BRITS are being warned that use of a central heating alternative could see you hit with a £300 fine and a criminal record after new rules came into place.
People have to take care when using one of the oldest and dirtiest appliances in homes, the classic log burner.
The amount of smoke new log burners can emit each hour dropped from 5g to 3g in January and Brits are being warned to not go over the limit this winter.
Anyone caught breaking the rule could be given an on-the-spot fine and even a criminal record.
The new rule applies to smoke control areas, most of which are towns and cities in England.
If you don't live in one, you're not affected by the rule but people are being advised to check what applies in their local areas.
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Log burners have been growing in popularity as an alternative to using central heating and keeping energy bills down.
It is now estimated around one million households in the UK use a log burner to keep warm.
Local authorities responsible for enforcing the new smoking control rules in urban areas have said they have found it difficult to properly prosecute lawbreakers.
Specifically, the councils have found it tricky to prove and provide evidence beyond reasonable doubt when it comes to pollution.
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Over the past six years, English councils have only issued 17 fines despite complaints reaching tens of thousands.
Now councils will be expected to use the 2021 Environment Act to enforce the new rules.
An individual can also be fined up to £1,000 if they burn unauthorised fuel without an exempt appliance.
Experts at Which? say it is clear that the pollutants released by wood-burning stoves have negative health and environmental impacts.
All stoves placed on the market after January 2022 must be ecodesign compliant.
If you bought your stove before this time, or your stove was placed on the market before January 2022, this legislation does not apply to you.
If you are interested in purchasing a log burner it’s recommended you buy one from a reputable retailer that complies with Ecodesign regulations.
Before doing so you should consider:
- The condition of your chimney
- Whether you have a vent in the room
- Whether you need a flue installed
Ways to keep warm this winter
There are several other affordable ways you keep warm this winter.
A hot water bottle is a great cost-free way to keep warm.
Consider getting an electric blanket they will cost you between £15-£50 but they a very useful at night.
Don't forget preventative measures like draught excludes, they stop cold air coming in from underneath draughty doors.
You can get some for as little as a fiver in most stores but a thick blanket rolled up will work just as well.
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Loft insulation is also very important as it can stop heat escaping, therefore slashing your heating bill.
You can buy insulation from all local builder merchants or retailers such as B&Q and Wickes.
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