide clean and efficient burning, with low emissions, and optimal performance. They also come in various styles to fit your style and home.
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, and Cleanburn Stoves. They are all referring to the same stove that has been tested and proven to be capable of meeting the strict requirements of UK legislation that limits smoke over a regulated time frame.
The stove must only be used with approved smokeless fuels such as blue flame anthracite or anthracite. If you try to burn anything other than approved smokeless fuels, it will produce nuisance smoke that can cause respiratory problems for those suffering from asthma. It is the obligation of the installer and the consumer to ensure that the appliance is suitable for their particular property using the Defra calculator, ensuring that all chimney components are in order, ensuring minimum distances to combustibles are adhered to and the hearth size is suitable for the stove being installed.
Stoves that have been installed incorrectly may cause damage, leakage and void the warranty. Installation should be performed by a HETAS certified engineer to ensure that the stove is safe and correctly installed. Consumable items such as glass, door and glass rope seals, paint finish internal lining plates, firebricks and baffles are not covered under the warranty. These are regarded as replacement parts for the customer and can be purchased from us should you require them. Damage to the stove by salt air or high humidity conditions is not covered by the warranty, neither.
The purchase of a DEFRA stove is an investment into your home, not only for the warmth it provides you, but also for the security of knowing that you are doing all you can to to protect the environment and your neighbors too. You can rest assured that a DEFRA-approved wood burning or multi-fuel stove will last for many years.