Warning as new rules could see homeowners face £300 fine in their bid to keep warm

New regulations have been introduced to protect homeowners and the environment following fears that log burners can release dangerous gases, but some people could be at risk of being hit with a hefty fine

Having a wood burner can add an extra layer of warmth and cosiness to your home, but could it be posing a risk to your health?

Certain appliances that burn solid fuel, such as wood burning or multi-fuel stoves, can release harmful gases. To mitigate the risk of dangerous pollutants from domestic burning, new regulations were introduced last month which could result in local councils in England issuing fines for illegal use of log burners.

It's not just your own health at stake if you misuse a log burner. Failure to adhere to the new guidelines could also result in financial penalties for emitting smoke into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution which can harm those around you.

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From 2022, new laws have been implemented that regulate the type of log burner you can buy and what you can burn in it. However, some of these laws only came into effect recently, so experts are warning that many people could inadvertently breach them this winter.

Here's what you need to know, reports the Mirror.

Are log burners now illegal?

The specialists at the Energy Saving Trust confirm that this is not the case. While restrictions are being tightened, there are currently no plans to completely ban wood burners anywhere in the UK.

The UK government's Environmental Improvement Plan has acknowledged the necessity of solid fuel burning for many households, saying: "The UK government recognises that some households are reliant on solid fuel burning as a primary source for heating, hot water and cooking, with this in mind government is not seeking to ban burning."

Nevertheless, failure to adhere to specific regulations could lead to hefty fines. Over 1.5 million Britons enjoy wood-burning stoves, yet most now reside within Smoke Control Areasreferred to as 'smokeless zones'across England.

DEFRA defines these areas as parts of the country where emitting large amounts of smoke from a chimney is an offence, subjecting violators to potential fines under a civil enforcement system for breaching strict domestic burning restrictions.

For those with log burners or considering installation, it's critical to check whether your abode falls within a smoke-controlled area here.

Focusing on wood burner regulations, the guidance has become more rigorous over time, aiming to safeguard residents' well-being alongside environmental health. Compliance with these rules, as per the Energy Saving Trust, ensures legal standing and safety.

As for penalties concerning unlawful use of a log burner, offenders may find themselves facing fines if they fail to follow the established guidelines.

The Energy Saving Trust has stated: "Local authorities in England have the power to issue fines starting from £175 for people breaking these rules. But the fines can go as high as £300. You could also get a fine of up to £1,000 for using unauthorised fuel in an appliance that's not on the Defra-exempt list."

They further added: "If the situation goes to court, fines could be as high as £5,000 for repeat offenders."