Home Property Some people could receive hefty fines for using their log burner this winter

Some people could receive hefty fines for using their log burner this winter

by Seamus Doherty Property Reporter
21st Jan 25 10:01 am

Brits are being warned that lighting their log burners could lead to ยฃ300 fines and even a criminal record due to strict UK emission regulations.

While keeping warm is important, excessive emissions could have serious environmental consequences, and households could face heavy fines for non-compliance with government regulations.

So ecology experts at Arbtech are urging homeowners to be mindful of their log burner usage as they could pay a heavy price to keep warm.

An estimated 1.5 million 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.

Under these regulations, the permissible smoke emissions from new stoves decreased from 5g to 3g per hour.

Households that fail to comply with clean air regulations risk facing hefty fines and even criminal convictions.

Read more related news:

Ten mistakes first-time buyers make

Hong Kongers still most dominant foreign nation in the property market

Government figures show the eighth consecutive increase in property values

Tips for remortgaging in 2025

Ecology experts at Arbtech recommend using certified fire logs and regularly inspecting the stoveโ€™s glass for cracks or signs of damage to ensure safe and legal operation.

In England, local authorities can issue fines starting at ยฃ175 for those who breach these regulations, with penalties reaching up to ยฃ300.

Using unauthorised fuel in a non-Defra-exempt appliance could result in fines of up to ยฃ1,000.

And for repeat offenders, cases taken to court could lead to penalties as high as ยฃ5,000.

A spokesperson for Arbtech said: โ€œAs the colder months set in, many people will turn to their log burners to keep warm and save money on energy bills, but itโ€™s vital to understand the latest clean air regulations.

โ€œFailing 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.

โ€œThe rules are clear: only compliant stoves and appropriate materials should be used.

โ€œBurning the wrong fuels or using damaged equipment, like stoves with cracked glass, can lead to dangerous emissions and hefty penalties.

โ€œTo avoid these issues, we encourage everyone to check their burners meet the required standards and switch to eco-friendly alternatives where possible.โ€

Leave a Comment

CLOSE AD