Multi Fuel Stoves - Are They DEFRA Approved?
When looking to purchase an appliance it is essential to make sure that your chosen appliance adheres to all regulations. It is crucial to make sure that your stove has been DEFRA approved for use in smoke control areas burning wood or approved smokeless coal.
These stoves are designed with separate air controls to provide the correct amount of secondary and primary combustion air for both fuels. They also come with an ash pan for easy cleaning.
Clean Burn Technology
Multi fuel stoves are made to take a variety of different materials in addition logs. Thermo-free fuels, turf, peat briquettes, anthracite, and other materials are all suitable for use. They generally, these substances emit less harmful emissions than logs do. A lot of our multifuel stoves have clean burn technology that reduces the amount of particles produced during combustion. The term "clean burn" can also refer to other technologies that help reduce emissions like preheated secondary or Ecodesign Ready.
Many of our multifuel stoves also feature a raised grate, or a central grate with asphan beneath it. This allows for the optimal combustion conditions. This ensures that the process of combustion produces minimal black smoke when operating. It also allows for the removal of ash from the bottom of the stove which can then be contained inside the asphan below for safe disposal.
If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, it's important to purchase a Defra exempt wood burning or multi fuel stove that is Defra approved. This will ensure that you can use the stove legally so long as it is only using 'approved fuels' according to DEFRA guidelines. The reason for this is that non-Defra approved stoves are susceptible to slumbering, an issue where the combustion system could be deprived of oxygen, which can result in the formation of black smoke. Defra approved stoves (or Defra exempt wood burners) have been tested and confirmed to reduce the risk of slumbering and give you the peace of mind that your stove will be clean and efficient when operated correctly.
Modern multi-fuel stoves, like the Stovax Stovax Stockton 3, have a modern design with sleek lines and smooth surfaces that are perfect for any room. They also come in a variety of colors including traditional matte black that offers a timeless look that blends well with a wide variety of interior color styles. Other popular options include neutral shades of cream and grey as well as vibrant hues such as red, blue or green which can make a real statement in any living space.
Defra Approved
Stoves that are DEFRA approved (also known as SE or Smoke Exempt) are able to be used in regions of the UK which are designated as smoke-free. This includes a lot of large cities, towns and urban zones. If you reside in an area that is governed by DEFRA and burn unapproved fuel or wood you could be subject to an expensive fine. Stoves that are DEFRA approved will provide the minimum amount of air required for efficient combustion. This means that they emit very small, if any nuisance smoke.
To get the Defra approval stoves must be tested for efficiency and emissions. The Defra Logo is easily recognizable on stoves and manufacturers' websites. Many stove manufacturers are improving their products by adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems that aid in reducing emissions. This makes their stoves environmentally sustainable and allows them be used with a wider range of fuels.
You should always check if the stove is DEFRA-approved prior buying a new wood or multi-fuel stove. This is particularly important if you live in a zone of smoke control. Even if you use approved smokeless fuels, such as briquettes and anthracite, a stove not DEFRA-approved will still produce nuisance smoke, which is in violation of the law.
DEFRA approved stoves come with an adjustment on the top vent that prevents it from being shut all the way. This stops you from robbing the stove of oxygen that will slow down its combustion and cause it to start smoulder. The more smouldering occurs, the more smoke will be produced and the less efficiently your stove will be. You should only use dry seasoned hardwood and only authorised smokeless fuels in a DEFRA approved stove. The smoke that is produced by damp wood and other wet fuels is excessive and can cause trouble for your neighbors. DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews is not just illegal, but can also result in expensive fines. If you want a multi-fuel stove that is DEFRA approved it is necessary to be installed professionally by an engineer to ensure that it meets all of the relevant building regulations.
Smoke Control Areas
Smoke Control Areas in the UK are located primarily in large cities and towns where smoke pollution is an issue for local residents. If you reside in a zone of smoke control, you are not permitted to burn unauthorised fuels on open fires or wood burning stoves unless they are listed as exempt appliances. Defra approved wood burning and multi-fuel stoves feature the latest technology to prevent part-burned combustibles from going up your chimney and making them the ideal option for your smoke-free property.
DEFRA approval is a sign that your appliance has been tested and approved to burn all fuels permitted without producing excessive smoke. This is achieved by providing the right amount of air needed for the combustion process in order to ensure that the combustibles remain at their ideal levels. For this reason, Defra approved wood burning stoves are also better for the environment and less likely to block your chimney.
Defra approved stoves are a great choice for your smoke controlled home they provide a safe and clean way to heat your home while complying with the government's strict guidelines. We have a selection of multifuel and wood stoves DEFRA approved for areas of smoke control.
A stove that is approved by Defra will have a list of exclusions that explain what fuels are allowed to be burned in a smoke control area. This will be predominantly wood (properly seasoned) but could also include household smokeless fuels such as natural anthracite.
All of our Defra-approved wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves come with an official certificate from the manufacturer along with an user's guide and detailed installation instructions to help you get your stove running in a safe way. It is advisable to have your fireplace professionally installed and maintained by a licensed HETAS engineer in order to ensure that the work is done in accordance with building regulations.
Dovre offers a wide selection of accessories for your brand new stove that is wood-burning or multi-fuel that include log baskets, mesh guards and a flue liner. For more information on our products, call your local Dovre retailer.
Energy Efficiency
Multi-fuel stoves are an eco-friendly option because they can utilize multiple fuels. Modern multi-fuel stoves are created to provide the best combustion. This means that they can heat your home for less. They can also be used as a supplement to your central heating system and help reduce emissions.
You can save money by using energy efficient stoves. They are more fuel-efficient than traditional wood-burning models and come in a range of temperatures ranging from 5kW to 8.5kW.
Choosing a multi-fuel stove with triple burn technology can improve its efficiency. This technology uses three stages to ensure that all fuel is completely burned, which results in a more efficient heating system as well as lower emissions.
Multi-fuel stoves are popular since they provide greater flexibility in the selection of fuel. This is a wonderful option for those who live in areas that are smoke-free since it allows them the option to burn both wood or smokeless coal. However it is recommended to only burn the fuels suggested by the stove manufacturer and never household waste or wood that has been painted or treated.
When you purchase a multi-fuel stove, ensure that it is appropriate for your home and it has the correct flue outlet. It is also important to ensure that the flue system or chimney is in good working order and that there is sufficient space around it, referred to as distance to combustibles, to ensure safe operation.
Multi-fuel stoves come in a variety of styles that can be adapted to any style of home. Some come in vibrant colors like red or blue, while others have metallic finishes and enamel coatings which can create an industrial, modern design to your home. There are stoves that have built-in log stores such as the ACR Malvern Log Store or Mendip Woodland Log Store, to make it easier to store your firewood.
While a multi-fuel stove is more versatile than a wood burning stove you must ensure that it adheres to the strict guidelines established by DEFRA to avoid creating unpleasant smoke. If you are using a stove which does not conform to these guidelines, you could be penalized. Always follow the guidelines that are in the manual for your stove.