Multi Fuel Stoves - Are They DEFRA Approved?
It is important that you verify all the regulations prior to purchasing an appliance that is new. This includes making sure that your stove is DEFRA approved for use in smoke control areas when burning wood and approved smokeless coal.
These types of stoves have separate air controls that supply the correct amount of primary and secondary combustion air for both fuels. They also come with a removable grate for easy cleaning.
Clean Burn Technology
Multi-fuel stoves can be used with a variety of materials such as logs. Turf, smokeless fuels, peat briquettes, anthracite and other materials are all suitable for use. They generally, these substances emit less harmful emissions than logs do. As such, many of our multi-fuel stoves are equipped with clean burn technology in order to reduce the amount of particulate matter they generate during combustion. The term "clean burn" is also used to refer to other technologies that help reduce emissions such as preheated tertiary or Ecodesign Ready.
Many of our multifuel stoves feature a raised grate, or a central grate riddling with asphan beneath it. This helps maintain the best combustion conditions. This ensures that the process of combustion produces only a small amount of black smoke when operating. It also allows the removal of the ash from below the stove which can then be stored in the asphan below for safe disposal.
If you live in a Smoke Control Area, it's important to purchase a Defra exempt wood burning or multi fuel stove that is Defra approved. This will guarantee that you are able to use the stove legally as long as it's using 'authorised fuels,' according to DEFRA guidelines. The reason for this is that stoves that are not approved by DEFRA are susceptible to slumbering which is a condition in which the combustion system can be depleted of oxygen, and result in the formation of black smoke. Defra approved stoves (or Defra exempt wood burners) have been tested and verified to limit this slumbering which gives you the peace of mind that your stove will remain clean and efficient when operated correctly.
Modern multi-fuel stoves such as the Gallery Classic 5 Compact and the Stovax Stockton 3 feature contemporary designs with sleek lines and smooth surfaces that match any room. They also come in a variety of colors including traditional matte black which provides a timeless appearance that blends well with a variety of interior colour schemes. Other popular choices include neutral grey and cream finishes as well as bold hues such as green, blue, or red which can make a real statement in any living space.
Defra Approved
In areas of the UK classified as smoke-free stoves that are DEFRA approved can be employed. This includes many large cities towns, urban zones and towns. If you live in an area that is governed by DEFRA and you burn fuel or wood and you are unable to prove it, you could face an expensive fine. Stoves that are DEFRA approved will provide the minimum amount of air for efficient combustion, meaning that they produce small, if any nuisance smoke.
Stoves must pass tests for efficiency and emissions in order to get the Defra approval. The Defra Logo is easily recognizable on stoves and manufacturers' websites. Many stove manufacturers are improving the products they sell by adding secondary and tertiary components that reduce emissions. This makes their stoves more eco friendly and means that they can be used with a greater variety of fuels.
It is important to verify that a stove is DEFRA-approved before purchasing a brand new wood or multi-fuel stove. This is especially important if you reside in a smoke-control area. If you purchase a stove not DEFRA approved even if it could be used with authorised smokeless fuels, such as anthracite ovals or briquettes, you'll still be producing nuisance smoke and in breach of the law.
DEFRA approved stoves have an adjustment on the top vent that prevents you from closing it all the way down. This prevents you from starving your stove of oxygen, which would hinder its burning and cause it start to smoke. The more smouldering happens the more smoke produced and the less efficient your stove is burning. You should also only ever use dry seasoned hardwood, and only smokeless fuels that are approved in a DEFRA approved stove. The smoke produced by damp wood and other wet fuels is too much, and can upset your neighbours. This is not only illegal, but it can also lead to costly fines. If you're planning to install a multi-fuel fire place that is DEFRA-approved, you'll have employ an engineer to ensure it is in compliance with building regulations.
Smoke Control Areas
Smoke Control Areas in the UK are mostly located in large cities and towns where excessive smoke can be an issue for local residents. If you reside in a area that is that is smoke-free and you are not allowed to burn unapproved fuels on open wood-burning stoves or fires unless the appliance is listed as exempt. Defra approved wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves come with the most recent technology of combustion, which can prevent burning combustibles that are part-burned from going up your chimney. They are therefore the best option for homes with smoke control.
DEFRA approval means your appliance has been tested to ensure it burns all authorised fuels without producing excess smoke. This is accomplished by providing the correct amount of air needed for the combustion process in order to keep the combustibles at their best state. Wood burning stoves that have been approved by Defra are better for the environment and less likely to cause a chimney blockage.
Defra approved wood stoves are an excellent option for smoke-controlled homes. They offer a clean and safe method of heating your home while still complying with the requirements of the government. We have a selection of multifuel and wood stoves DEFRA approved for smoke control areas.
A stove that is Defra-approved will have a list of exclusions which explains which fuels can be burned in a smoke control area. This is mainly wood (properly dried) but can also include household smokeless substances like anthracite.
All our Defra approved wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves come with a proof of conformity from the manufacturer, as well as an extensive user guide and instructions for installation to help you get your new stove up and running safely. DEFRA lawful stoves is recommended to have your fireplace professionally installed and maintained by a certified HETAS engineer in order to ensure that the work is done to building guidelines.
Dovre provides a variety of accessories for your brand new wood-burning or multi-fuel stove such as mesh guards, log baskets and a flue liner. Contact your nearest Dovre retailer for more information about our products.
Energy Efficiency
Multi-fuel stoves are a green option because they can utilize multiple fuels. Modern multi-fuel stoves are designed to provide optimal combustion, which means they can heat your home for less. They also reduce emissions and can be used to supplement the central heating system you already have.
You can save money by using energy-efficient stoves. They are more efficient in fuel usage than traditional wood-burning stoves and are available in a range temperatures ranging from 5kW to 8.5kW.
Choosing a multi-fuel stove equipped with triple burn technology can help to further increase its efficiency. The triple burn technology employs three stages to ensure that each part of the fuel is burned completely, resulting in more efficient heating and lower emissions.
Multi-fuel stoves are popular because they provide greater flexibility in terms of fuel selection. This is a great option for those who live in smoke-controlled areas as it allows them to burn both wood or smokeless coal. However it is recommended to only burn the fuels suggested by the stove manufacturer and not household waste or wood that has been treated or painted.
You should ensure that the stove you purchase is appropriate for your home, and has the proper chimney outlet. You should also check that the chimney or flue system is in good shape and that there is enough clearance around it (known as distance from the combustibles) for safety.
Multi-fuel stoves are available in a variety of styles to suit your home decor. Some come in vibrant colors like red or blue, and others come with metallic finishes and enamel coatings which can create a modern, industrial design to your home. There are stoves that have built-in log storage, such as the ACR Malvern Log Store and Mendip Woodland Log Store. This is a convenient way to store firewood.
A multi-fuel stove could be more flexible than the traditional wood stove, but you must adhere to the strict rules that are set by DEFRA to avoid causing nuisance smoke. If you have the stove that doesn't comply with these guidelines, you may be penalized. Follow the guidelines that are in the manual for your stove.