What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
These stoves, referred to as Defra Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Approved Stoves are designed to burn smokeless fuels that have been approved by Defra like Anthracite Ovals. They are not suited for use with wood.
To be exempt from Defra the stove's air controls and flue draught must pass tests in the laboratory. These tests are different from the actual conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA-approved stove is a wood-burning or multifuel stove that has passed a rigorous test designed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The test confirms that the stove is able to burn approved non-smokeless fuels like logs or briquettes in smoke Controlled Areas. This type of stove will not only be more eco-friendly but also for your neighbors as it will reduce nuisance fume.
These DEFRA stoves are equipped with special combustion technology that lets them sleep longer or rest longer than other stoves. They can burn non-smokeless fuels that are approved in a safe and efficient manner while maintaining the amount of heat required for your home. This is achieved by limiting the oxygen supply to the firebox. The fuel will then burn at a lower level until it is completely consumed.
Defra stoves are often called SE stoves or smoke-free stoves. They also will have an emblem or label with the DEFRA Logo on it. You may even find them labeled as ecodesign 2022 compliant to indicate that they will be able to meet the new Ecodesign emissions limits when they enter into force next year.
When it comes to purchasing a DEFRA stove, there are many different factors that you will need to consider. These include the style of stove, the kinds of fuels you can burn and the amount of heat it can generate. There are also some additional features that you might wish to consider such as an easy-to-use remote control system or an air-washing system.
There are a variety of DEFRA stoves that are woodburning or multi-fuel available. If you are looking for a stove to be installed in an existing fireplace or inglenook, there are plenty of traditional options to pick from, however there are also modern and contemporary models that would look great without the mantle or surround. It is also important to think about the fuel you want to use as there are DEFRA exempt wood burners and many specifically Defra approved stoves that only allow the use of approved smokeless fuels.
Smoke Controlled Areas
The majority of cities and towns in the UK are defined as Smoke Control Areas, so if you live in one then 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.
A DEFRA approved stove has been designed with Clean Burn Technology, which is the reason they are smoke-free. This is accomplished by forcing oxygen into the combustion chamber continuously until the fuel has been consumed. This means the fire can't be shut off as in a traditional stove, and it will continue to burn at a lower temperature until the fuel is consumed completely and the flue gases are exhausted.
This permits stoves to be used legally in a Smoke Control Area, with 'authorized fuels'. This includes wood and manufactured smokeless fuels like anthracite and smokeless briquettes as well as firelogs. This differs from stoves that are not approved by the Defra, which can only be used in a Smoke Control Area when they are fitted with a special Smoke Control Kit.
It is possible to fit a non-DEFRA exempt wood burning stove with the correct Smoke Control Kit, this is not recommended as you could be putting your family members at risk of breathing toxic gases and toxins that could cause lung damage. The use of a non DEFRA exempt wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area may result in heavy fines.
Stovax offers a wide range of wood burning, multi-fuel and fireplaces which are all DEFRA-exempt and can be used within smoke controlled areas. Enter your postcode to locate the closest dealer. Our dealers are more than happy 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 an HETAS registered installer to ensure that they are installed safely and meet the requirements of current building regulations. A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance that can be used in Smoke Control Areas helps reduce emissions, leading to a decrease in the amount of sulphur dioxide 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 choosing a stove with smokeless fuels, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration. The stove has to be DEFRA-approved for use in areas that are smoke-controlled. The stove has been subjected to rigorous tests in order to reduce the emissions of particulate matter. There are also stoves that make use of smokeless fuels that burn cleaner than traditional coal. This makes them better for the environment and your neighbors!
Briquettes are generally made of anthracite and are non-smokeless fuels. They are made to be more eco-friendly than traditional coal, and they also last up to 40 percent longer. Additionally smokeless fuels generate more heat than traditional coal, and they don't release as much carbon dioxide.
They cost more than traditional coal, but they come with a number of advantages for you and your family. They are easier to light and they will not create as much ash or soot. This means that your stove grill and the glass screen won't need cleaning as often. They also create a more dancing flame and they do not emit the same amount of smoke that is a nuisance.
It is important to keep in mind that if you reside in a smoke control zone, you are only allowed to burn wood and authorised fuels in your stove. You could be fined if you burn unauthorised fuels. If you choose to use a wood burner that isn't DEFRA approved, then you will produce smoke that could cause trouble for your neighbors.
It is therefore essential to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove to allow you to burn smokeless materials in your home. All stoves in this category have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that they meet the DEFRA regulations and that they do not produce nuisance smoke. This is accomplished by making sure that they have the latest 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 gone through rigorous testing to ensure they offer clean and efficient combustion, 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 marketplace under many different names like Defra Exempt Stoves, SE Stoves, Smoke Exempt stoves, Smoke Control Area Approved stoves as well as Cleanburn Stoves. They are all referring to the same stove that has been tested and proved to be able of meeting strict UK laws that limit the amount of smoking to a predetermined period of time.
A Defra Approved stove can only be used to burn dry wood and approved smokeless fuels like blue flame or anthracite oval anthracite. If you try to burn other fuels will cause smoke nuisance that could cause health issues for people with asthma or other breathing disorders. It is the responsibility of the installer and the consumer to ensure that the appliance is appropriate for their home by using the Defra calculator, ensuring that all chimney components are in good working order, ensuring minimum distances to combustibles are maintained and the hearth size is suitable for the stove being installed.
Stoves that are installed incorrectly can cause damage, leakage and invalidate the warranty. The installation must be done by a certified HETAS engineer to ensure that the stove is safe for use and is properly installed. Consumable items such as glass door and glass rope seals, paint finishes internal lining plates, baffles and firebricks are not covered under the warranty. These are regarded as parts that can be replaced by the customer and can be purchased from us in the event of need. The warranty does not cover damage caused by high humidity or salt air.
Purchasing you could try this out is an investment in your home, not only for the warmth it will provide you with but also for the peace of mind that you are doing everything you can to protect the environment and your neighbors too. You can be assured that the DEFRA-approved wood-burning or multi-fuel stove will last for many years.