Brits are being warned they could face hefty fines and a criminal record for lighting up their log burners.
The experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk are urging households to be cautious when using their log burners at home as they could pay a heavy price to keep warm.
Under Government regulations, the amount of smoke new stoves can emit per hour has dropped from 5g to 3g.
Last year the government moved to ban the sale of house coal and wet wood in England in a bid to reduce emissions and encourage the use of greener alternatives.
An estimated 1.5 million Brits own a log burner.
Now the experts are warning that if clean air regulations are not followed correctly, households could face hundreds in fines and a criminal conviction for not adhering to the law.
They’re advising people to use certified fire logs and to monitor the stove’s glass to ensure there are no small cracks or excess damage.
John Cutts, expert at MeandMyGlass.co.uk said: “With the cold weather fast approaching, it’s likely many of us will want to get warm and cosy by lighting up log burners at home.
“But many log burner owners are unaware of the recent implications of clean air regulations. If they’re not followed correctly, thousands of Brits could face large fines and even a criminal conviction.
“The regulations state that owners are to face penalties for using wood-burning stoves which don’t meet the UK’s standard for emissions.
“Not only do people have to be aware of the type of log burner they’re using, but also the material being burned on it. Using the wrong log burner and materials will result in a hefty penalty.
“The regulations encourage owners to switch to more eco-friendly alternatives, so we strongly advise all log burner owners to be cautious of the materials they’re using on the stove.
“That’s why it’s important to make sure that the materials being used adhere to the guidelines and that any stoves with glass doors are still fit to function without any cracks that could lead to fumes escaping from the burner.”
