If you’re considering installing any one of our fires, you should be checking the smoke control status of your area. A smoke control area is an area that the council has designated a smoke-free zone. Living in a smoke control area means that you aren’t permitted to emit smoke from your chimney. Failure to comply with smoke control rules can result in a fine of £1000 and as around 50% of households live within such a zone, you should definitely check.
How to Find Out If You’re Affected?
If you’ve never had a solid fuel fire before, or you’ve recently moved into a property that has one, the likelihood is that you’ll be unfamiliar with smoke control regulations in your area. Fortunately, your local council will have information on their website to clarify the position on smoke control in your area or a member of our team will be able to help you find the right appliances as we do stock many that will comply with regulations.
Generally speaking, most urban areas are designated smoke control areas, so residents of central Leicester shouldn’t be surprised to know that the city is designated as a smoke control area.
Other areas of Leicestershire are covered by different councils. We’ve included a few of the council websites that will be handy for our customers below.
What To Do If You’re Affected?
Don’t worry, Evans have you covered. Living in a smoke control area needn’t stop you from having the fire of your dreams. There are several ways that you can comply with smoke control regulations without compromising too much, and we’re here to help.
Approved Appliances
Some appliances are exempt from smoke control regulations, allowing you to burn smoke-producing fuel anywhere. You can find a full list of exempt appliances on the DEFRA website. Alternatively, you can come in-store and we will advise you which stoves we stock that will be suitable.
Smokeless Fuels
Open fires and wood burning stoves are two of the most dramatic types of fires, however, the smoke that burning wood or coal produces makes some of them incompatible with a smoke control area. Fortunately, you can now use a range of smokeless fuels in your fire meaning you can have the fire you want, whilst complying with regulations.
We stock smokeless coal in our showroom. Our smokeless coal has a long burn time and a high heat output making it ideal for use in a smokeless area.
Alternative Fuels
If you live in a smoke control area, you could always consider a different type of fuel. At Evans Fireplace Centre we have fires in a number of fuels including hard fuel (e.g. wood & coal), gas and electric. We even have stoves that are available in multi-fuel, gas and electric as well.
The best thing to do, if you still have questions, is to speak to one of our team. We’ll be more than happy to discuss any aspect of your fire with you and to help you better understand which fuel is best for your needs. You can visit our showroom in Syston or you can call us on 0116 2600772.