Smoke control areas London – What you need to know

I have been asked by many customers about the smoke control areas brought in by the UK government. There seems to be a lot of confusion on how this legislation affects those of us who want to enjoy our home fires. So I have written this post to help shed some light on this.

So what is the London smoke control area?

If you live in London, you need to be aware of the laws governing the types of fuels you can burn in your fireplace. The UK Government has put in place strict rules for smoke control areas London that must be followed in order to protect public health and the environment.

London is a smokeless zone, so the use of wood and coal to fuel a fire is not allowed. However, open fireplaces are still allowed – provided that you use smokeless coal. Smokeless coal is more efficient and releases 20% less CO 2 than regular coal.

Wood burning stoves and appliances can be used in certain circumstances in London. To discover what is allowed, click here. Those that are exempt must have adequate ventilation and clean burn controls that regulate and balance smoke output. Beginning in 2022, all stoves and appliances manufactured and purchased must conform to the ECO2022 standards. These requirements have been established to help the UK reach its emissions goals and preserve our environment.

If you are found to be burning an unauthorised fuel, you can be fined up to £1,000. Additionally, in England you may have to pay a penalty of up to £300 if your local council decides your chimney releases too much smoke!

The approved fuels for burning in the smoke control areas London are:

• Approved smokeless fuels (e.g. manufactured gas, manufactured smokeless fuel, some anthracite and other solid fuels)
• Approved gas fireplaces, stoves and appliances
• Approved wood burning stoves and appliances
• Approved liquid fuels
• Approved electrical heating appliances

You must not burn any of the following in the smoke control areas London:

• Unauthorised solid fuels
• Bituminous coal
• Wood which has not been approved as authorised fuel
• Household waste
• Trade waste
• Any other material which may cause dark smoke or other pollution

You can find a full list of approved fuels for England on the DEFRA website: https://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/fuels.php?country=england.

It is important to note that the rules for smoke control areas in London may vary from those in other areas of the UK. You should check with your local council to make sure you are following the rules in your area. You can find the contact information for you local council here: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

If you are unsure whether your fireplace or stove is authorised for use in a London smoke control area, you can get it tested. This will help to ensure you are following the rules and will help to keep your home and neighbours safe from smoke pollution.

It is also important to make sure that your flue is regularly swept and maintained in order to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of chimney fires. Find out about our London chimney sweeping services.

The UK Government is committed to reducing air pollution and protecting public health. By following the smoke control area rules in London, you can help to make sure that your home and neighbourhood are free from dangerous smoke pollution and you do not get fined for burning illegal fuels.

If you are looking for a good quality smokeless coal that gives great heat, a comforting glow and lasts. Then I can recommend Homefire’s Ecoal.