My neighbour’s log burner is driving me nuts – I’m constantly cleaning soot in MY home, it’s so unfair
A HOMEOWNER has revealed her neighbour is “driving her nuts” thanks to an appliance spreading filth to HER house.
The fed up woman revealed that she’s even had to stop having her windows open thanks to next door’s wood burner.
Posting on social media, she asked: “If your neighbour is using a log burner in their home and you are not attached to their house should your house fill with light smoke and stink?”
She added: “I like wood burners but I am now having to close my windows and it still comes through my bathroom vent. It’s starting to drive me nuts.
“I’m cleaning soot off my pictures etc . I am going to require to decorate every year just to keep the place smelling fresh.
“They fitted them and I mean two of them and have now bought another house next door and fitted another one.”
And people have immediately rushed to agree that something doesn’t smell right with the whole log burner situation.
“Had same issue with a neighbours log burner but I know he was burning old pallets. The stench is awful”, said one.
A second person said: “What are they burning in it? If they are just installed they will not need swept yet but doesn’t sound right.
“My parents have a similar issue that even with the correct chimney, their neighbours’ burner which is on all day means they can’t hang their washing outside or open their windows for the smell.”
A third added: “The flue should be high enough not to affect anybody (like a chimney for open fires). Check any regulations for your area and take photos if possible.”
A fourth suggested: “Maybe an old one that isn’t compliant with the current regs?”
Meanwhile, a fifth echoed: “My partner is a chimney sweep. No, this should not be happening. Chat to your neighbour and best to get someone out to clean and inspect the chimney.”
The woman later revealed she gets on “fairly well” with her neighbours but was going to rope in environmental health.
It comes as homeowners have been warned that they could be slapped with a £300 fine for using the appliances to heat their homes for less during winter.
With energy prices on the rise and the cost of living crisis, it’s no wonder that a toasty fire is becoming more appealing than ever.
And it means that many have turned to log burners to keep warm and stay cosy during winter nights as it’s cheaper than buying electric heaters.
But experts are warning that homeowners face hefty fines and even a criminal record for lighting up wither log burners.
Professionals at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have reminded people that clean air regulations must be followed if they plan on using their log burners.
If they’re not followed correctly, then households can be hit with a £300 penalty and a criminal conviction.
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.”
The UK government’s Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 introduced stricter rules for log burners when used in designated “Smoke Control Areas.”
This includes most towns and cities across the UK and they will only be allowed to emit three grams of smoke per hour.
This is down from the previous five grams per hour in a bid to reduce air pollution.