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New rules for fireplaces: How to save your old stove!
From January 2025, new regulations for fireplaces will apply in Germany. Find out how consumers can save their old heaters.
New rules for fireplaces: How to save your old stove!
From December 31, 2024, many fireplaces in Germany will have to be taken out of operation because they do not meet the new, stricter environmental protection regulations of the Federal Immission Control Act. This decision mainly affects ovens that were put into operation before 2010. Chimney sweeps across Germany, like Simon Bachstädter in the Calw district, are faced with the challenge of checking around 500 affected stoves in their sweeping district and, if necessary, shutting them down SWR reported.
The new limit values are clearly defined: The maximum value for carbon monoxide is 4 grams per cubic meter of exhaust gas and for fine dust is 0.15 grams per cubic meter. Many stove owners are not aware of this regulation, which is why the deadline for decommissioning their old models comes as a surprise. In many places it is recommended to replace the old fireplace with a new one, as modern stoves use significantly less wood than older models, as in Merkur article explained. The replacement could also be financially worthwhile because the new devices are more efficient and have less impact on the environment.
Four options for fireplace owners
According to reports, stove owners have four options for complying with the new regulations: They can shut down the old stove, retrofit a fine dust filter, replace the device with a newer model or, if necessary, apply for an exception. It is advisable to consult the responsible chimney sweep to determine the best course of action. Some stove owners are lucky and already meet the new standards, like a fireplace stove from Bad Liebenzell, which meets current standards despite its age.
The situation represents a significant challenge for owners of old fireplaces. Not everyone can afford to buy a new one, and the costs of simple retrofitting are also not negligible. However, environmental protection remains a key argument for the change and it is expected that many fireplaces will need to be replaced in the coming years to improve air quality.