Does the old oven have to go? – Stricter emission limits from 01/01/2018

While heating with wood is popular, it is not particularly environmentally friendly. With the introduction of stricter emission limits for small and medium-sized combustion plants from January 1, 2018, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) aims to curb harmful emissions of dust and carbon monoxide in the long term.

Combustion produces soot and harmful particulate matter. To reduce emissions, especially from older stoves, stove generations have been gradually subjected to the regulations of the first Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV) since 2010. Stoves installed before 1975 had to be retrofitted by the end of 2014.

Now the next generation is being put through its paces: Anyone heating with a wood-burning stove built between 1975 and 1984 should retrofit their system as soon as possible. Only systems that do not exceed the permissible emission limits may continue to be operated from January 1st. The chimney sweep will provide proof of compliance with an on-site measurement.

The emission limit for heating systems that burn solid fuels such as logs, pellets, wood chips, or coal is 150 mg/m³ for particulate matter and 4 g/m³ for carbon monoxide. If these limits are exceeded, the systems must be replaced or retrofitted with a dust filter. Otherwise, according to the German Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Heating and Kitchen Equipment (HKI), fines of up to €50,000 may be imposed.

Devices built between 1985 and 1994 will be regulated by the end of 2020, while those built since 1995 must be environmentally friendly by the end of 2024.

The district chimney sweep will inspect the measures during his routine inspection of fireplaces. He can also inform you in advance whether your model complies with the emission limits.

Information and deadlines for your own fireplace can also be found in the fireplace certificate issued by the responsible chimney sweep.