Households across the UK are being warned they could be fined as much as £300 if they use a log burner attached to their chimney.

While every house built before the 2000s probably has a chimney on the roof, most of us won’t have used it for decades or possibly ever, and the fireplace itself may well be blocked up and inaccessible.

But millions of people across the country still use a log burner to heat their home in the winter, with traditional fuels such as coal, or have a wood burner fitted into the chimney, especially state pensioners trying to keep their energy bills low.

Unfortunately, if your chimney starts belching out smoke, there are areas of the UK where you can be reported to the local council and fined, because of a rule around Smoke Control Areas.

Smoke Control Areas govern how much smoke can be emitted from your chimney.

Most of England is now covered by Smoke Control areas, and if you live in one, you can be fined £300 if your chimney produces too much smoke – while persistent offenders could face criminal charges.

Section 19 of the Clean Air Act 1993 says you must pay £300 if too much smoke is being released from your chimney.

As Direct Stoves says: “The current limit on the amount of smoke your chimney can produce in a Smoke Control Area is 5g per hour, plus 0.5g for each kW of your stove’s heat output. However, there are plans to reduce this limit to 3g per hour, although when this will happen is not yet confirmed.”

“These rules mean that only some people with a wood-burning stove or open fire will pay a fine for using it. Most modern wood burners available are DEFRA-approved, so many stove owners do not need to worry.”

“If you want to upgrade an older wood burner that emits a lot of smoke or are considering installing a wood burner in your home for the first time, get an appliance that DEFRA has approved for use in Smoke Control Areas. A wood burner with this seal of approval is designed and tested to operate within the restrictions.”

Experts at Logs Direct

 have urged those with log burners to take care around how they use them in order to comply with legislation, too.

They said: The thought of lighting a fire in a log burner on colder days is an exciting feeling, especially with how therapeutic it is to hear the crackling wood and watch the dancing flames. Before lighting a fire, it’s important to consider whether it’s necessary or just desirable in the moment.

“Picking the right time to use your log burner and using it only when necessary is essential to improve its sustainability. This significantly reduces the amount of emissions produced compared to burning it simply whenever the weather takes a bit of a turn.

“And when you do build and light your fire, making sure it burns hot for complete combustion from the outset prevents carbon monoxide production and creosote buildup. When getting it started, having adequate airflow helps light it and ensure a strong flame. The best temperature to aim for is around 200°C to 250°C.

“Being aware of what makes your log burner more eco-friendly can help not only keep you in line with local legislation, but also keep emissions to a minimum. Many log burner owners may not have been aware of the simple changes and adjustments in use that can help keep you within sustainable ideals.”