26 January 2024 , 12:34
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Lighting your log burner might be one of your favourite parts of the cold months, and a way of making your home as cosy as possible during the long evenings we experience in the winter. But experts have issued a stark warning that you might be leaving yourself open to "large fines" if you aren't careful about how you use it.
Back in 2021, new regulations were introduced by the government regarding log burners and the kind of wood that could be burned in them - making it unlawful to sell wet wood. This is because wet wood - as opposed to dry wood - "is a major source of the pollutant PM2.5" which the World Health Organisation has identified "as the most serious air pollutant for human health" the government said at the time.
On the other hand, dry wood produces up to 50% fewer emissions and also can create more heat, arguably making it a more cost-effective option as well.
These restrictions don't mean that you can't have a log burner at all - around 1.5 million people in the UK are estimated to own one - but simply that it must meet certain standards, and if it doesn't or you are burning wet wood in it, you could face a significant fine, an expert has warned.
John Cutts, from MeandMyGlass.co.uk, explained that "many log burner owners are unaware of the recent implications of clean air regulations. If they're not followed correctly, thousands of Brits could face large fines and even a criminal conviction.
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"The regulations state that owners are to face penalties for using wood-burning stoves which don’t meet the UK’s standard for emissions. Not only do people have to be aware of the type of log burner they're using, but also the material being burned on it. Using the wrong log burner and materials will result in a hefty penalty."
The new standard is that log burners can only emit 3g of smoke per hour - this used to be 5g, but it has dropped with the new regulations. A new scheme was brought in where all fuel must be certified, and shops are only allowed to sell items that come with the proper labelling - and the expert warns that you must make sure you have bought certified fuel only.
Cutts has said: "The regulations encourage owners to switch to more eco-friendly alternatives, so we strongly advise all log burner owners to be cautious of the materials they’re using on the stove."
Equally, the expert advises that you regularly do a careful, regular check-up of your log burner itself, to make sure that there is no damage to it, which could cause it to emit more smoke: "It's important to make sure that the materials being used adhere to the guidelines and that any stoves with glass doors are still fit to function without any cracks that could lead to fumes escaping from the burner."
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