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House interiors

I realise that it is probably a result of the soaring cost of gas and electricity but has anyone else noticed the smell of wood/coalfire smoke, not sure which, around housing estates these days. Is it legal? It almost certainly not "green"
Pretty normal for here in the Forest of Dean plenty of people still use coal fires and wood burners.
 
I realise that it is probably a result of the soaring cost of gas and electricity but has anyone else noticed the smell of wood/coalfire smoke, not sure which, around housing estates these days. Is it legal? It almost certainly not "green"
The arguments about it being green or legal revolves around the sources and sustainability of the wood and the type of stove. Is the wood correctly seasoned and there are also local bylaws along with some government legislation that came into force in 2022.

Wood burning stoves can be relatively carbon neutral and sustainable compared to fossil fuels like natural gas, propane, and coal depending on the quality and type of wood and the quality and type of wood stove.

The new legislation is not retrospective, but all new stoves will have to meet the standard.

There are already smoke control areas that come under the Clean Air Act. Effectively, wood cannot be burnt in smoke control areas unless you’re using an exempt appliance.
 
On the subject of wood burners, over here it is generally required that the chimney is swept twice a year, (once for gas burners), and one of these two sweeps must take place during the time of year when the building is being heated. A certificate will be issued by the sweep, who must be a registered professional. Failure to do this can cause insurance problems if there is a fire, and there can be a 450 euro fine.
There is a pervasive wood smell around here too. Some OK, some disgusting, (wood or who knows what ?). The price of wood in various forms has rocketed this year. Pellets have tripled in cost.
From September next year, logs sold less than two metres long must be dry wood. This covers most domestic wood burners, although a chain saw is a normal tool shed item, which will sort this out. It takes 18-24 months to fully dry firewood.

Andrew.
 
Well and truly off thread, but only a tad off recent posts! I notice Channel 5 are giving their programme "The Great Fog of 1952" an airing this evening at 9.00pm. A memory of what it was like when coal was king.
 
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