The Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV for short) has caused great concern and fear in many places: some fear a general ban on wood-burning stoves after 2024, while others see high costs ahead. You could say that this is the key issue for stove owners in Germany and anyone who wants to become one.
But what does the BImSchV actually mean for you as a fireplace owner? In this article, we clarify the most important questions and give you practical tips so that your fireplace complies with the regulations and you can continue to enjoy it without any worries.
Would you prefer to clarify your questions in person? We are here for you. Simply tell us about your personal concerns using our contact form.
What exactly is the BImSchV and what does it regulate?
The BImSchV - short for Federal Immission Control Ordinance - is a set of legal regulations in Germany that regulates the emission of air pollutants. The ordinance was issued to implement the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG for short) and aims to improve air quality and protect the health of the population. For fireplace owners, this specifically means that certain emission limits for particulate matter and carbon monoxide must be adhered to.
The BImSchV is divided into two stages, which set different requirements for the emission values. The requirements of the first stage of the BImSchV applied to all newly constructed systems from 22.03.2010.
Since 01.01.2015, the second stage of the BImSchV has already come into force for all new appliances. This second stage contains stricter regulations than the first. In addition to the regulations for newly installed fireplaces, there is also an obligation to replace and retrofit existing systems. Chimneys installed before 1975 already had to be replaced, retrofitted or decommissioned by the end of 2014. If they were installed between 1975 and 1984, the deadline for replacing or retrofitting the fireplace was the end of 2017 and for all appliances that were put into operation between 1985 and 1994, the deadline was the end of 2020. The deadline for the final phase is now 31.12.2024. This applies to all appliances that were installed between 1995 and 2010. These must now also be checked and, if necessary, retrofitted, decommissioned or replaced with modern, low-emission models if they do not comply with the limit values of the regulation.
This means for you:
If your fireplace was installed after 2010, you have nothing to worry about and can continue to use it without hesitation. However, if your fireplace was put into operation before then, you must prove that it complies with the emission limits.
The following limits will apply to existing stoves from January 1, 2025
- Particulate matter: 0.15 g/m³
- Carbon monoxide: 4 g/m³
If your stove does not comply with these limits, you have three options: You can decommission your stove, retrofit it or buy a new stove with approval after 2024.
This sounds very drastic at first, but let's go through the jungle of measures, ordinances and regulations together and find out whether your fireplace is affected at all, what exactly needs to be done or what you need to look out for when buying a new fireplace.
Fireplace regulations 2024: Practical tips for fireplace owners
If your fireplace is affected by the BImSchV, this initially only means that the emission values of your appliance must be checked to determine whether it may still be operated.
You can find a quick initial answer to this on the Internet, as fireplaces are always subjected to an emissions test before they are sold. There are various contact points available for this:
- For an initial overview, you can access a kind of "stove approval list" online. The Industrieverband Haus-, Heiz- und Küchentechnik e. V. (HKI) maintains a particularly comprehensive database in which you can find information on emissions and efficiency for most stove models. You can also check here whether your fireplace complies with Stage 2 of the 1st BImSchV and can therefore continue to be operated after 2024 or whether it falls under the replacement and retrofitting obligation. Simply search for your model in the database.
- Most of the information can also be found on the stove manufacturers' websites. Here you can find information on emissions in the technical data, for example.
Exemptions from the BImSchV
Even if your fireplace does not comply with the limit values, it may be exempt from the regulation and may continue to be operated. This applies, for example, to historical stoves or fireplaces that serve as the sole source of heat.
It is best to discuss which exemptions there are and whether your fireplace falls under them with your local chimney sweep or stove fitter. They will be able to give you a well-founded and situation-specific answer.
What retrofitting options are there?
If your chimney exceeds the limit values and you decide to retrofit it, there are two different alternatives available to you.
You can either install a so-called particle separator or a catalytic converter in your existing chimney system. Both options ensure that the specified emission values are adhered to and that you can continue to use your old fireplace without any concerns.
It is best to discuss which alternative is right for your fireplace with an expert in your area. Contact a stove builder or chimney sweep.
Please do not make these changes yourself under any circumstances! It is particularly important that the retrofits are carried out by an expert and have certain approvals. This way, you can also have compliance with BImSchV level 2 confirmed directly and use your fireplace again immediately.
Find a suitable replacement: your modern dream fireplace
If your current model does not comply with the limit values, you can of course also replace your fireplace and buy a stove that meets the new standard. How tempting is it to completely redesign your fireplace? Benefit from maximum efficiency, browse through modern design options and discover the innovative technologies that make the fireplace a very special experience full of comfort.
And rest assured: all current Spartherm models easily comply with level 2 of the BImSchV. In addition to exciting features, such as the smart fireplace assistance functions, they also offer you a variety of interesting design options that will make your fireplace dreams come true in no time at all.
By the way: there are also modern, innovative replacement models for authentic tiled stove models. You can find out which one is right for your tiled stove in just a few clicks with our replacement tool.
If you do decide to decommission your stove, there are always other exciting options. For example, how about an electric fireplace that can be installed in your existing fireplace? With an electric fireplace, you can enjoy the deceptively real flames at the touch of a button and your fireplace will remain the focal point of your home.
This is not advisable:
Letting the necessary measures slide, as non-compliance with the BImSchV can result in severe penalties and fines. You may also be banned from operating your fireplace. Regular inspections by the chimney sweep are therefore not only required by law, but also sensible to ensure the safe and environmentally friendly operation of your fireplace.
How can we support you?
We are always happy to advise you! We have set up a special page to accept your contact request on the subject of BImSchV with high priority. All we need is a few details about your fireplace so that we can give you the best possible advice. After submitting your request, we will get in touch with you as soon as possible to find a solution together.
