Amid record-breaking cold temperatures, log burner owners could be impacted strict regulations (Image: Getty)
UK homeowners could face fines of up to £5,000, and even a criminal record, if they are using their log burners.
Amid sweeping across the nation over the past month, an estimated 1.5 million Brits who own log burners could be impacted by strict emission regulations.
While staying warm is essential, exceeding emission limits has significant and could leave households facing hefty penalties for non-compliance.
Ecology experts have consequently called on homeowners to use their log burners responsibly this winter.
A spokesperson for , an ecology survey firm, said: “As the colder months set in, many people will turn to their log burners to keep warm and save money on energy bills, but it’s vital to understand the latest clean air regulations.”
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“Failing to meet these standards could lead to significant fines or even a criminal record, yet many log burner owners remain unaware of the potential risks.
“The rules are clear: only compliant stoves and appropriate materials should be used.
“Burning the wrong fuels or using damaged equipment, like stoves with cracked glass, can lead to dangerous emissions and hefty penalties.
“To avoid these issues, we encourage everyone to check their burners meet the required standards and switch to eco-friendly alternatives where possible.”
Thousands of Brits own log burners, even though the government banned the sale of house coal and wet wood in England in 2021 to reduce emissions and promote greener alternatives.
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Thousands of Brits own log burners, even though the sale of house coal and wet wood was banned (Image: Getty)
Under these regulations, the permissible smoke emissions from new stoves decreased from 5g to 3g per hour.
As a result, households that fail to comply with clean air regulations risk facing hefty fines and even criminal convictions.
In England, local authorities can issue fines starting at £175 for those who breach these regulations, with penalties reaching up to £300.
Moreover, using unauthorised fuel in a non-Defra-exempt appliance could result in fines of up to £1,000.
Non-Defra-exempt refers to appliances that are not approved by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) for use with certain fuels, meaning they don’t meet the required emissions standards.
Additionally, repeat offenders may see their cases taken to court and face penalties as high as £5,000.