Log burner owners could face a ‘£300 fine and criminal record’- expert tips on how to avoid this
With new rules affecting log burners in the UK, households could now face hefty fines of up to £300 and even a criminal record for not complying.
The tightening of emissions regulations has reduced the amount of smoke new stoves can emit per hour from 5g to 3g, applying to homes in ‘smoke control’ areas - which covers most UK towns and cities.
The government previously also issued a ban on the burning of wet wood and house coal, urging households to switch to cleaner alternatives.
The stove glass experts at Me and My Glass have put together some log burner tips on upkeep to help homeowners abide by the rules and put safety first.
Be mindful of what you burn
Under the rules items such as wet wood, Christmas trees, treated wood, and coloured paper, will all be banned from use in log burners. Homeowners should always remember not to burn such materials, not only for the environment, but also for the upkeep of their wood burners.
The experts advise that you should look to trusted wood suppliers if you’re unsure about what materials you should be placing in your wood burner. Products like these firewood logs should always be ready to burn certified and adhere to the rule of having no more than a 20% moisture level.
Maintenance checks
Log burners should be professionally checked on a yearly basis without fail, but the experts recommend regularly checking the appearance of log burners too. Keeping an eye out for any small cracks or damage to wood stove glass should be an immediate priority for example. Homeowners should replace wood stove glass as soon as they notice any inconsistencies and keeping the glass clean leaves less room for safety errors too.
Following rules introduced in 2022, it’s also important that wood-burning stoves meet the new ‘Ecodesign’ guidelines. Older models may not meet the current safety standards and it’s more important than ever to check your model meets the criteria.
Room safety
It goes without saying that the room in which your log burner is situated needs to be fit for purpose. Areas surrounding the log burner need to be clear, with no obstructions placed near the door. A Carbon monoxide alarm must also be fitted in the same room as a log burning stove. This is an essential part of upkeep and safety, with regular alarm checks needed too.
John Cutts, Managing Director at Me and My Glass commented: “It’s important to note that the government isn’t banning the use of wood burners in our homes, but what this does mean is that there needs to be more emphasis on safety and upkeep than ever. For many of our customers, wood-burners are an essential part of heating their homes, but used incorrectly, they can have a significant contribution to pollution levels and pose personal safety concerns.
“We want to remind people to use the right burning materials and make glass maintenance a priority too. The new rules are a stark reminder to give our wood burners an overhaul this season.”
