Is your stove affected?
In recent years, fine dust and carbon monoxide emissions have increased significantly. To counter this, the Federal Emission Control Ordinance (BImSchV) sets strict limits that heating systems must not exceed. These regulations also apply to fireplace stoves, heating fireplaces and tiled stoves. Older systems with a type approval before 1985 had to be shut down by the end of last year if they did not meet the limits.
Newer systems installed between 1985 and 2010 that still exceed the limits must be upgraded or replaced. The law defines two deadlines for this:
- Operation between 1985 and 1994: replacement required by 31 December 2020
- Operation between 1995 and 2010: replacement required by 31 December 2024
The type plate on your stove, fireplace or wood-burning insert shows the model and specifications. Using this plate, you can check on the HKI website (Industrieverband Haus-, Heiz- und Küchentechnik e.V.) at http://www.cert.hki-online.de whether and when your tiled stove needs to be replaced or upgraded. If your unit doesn’t have a type plate, the manufacturer or your chimney sweep can provide the necessary information.
The following systems are exempt from the upgrade or shutdown requirement:
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Masonry stoves
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Open fireplaces
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Non-commercial cookers and baking ovens
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Room heating appliances used exclusively for heating a single dwelling
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Room heating appliances built or installed before 1950
Expert advice
During modernization, an electronic combustion air control can even be installed.
Conclusion
Replacing a fire insert is straightforward. Modernization not only ensures compliance with the Federal Emission Control Ordinance, but also offers an extra level of comfort.
