Old wood-fired furnaces and fireplaces deteriorate air quality, particularly in their immediate surroundings. These units' emissions are responsible in wintertime for high levels of particulate matter in the ambient air. The emissions are harmful to health and can result in respiratory disease or increase the risk of heart attack.
Boilers which are fired with solid fuels like wood and which were installed before 1 January 1995 must comply with the emission thresholds of Stage 1 of the amendment to the Ordinance on Small Firing Installations (1. Bundesimmissionsschutz-Verordnung). The majority of installations affected are those which supply heat to an entire house or dwelling. In addition, furnaces and fireplaces which heat single rooms and were installed prior to 1 January 1975 must also comply with stricter emission thresholds as of January 2015. The chimney sweep trade is responsible for verification of compliance with emission thresholds in boilers and single-room firing installations.
The transitional period for furnaces which went into operation between 1 January 1975 and 21 March 2010, and for boilers which were installed between 1 January 1995 and 21 March 2010, ends between 2017 and 2025, depending on year of manufacture. Furnaces and boilers installed on 22 March 2010 and later can continue to operate without restrictions.
The amendment to the Ordinance on Small Firing Installations provides for a number of exceptions so as to ensure that the transition arrangement is socially conscious. For example, furnaces and fireplaces which are the sole source of heating in a dwelling are exempt from the retrofit obligation as are historical stoves, cookers, bathing furnaces, open fireplaces and artisanal masonry heaters.
Newer heaters and stoves must also meet amended requirements as of 2015. A system purchased on 1 January 2015 and thereafter must comply with the emission thresholds of Stage 2 under the 1st BImschV.
Boilers must also be measured and inspected by a chimney sweep to determine if they comply with the new threshold values. Inspection must take place within four weeks of going into operation and every two years thereafter. For single-room firing installations it is sufficient to hold a manufacturer's guarantee of compliance with the emissions requirements on the test stand.
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