As the new year nears, many older wood stoves face retirement due to high pollutant emissions. By 2025, regulations under the Federal Immission Control Act mandate the decommissioning of stoves installed between 1995 and 2010, affecting around one and a half million outdated units nationwide. While some options exist for retrofitting or using filters to reduce emissions, families like the Klarics must weigh the costs and consider alternatives to maintain the warmth of their stoves amidst tightening regulations.
As the new year approaches, it’s time for many outdated wood stoves to be retired due to their high pollutant emissions impacting the environment. Fortunately, not all models are subject to this rule, and retrofitting options are available.
There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a fireplace, especially during the festive season. However, for some wood stoves, this winter could be their last chance to provide that cozy atmosphere. By 2025, a grace period for older wood stoves will come to an end.
Under the Federal Immission Control Act, wood stoves installed between 1995 and 2010 must be decommissioned as the year ends. For even older models, the deadline had already passed in 2020. Yet, the regulations are not as strict as they might appear, with several exceptions in place.
Wood stoves are cherished for the warmth they bring, but they also release significant amounts of fine dust into the air.
Impact on One and a Half Million Wood Stoves
Old-fashioned stoves are permitted to emit a maximum of four grams of carbon monoxide per cubic meter. Starting January 1st, even stricter limits on fine dust will take effect. Some older models may already comply with these regulations and can remain in use. A thorough evaluation can be performed by professionals like chimney sweep Simon Bachstädter.
Bachstädter is currently on a stove inspection tour in the scenic Calw district of the Black Forest. In this area alone, he anticipates needing to retire approximately 500 stoves. The chimney sweep association estimates that nationwide, around one and a half million outdated wood stoves may be affected.
The Karic family is among those impacted. During his assessment, Bachstädter examines the chimney walls, where he finds black soot accumulation. He notes, “When the stove turns black inside, it also generates fine dust, unfortunately.”
The World Meteorological Organization reports that over 4.5 million people lose their lives each year due to poor air quality.
Addressing Harmful Emissions
A glance at the manufacturer’s specifications confirms that the fireplace must be taken out of service. Family man Adrian Klaric seeks clarity: “Until what day can I still use my fireplace?”
Bachstädter reassures him, saying, “Officially, you can burn wood until December 31st of this year. However, I’ll be straightforward: No one is going to come and dismantle your flue pipe on January 1, 2025.” Nonetheless, during the next chimney sweep inspection, the old wood stove will likely be deemed non-compliant due to its high pollutant emissions, burdening the climate further.
In addition to environmental concerns, old stoves can pose immediate risks. If a stove does not achieve a sufficiently high temperature, it converts carbon into carbon monoxide instead of carbon dioxide, which can be lethal in high concentrations. The Klaric family must now explore their options.
In the upcoming year, the CO2 price is set to increase by 50 percent.
Cost of Renovation or Installation of Particle Filters
Investing in new wood stoves and renovations can be quite costly, with expenses reaching five figures and potentially up to 40,000 euros, according to stove builder Torsten Kugel. The silver lining is that there are more affordable alternatives, such as installing active fine dust filters.
“These filters aim to minimize fine dust emissions and ease environmental strain through electric charging,” explains Kugel. The electric magnetic field encourages fine dust to settle on the chimney wall, with up to 90 percent of fine dust from the exhaust air being filtered out. However, not all wood stoves are suitable for this modification.
Another viable option is the use of passive particle filters, which can be installed in the flue pipe. Acting like a catalyst, these filters trap pollutants that burn off during the stove’s next high-temperature burn. Passive filters are available at hardware stores for approximately 500 euros.
Millions of wood stoves will face retirement due to the new pollutant regulations by the end of the year.
Plan Renovations Early
It’s important to note that many filters may not have official approval, rendering them ineffective during chimney inspections. Simon Bachstädter advises, “It’s essential to discuss passive filters with your chimney sweep, as they can significantly alter the exhaust pathway.”
For the Klaric family in the Black Forest, the desire to retain the comforting crackle of the fire and the warmth it provides is strong. “I would say: Yes, I would love to continue enjoying that,” shares Anna Klaric. “But it is a luxury, and we need to see if it’s within our budget.”
For the time being, the family can still enjoy their wood stove. However, by next winter, they will need to find a viable solution.
This topic was featured by NDR 1 Niedersachsen on December 27, 2024, at 08:00 AM.