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Home , Central heating

A guide to clean and proper heating Edition 2013

Umschlag_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 3 14.05.2013 11:42:15 Umschlag_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 4 14.05.2013 11:42:23 Wood heating and clean air – Aren’t these two conflicting concepts?

When correctly used, wood is an eco-friendly . By using well-processed wood from local sources in a properly handled modern , you can enjoy the cosy warmth from your wood-burning or without causing significant environmental damage. The environment and your neighbours will be grateful for this.

This brochure is intended to give you tips on how to properly operate a wood-based – in technical terms referred to as a small combus- tion installation. Especially the burning of poor quality wood in old and insufficiently maintained and unfavourable combustion conditions will result in the emission of unnecessarily high levels of gases having adverse effects on the climate, and pollutants detrimental to your health. Particularly in urban agglomerations and valleys, the air quality is affected by wood heating systems due to low chimneys. Often, neighbours will feel annoyed.

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 1 14.05.2013 11:32:17 What happens when wood burns?

Burning or combustion designates a rapid oxidation of matter associated with flame formation. When wood burns, oxygen in the air combines with and hydrogen con- tained in the wood. During this process, energy is released in the form of heat and light. Ideally, the only products of complete combustion are carbon dioxide, ashes formed primarily by the mineral components of the wood, and water.

Roughly, the combustion process of solid can be divided into three phases: Heating and drying – In this first phase, the water and other volatile substances pre- sent in the fuel will evaporate. Pyrolysis – In this second phase, the fuel will decompose at temperatures of about 150 degrees Celsius (°C) and above. During this process, a gas mixture is formed, which contains carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other compounds. In addition, oils and tars are formed, which undergo further decomposition at higher temperatures. At temperatures of about 400 to 500°C and above, also the solid organic components will gasify, combine with atmospheric oxygen and form predominantly carbon monoxide. At this stage, only charcoal will remain from the wood that served as a starting material. Combustion proper – In this third phase, the gases formed in the first two phases will react with additional atmospheric oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water. Also any remaining charcoal will burn down completely with time, in the firebed of the combus- tion zone. Only ashes remain as the single residue from combustion. Each phase of combustion can be observed very easily in an open fire.

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 2 14.05.2013 11:32:21 Emissions cannot be completely the carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic avoided hydrocarbons (PAH) in the ashes and Ideally, combustion of wood will produce the gas, and unpleasantly smelling only carbon dioxide, ashes and water compounds. Using materials for hea- (see box). The carbon dioxide produced ting that must not be burned such as will not contribute to global warming wood treated with wood preservatives if the amount of wood burned does not or paints, may even result in the for- exceed that of regrowing wood, be- mation of dioxins and furans (highly cause regrowing trees and shrubs will toxic substances that had been involved bind the carbon dioxide formed during in the Seveso chemical accident in the combustion. However, the wood used 1970s). should originate from your local sour- ces because any transport of wood to T here are four essentials to achieve clean your place of residence would involve heating the consumption of petrol or diesel. Operating your wood-fired heating In practice, wood will always contain system in such a way as to avoid un- certain low amounts of nitrogen com- necessary effects on the climate and pounds, sulphur compounds and chlo- human health is fairly simple. It should rine compounds. This is why harmful be based on four essentials: nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides as Þ A low-emission and efficient fireplace; well as hydrochloric acid are formed during combustion. In addition, dust is Þ Suitable, dry fuel material that has released into the air, 90 % of which con- been properly stored; sists of fine . These ultrafine Þ Proper operation of the system; and particles are not visible for the unaided human eye. They may enter the lungs Þ Regular maintenance and inspection of by inhalation and therefore, are hazar- the installation by trained professionals. dous to health. Adverse health effects may include bronchitis, an increase in asthmatic attacks and stress on your cardiovascular system. In addition, fine particulates are suspected of being carcinogenic.

Incomplete combustion may also result in the formation of carbon monoxide, a toxic gas, and , a climate- damaging gas. Methane has a global warming potential 21 times as strong as that of an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. Other products formed during incomplete combustion include organic compounds, among others also

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 3 14.05.2013 11:32:24 T he suitable type of installation Which types of wood-fired installations exist?

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 4 14.05.2013 11:32:28 If you consider using wood for heating, you will have to choose from different types of installation:

R oom heaters Mostly used as a comfort and sup- plemental heating, a room heater is intended to heat a single room or two adjacent rooms. Heat is delivered by stoves predominantly in the form of appliances (slow combustion) or inter- radiant heat. Some types of stoves are mittent burning appliances. They differ equipped with additional air/water heat in the period needed for combustion The suitable type of exchangers and capable of supporting a until reloading of fuel is required. central heating system. Intermittent burning appliances are installation predominantly used only during the Open and fireplaces with transitional seasons because their use Which types of heating insert for permanent heating involves consi- wood-fired In open fireplaces the combustion zone derable effort. Modern wood-burning is open to the living room. This is why stoves often have a large door with a installations exist? they are unable to control the supply of window pane. combustion air. Due to low combustion Tiled stoves (storage heaters) temperatures and too much excess air, open fireplaces usually produce high More than 50 % of the outer casing of levels of pollutants while delivering tiled stoves is made of stove tiles, tile only little heat. A better option is provi- stones or plastered surfaces. Additional ded by fireplaces with a heating insert functions may be included such as the because they are closed by means of preparation of hot water for consump- a glass door or glass pane. Thus, con- tion or heating. trolling air supply becomes easier, and Masonry or storage heaters have a large energy efficiency is improved. mass capable of heat storage consisting Free-standing room heaters with or of tiles, cement plaster, clay, chamotte without a window pane or soapstone. The large surface of these stoves reaches relatively low tempera- In free-standing room heaters logs are tures (80 to 130 degrees Celsius) only. placed directly into the combustion Storage heaters are operated under chamber through a door. The ashes in full load during the combustion phase the ash pan can be removed through (about one hour), and the stored heat an opening in the lower part of the continues to give off warmth to the stove. The air quantity supplied can air in the room for many hours. In the be controlled by means of opening majority of cases, operating the heater or closing dampers and valves or the at reduced combustion, i.e. with redu- ash removal door. These room heaters ced air supply in order to maintain a are available as continuous burning firebed for as long as possible, is not 5

Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 5 14.05.2013 11:32:28 required. This is why these systems bustion chamber. The supply of fuel produce relatively low emission levels. is automatically adjusted depending Overheating of rooms will hardly ever on the thermal output required. Pellet occur with storage heaters. heaters are available as free-standing wood-burning stoves with a window Warm-air tiled stoves consist of a pane or tiled stove heating inserts. Pel- heating or and most lets produce lower emission levels than often, a metallic heating gas flue. They other wooden fuels. In addition, their are cased with stove tiles, tile stones or use is much more convenient than that other mineral building materials. The of split logs because pellet heaters work warm-air tiled stove heats the room by largely automatically. The pellets can passing the warm air through air ducts. be stored and dispensed in an optimal Heat is emitted mainly by . way. As compared to storage heaters proper, warm-air tiled stoves have a lower heat storage mass, heat emission after star- C entral heating ting the fire takes less time. Central heating boilers heat both the entire home and the water for human Þ Pellet stoves consumption. Like oil and gas boilers Pellets are made from compressed also wood-burning boilers are mostly natural wood shavings and sawdust. placed in a special boiler room. There is a special feature to pellet Þ Manually fed log wood boilers stoves: The fuel is fed automatically and continuously from a storage hopper (20 In wood-burning central heating boi- to 30 litres) to a burn pot in the com- lers, the technology predominantly used is that of the downdraught type. In these systems, the flame does not burn upwards through the fuel layer but in lateral direction or downwards in a separate combustion chamber. Such wood-burning boilers are quite comfortable to operate: Since only the fuel placed above the firebed is involved in combustion, burning is continuous and very steady. Reloading of wood is therefore required at long intervals only.

Þ Automatically loaded wood-fired boilers

The best possible operating conditions for wood-fired heating systems are pro- vided by installations in which feeding of the fuel, e.g. in the form of pellets, is a continuous process. Wood pellets 6

Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 6 14.05.2013 11:32:28 have a very uniform composition and accumulator. The latter will enable the are suitable for automatic ignition. installation to be operated in full-load Pellet heating systems are almost as mode producing lower emission levels convenient to operate as oil or gas while storing the heat that is not imme- heating systems. Large-size installa- diately required. New installations are tions are often fuelled with wood chips. required to be capable of buffer storage However, individual-household heating (see also the section entitled “Legal pro- systems rarely use this type of fuel. visions applying to wood- combustion installations”). Choosing the appropriate size of installation is important Important: advanced low-emission Particularly combustion installations technology fed with split logs can be controlled In recent years, industry has developed within a very narrow range only. In modern installations characterised most cases, optimum emission results by convenient control, optimum heat are obtained only at full-load operation. utilisation, low fuel consumption and Part-load operation, i.e. for example good emission behaviour. However, operating the combustion installa- numerous old installations producing tion at half the proper thermal output, disproportionally high emission levels will result in clearly elevated emission are still in operation. levels, which will also become apparent To make operating your installation by a development of smell and smoke. as convenient as possible, you should Particularly problematic is the mode of take care to use modern control tech- operation with reduced combustion air nology. It will automatically ensure where the installation is set to maintain that there is fairly little to do for you. a firebed while hardly producing any Many modern wood-burning boilers heat. are already equipped with sensors for When buying a free-standing wood- flue gas control (e.g. a lambda sensor). burning stove or a boiler for central By means of this technology, combus- heating or hot water supply, it is there- tion is permanently monitored and to fore essential for you to choose an in- a certain degree, also optimised and stallation of appropriate dimension, i.e. controlled. While being common for having an appropriate thermal output, heating boilers, automatic control is expressed in kilowatts [kW]. You should still an exception in room heaters. But get advice on this issue from an energy also in installations of the latter type, consultant, sweep or heating automatic control can contribute to installer. An installation that is too big improving combustion. in dimensions will predominantly be run at reduced output, causing clearly How to identify a particularly low-emissi- elevated emission levels at lower effi- on wood-combustion installation ciency rates. In Germany all types of combustion A manually fed central heating system installations have become subject to requires an appropriately large heat new requirements for emissions and ef- 7

Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 7 14.05.2013 11:32:28 ficiency applying since March 2010. It is xes, free-standing wood-burning stoves particularly recommended to purchase and tiled stove heating inserts burning an installation already complying with split logs. Installations of this type the requirements under Level 2 of the already comply with the Level 2 requi- Ordinance regarding small and mid- rements of the 1.BImSchV. In addition, sized combustion installations (First a number of criteria exceeding these Ordinance Implementing the Federal legal provisions are required for being Immission Control Act [Erste Verord- awarded the quality label. nung zur Durchführung des Bundes-Im- missionsschutzgesetzes - 1.BImSchV]). The fuel: Dry and appropriately sized – This second level of limit values is wood and wood storage binding for systems installed as of 2015. These limit values are markedly stricter Split logs than those of the first level presently The water content of firewood has a already in effect. Just ask a specialised great effect on its burning properties. dealer for appropriate installations. For Your wood should be as dry as possible. detailed explanations on the 1.BImSchV Only in this case, it can give off much please refer to the section entitled “Le- heat and burn without polluting the gal provisions applying to wood- com- environment. Depending on the season bustion installations”. and type of wood, freshly cut wood contains between 45 and 60 per cent water. After optimal drying, the water content is reduced to 15 to 20 per cent. Depending on the type of wood used, this may take about one to two years. Only then the wood will be suitable for If you intend purchasing a particular- heating. To allow for proper drying of ly low-emission or pellet your firewood, it should be stacked in boiler, you should look out for the Blue a sunny place protected from rain and Angel (Blauer Engel) environmental snow. In addition, the firewood should label. The Blue Angel ecolabel is only not directly contact the soil because awarded to appliances complying with strict requirements in terms of efficien- cy, auxiliary power needs and emission of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, dust and total carbon. An up-to-date list of manufacturers and products and the complete award criteria for all product groups is provided on the Internet at www.blauer-engel.de .

Also the DINplus quality label vouches for low-emission characteristics. It is awarded to fireplace inserts and firebo-

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 8 14.05.2013 11:32:31 otherwise, it may draw moisture from Þ The ENplus quality label the soil (you should use a subconstruc- has been in existence since tion allowing for ventilation, e.g. two 2010. It confirms compliance bars placed in cross direction). Wood with the quality requirements logs that are split will dry better and stipulated by EN 14961-2, however, show a better burning behaviour. If you not only requires compliance during buy firewood from a dealer, you should the production process, but also when have him or her confirm the water con- transported and stored. Pellets for tent and carefully follow the dealer’s stoves and small boilers should comply hints for proper storage. with Class ENplus A1.

Kiln-dried wood may also be overdried. Þ Wood pellets may also be Such wood will burn too fast and may awarded the Blue Angel label. cause elevated emission levels, above The respective requirements all if used in simple appliances. There- apply not only to the fuel, but fore, kiln-dried wood should be stored also to the raw materials used and an outdoors and covered for some time. ecofriendly production.

Wood briquettes H ow to properly operate your wood The quality of commercially available combustion installation wood briquettes may vary to a great From one’s own experience, almost extent. The best option is to make everybody knows how difficult lighting sure that the wood briquettes you buy a fire can be. Similar problems may comply with the DIN 51731 or the (new) also occur with regard to heating in- DIN EN 14961-3 standard. stallations. They may produce elevated emission levels when a fire is started for Wood pellets heating. Wood pellets constitute a standardised You can exert considerable influence fuel of uniform quality. The following on the actual emission levels produced labels may serve as guidance for you: by your wood-burning heating system. Þ DIN EN 14961-2: Wood pellets used This applies particularly to older instal- in private homes have to comply with lations. An essential factor will consist Class A1 of this standard; in air supply. In addition, for manually Þ DINplus is a quality label confirming fed installations, the loading timing both compliance with the and fuel quantity loaded will play an above European standard important role. In the box below, it is and regular monitoring of explained how to properly start a fire in the production process. a manually fuelled room heater.

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 9 14.05.2013 11:32:33 Proper heating

For split-log stoves, there are two ways to light a fire that differ as to how the kindling material is arranged:

The top-down method Þ Place the split logs on the floor of the combustion zone. Þ Place kindling over the logs in crosswise direction. Place the fire starter in between, on one of the logs. Þ On top of it, place more kindling material in a crosswise direction. It is an advantage of this method that only low amounts of unburned combustion gases are released from the combustion zone. It takes somewhat longer than the bottom-up method.

The bottom-up method Þ Place one layer of kindling across the bottom grid with the fire starter in between. Þ On top of these, place more kindling material in crosswise direction. Þ Place two or three medium-sized logs next to each other on the kindling, or with the slid edges downward. Open the combustion air . This is the method most frequently described in the operating instructions for combustion installa- tions equipped with a grid.1

Particularly during the starting phase, it is important to ensure a sufficient supply of combustion air. However, air supply dampers should be sufficiently opened during the entire combustion process. For details please refer to your operating instructions. The air supply is properly set if the inner coating of the stove remains clean, i.e. without black soot deposition. Filling your stove with too big loads of fuel will result in development of high amounts of combustion gases. These undergo incomplete combustion, leading to a formation of harmful substances. Also, your stove may become damaged. This is why you should avoid overfee- ding your installation. Rather, you should reload smaller amounts of fuel at shorter intervals. Also the size of logs will play an important role: Too large logs will lead to a clear increase in the level of harmful substances emitted. Also in this respect, you should be guided by the operating instructions. . 1 Instruction quoted from: Heizen mit Holz in Kaminöfen, Editor: Bayerisches Landesamt für Umwelt (LFU), Augsburg, Oktober 2010 Oktober (LFU), Augsburg, für Umwelt Landesamt 1 Instructionmit Holz in Kaminöfen, Bayerisches Editor: Heizen from: quoted

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 10 14.05.2013 11:32:35 Have your installation inspected by a ashes. You may dispose of the ashes in trained professional once a year the same way as your household refuse. Though quite normal for cars, regular Where can I get help in case of problems? maintenance and inspection by a trai- In case of problems with your installa- ned professional are not yet common tion, you should have the size of fuel practice for wood combustion installa- material, its amount and quality (mois- tions. You should have your firing ture content of the wood) and air supply installation thoroughly inspected by a checked by a trained professional. You professional before the heating period may get assistance from your installer, starts. the manufacturer or the local chimney sweep. Just mention any problems with S ave money by making observations of your installation to the chimney sweep your own when she or he is doing the regular You should regularly inspect the com- inspection. In many cases, a solution is bustion chamber of your wood heating found quickly and easily. The chimney system, observe its combustion beha- sweep is able to assess whether extra viour and have a look at the waste gas maintenance is required, and give in- plume appearing over the chimney. If formation about fire protection and the you find massive deposits in the stove potential formation of toxic flue gases. chamber, the appliance will probably require an extra cleaning or mainte- nance. In this way, costs for expensive repeat measurements may be saved for installations where emissions are re- A good and clean combustion gularly measured by a chimney sweep. will mainly result in fine white ashes. Such repeat measurements are required If major amounts of un-burned fuel, if on an official inspection, the system or soot particles are visible in the is found to exceed the emission limit ashes, this is an indication of incomplete values. Your efforts will be rewarded by combustion. Also dark wood smoke and benefits not only for the environment excessive amounts of soot are bad signs. but also for your wallet. Shiny soot on the inside of the stove or boiler will impair heat supply from the What to do with the ashes? stove to the room and above all, involve Wood ashes may contain incompletely the risk of chimney fires. Just do regular burned residues, e.g. polycyclic aromatic checks of the combustion behaviour, the hydrocarbons known to be carcinogenic, combustion chamber, the flue gas path such as benzo(a)pyrene. When dispo- and the flue gas plume. In this way, you sing of the ashes, you should therefore will gain experience in assessing the follow the principles of health protec- quality of combustion. tion: Make sure you avoid stirring up dust because inhalation of ash particles may be harmful to your health. You

1 Instruction quoted from: Heizen mit Holz in Kaminöfen, Editor: Bayerisches Landesamt für Umwelt (LFU), Augsburg, Oktober 2010 Oktober (LFU), Augsburg, für Umwelt Landesamt 1 Instructionmit Holz in Kaminöfen, Bayerisches Editor: Heizen from: quoted should also avoid skin contact with

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 11 14.05.2013 11:32:35 L egal provisions applying to wood combustion installations in Germany

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 12 14.05.2013 11:32:37 There are a number of legal provisions tion with other chimney sweeping that also refer to regulations on small operations, e.g. when the installation is wood-firing installations. The German approved or the regular measurement Chimney Sweep Trade Act (Schornstein- of emissions is carried out. A one-time fegerhandwerksgesetz) requires regular consultation is also envisaged for exis- fireplace inspections to ensure the ope- ting installations. rational safety of the installation. The frequency of chimney sweeping and inspection of chimneys is stipulated in Which types of wood may be burned? the German Federal rules on sweeping The 1.BImSchV contains a list of fuels and inspection (Kehr- und Überprü- you may use in a small combustion fungsordnung des Bundes). installation. The types of wood that may be used in private households are The most important legal regulation for listed in the box below. In addition, the small wood combustion installations in manufacturers’ instructions on appro- terms of environmental protection con- priate fuels have to be observed. sists in the First Ordinance Implemen- ting the Federal Immission Control Act [Erste Verordnung zur Durchführung Wood fuels that may be used for des Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetzes - combustion in private households 1.BImSchV]). It refers to the installa- (1.BImSchV, § 3 para 1) tion and operation of small combus- tion installations. Among others, these Þ Barbecue charcoal, barbecue charcoal include wood combustion installations briquettes in accordance with DIN EN in private households. An amended ver- 1860, version September 2005, sion of this ordinance came into force Þ Natural (untreated) chunky wood, inclu- on 22 March 2010. The 1.BImSchV lays ding attached bark, especially in the form down the requirements for fuels that of split logs, wood chips, brushwood and may be burned in small installations, cones, limit values for the emission of pollu- Þ Natural (untreated) non-chunky wood, es- tants, provisions regarding the monito- pecially in the form of sawdust, shavings, ring and regulations for restoration of abrasive dust or bark2 , existing installations. Þ Pressed blocks made from natural wood in the form of wood briquettes in ac- cordance with DIN 51731, version October C onsultation 1996, or in the form of wood pellets in If you start to operate a new wood accordance with the fuel requirements combustion installation or take over of the DIN plus Certification Programme an existing one from another operator, “Wood pellets for use in small combustion you must consult a chimney sweep installations in accordance with DIN regarding the proper operation of your 51731-HP 5”, version August 2007, and installation, the use of appropriate fuels other wood pellets made of natural wood and proper storage of the fuels no later This type of fuel is mainly used in wood-processing establishments where it is generated as a waste product. as a waste it is generated where establishments typeThis of fuel is mainly used in wood-processing

with equal quality. 2 than within one year. Such consultation

will commonly take place in connec-

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 13 14.05.2013 11:32:37 When visiting your home for inspec- tion of the combustion installation, the Water content and wood moisture chimney sweep will from now on also With regard to the moisture contained in inspect your fuel store and check the the wood, a distinction has to be made moisture content of the stored fuel. If between two different concepts: the wood is found not to be sufficiently dry, you will be informed by him or The water content is defined as the weight her and if required, given advice with of water contained in the wood as referred regard to proper storage of the fuel. to the total weight of wood. This is due to the fact that burning damp wood will not only lead to clearly The moisture content is the weight of water elevated emission levels but also affect as referred to the dry weight of wood. the efficiency of your installation.

For example, a 20 per cent water content corresponds to a 25 per cent moisture Which are the emission limits applying to content. room heaters? Emission limit values

In manually fed installations, the wood Installations that are preferentially fuels listed in the box may only be used used to heat the room where they are in an air-dry state. This means that a installed are subject to limit values moisture content of 25 per cent must which have to be complied with in a not be exceeded. Normally, this is the type test. This means that measure- case for wood stored under a cover over ments are carried out before an appli- two years in a well-ventilated place. Fu- ance is put on the market. Such limit els not listed must not be burned unless values exist for carbon monoxide and a special permission has been granted. dust. In addition, a minimum efficien- Important: chipboard and varnished cy level is required. Upon purchase of wood may only be burned by wood-pro- a stove you are given a certificate by cessing establishments and if certain re- the manufacturer confirming compli- quirements are complied with. Private ance with the limit values laid down households are not allowed to do so. in the 1.BImSchV. This certificate must be presented to the chimney sweep. In recent years, small paper briquette There are two levels of emission limit presses have been offered commercially values for each type of pollutant. Level also on the Internet. Allegedly, they are 1 has come into force with the updated suitable for producing cheap fuel from 1.BImSchV, Level 2 applies to newly in- waste paper in a do-it-yourself proce- stalled systems as of 2015. For applian- dure. However, similar to the so-called ces installed earlier, the old limit values paraffin logs also available in some do- continue to apply, on principle. Table 1 it-yourself stores, the briquettes produ- shows a list of the relevant values. ced in this way must not be burned in private households.

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 14 14.05.2013 11:32:37 Table 1: Emission limit values and minimum efficiency of room heaters for solid fuels (requirements in the type test)

Level 1: Level 2: Installation after Installation after Installation after entry into force 31 December 2014 entry into force of of this Ordinance this Ordinance

Type of fireplace Technical rules CO Dust CO Dust Minimum [g/m3] [g/m3] [g/m3] [g/m3] efficiency %

Room heaters with DIN EN 13240 2.0 0.075 1.25 0.04 73 flat-layer firing

Room heaters with DIN EN 13240 2.5 0.075 1.25 0.04 70 feeder firing -slow combustion

Heat storage stoves DIN EN 15250/A1 2.0 0.075 1.25 0.04 75

Fireplace inserts DIN EN 13229 2.0 0.075 1.25 0.04 75 (closed operation)

Tiled stove inserts with DIN EN 13229/A1 2.0 0.075 1.25 0.04 80 flat-layer firing

Tiled stove inserts with DIN EN 13229/A1 2.5 0.075 1.25 0.04 80 feeder firing

Cooking ranges DIN EN 12815 3.0 0.075 1.50 0.04 70

Heating stoves DIN EN 12815 3.5 0.075 1.50 0.04 75

Pellet stoves without hot DIN EN 14785 0.40 0.05 0.25 0.03 85 water

Pellet stoves with hot DIN EN 14785 0.40 0.03 0.25 0.02 90 water heat exchanger

In general, open fireplaces produce relatively high emission levels and are unsuitable for heating due to their low efficiency. Such installations should be operated on an occasional basis only.

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 15 14.05.2013 11:32:37 I nspection limit values applying to old appliances will be less strict than those fixed for Based on the German Chimney Sweep new installations. The limit values for Trade Act, the authorised district chim- existing appliances are listed in Table ney sweep will from now on perform 2, the transition periods in Table 3. The a fireplace inspection twice in seven exact date of expiration of the transi- years in order to check the operational tion period for your appliance has to be safety of the installation. According to established by a chimney sweep. After the 1.BImSchV, such inspections will expiration of the transition period you also cover the checking for a proper may either technical condition of the installation and the fuel storage. Þ Retroactively submit a certificate by the manufacturer on the type test N ew requirements for old stoves emission values for your installation (this will be possible mainly for in- In many cases, very high emission le- stallations built more recently), or vels are produced by old room heaters. Therefore, it is particularly important Þ Have the emissions measured on the to set emission limits for such installa- installed system. tions. To prevent an excessive burden If your installation does not comply on consumers, old stoves are subject to with the limit values listed in Table 3, it very long transition periods. Depending must be retrofitted with a dust separa- on the type test dates, these transition tor or replaced by a new one. periods will expire between 2015 and 2025. Also beyond these years, the

Table 2: Limit values for existing room heaters

CO [g/m3] Dust [g/m3] room heaters installed prior to 22 March 2010 4 0.15

Table 3: Transition periods for existing room heaters Date of type test Date of retrofitting (according to type plate) or shutdown Prior to 01 January 1975 or date of type test no longer ascertainable 31 December 2014

01 January 1975 until 31 December 1984 31 December 2017 01 January 1985 until 31 December 1994 31 December 2020 01 January 1995 until date of entry into force of the Ordinance 31 December 2024

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 16 14.05.2013 11:32:37 For the sake of social acceptability of tion mainly for manually fed boilers the transitional rules, a number of because prior to the new regulations, exceptions have been granted: These in- emissions were measured by a chimney clude appliances representing the only sweep only once after the start-up of an heating option of a residential unit, installation. historical stoves, cooking ranges, bath It is another new feature that emission boilers, open fireplaces and masonry limit values now also apply to small- heaters without insert that are installed sized heating boilers with a rated ther- directly at the site by a craftsman. mal output of less than 15 kW.

The new emission limit values for small Which are the new requirements applying wood-firing boilers are listed in Table 4. to central heating boilers? Similar to room heaters, there are also While most room heaters are used only two levels for the limit values apply- occasionally, the majority of boilers are ing to boilers. Also for boilers, Level 2 used for central heating of an entire applies only to systems installed as of house or at least a flat. As a rule, the 2015. latter are in operation for markedly longer periods. It is therefore particu- larly important to reduce the emission levels caused by heating boilers. For this reason, compliance with the limit values applying to heating boilers is ensured, instead of type testing, by means of monitoring by a chimney sweep performing measurements at two-year intervals. This is an innova-

T:able 4 Emission limit values for wood-firing boilers

Fuel Rated thermal Dust [g/m3] CO [g/m3] output [kW] Level 1: Chunky and non-chunky > 4 – 500 0.1 1.0 Installations set up wood (split logs, after entry into force of sawdust) the Ordinance Wood pellets > 4 – 500 0.06 0.8 Level 2: Chunky and non-chunky > 4 0.02 0.4 Installations set up wood (split logs, after 31 December 2014 sawdust), wood pellets

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 17 14.05.2013 11:32:37 Table 5: Transition periods for existing heating boilers Date of set-up Expiry of the transitional period Until 31 December 1994 01 January 2015 01 January 1995 until 31 December 2004 01 January 2019 01 January 2005 until date 01 January 2025 of entry into force of the Ordinance

Emission levels of heating boilers are Which are the new requirements applying particularly high if these are operated to chimneys? at partial load, i.e. if their output is In order to avoid neighbours being reduced for example to half power. In disturbed by flue gases from your chim- order to avoid this, new heating boilers ney, the outlet must tower above the must, on principle, be equipped with a ridge by at least 40 centimetres or heat storage tank. Also a minimum vo- lume is required for such storage tank. Þ on flat roofs (roof slope up to and inclu- If possible, it should provide a volume ding 20 degrees) be at least 1 m away of twelve litres per litre of fuel filling from the roof surface; and space. The minimum requirement, how- Þ on steep roofs (roof slope of more ever, is a volume of 55 litres per kilo- than 20 degrees) have a horizontal watt rated thermal output. Exceptions distance to the roof surface of at least may be made for pellet boilers showing 2 m and 30 cm low emission levels also at partial load conditions. In addition, in the case of combus- tion installations with a total thermal output of up to 50 kilowatts, the chim- D o these requirements also apply to old ney outlets must, within a radius of 15 wood-fired boilers? meters, tower above the top edges of The new ordinance provides for long ventilation openings, windows or doors transition periods also for existing by at least 1 m. heating boilers (see Table 5). When these transition periods have expired, the Level 1 limit values will also apply to existing boilers. In 2012 at the latest, a chimney sweep will establish the date of expiration for the transition period of a certain installation. Until that time, the old limit values, i.e. those in effect prior to the amended 1.BImSchV will continue to apply.

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M y neighbour’s wood-fired heating However, a development of further system gives off black smoke. Who can I advanced technology is to be expected turn to? for the next years.

On principle, complaints in individual Which are the pollutants responsible for cases are dealt with by the authorities odours from wood-fired installations? of the federal Länder. This is why we Odour as a nuisance from wood com- recommend you to contact the local re- bustion is mainly caused by organic sponsible authority. Depending on the compounds forming during incomplete federal Land, this could be the environ- combustion of wood. However, strong mental office, the building authority or odours are often associated with in- a district office. creased emission levels of other pol- Why is burning of paper briquettes not lutants such as fine particulates and allowed? carbon monoxide because the latter are formed under similar conditions. These briquettes are made of paper likely to contain a great number of A ren’t fine particulates emitted by contaminants. During combustion, wood- combustion installations much less these may form harmful substances. In harmful than diesel exhaust particulates? addition, no system has been designed Up to the present, only a few studies for the burning of paper briquettes. For have been performed on the different this reason, burning of paper in your effects of fine particulates of different installation may lead to high emis- origin. However, first studies carried sion levels and other problems such as out in Switzerland3 have suggested fine fouling of or damage to the installa- particulates from normal wood-fired tion. Other problems may result from stoves to pose a health risk similar to burning incompletely dried briquettes that from diesel exhaust particulates. because these will additionally deterio- rate combustion conditions. A re there already dust separators availa- ble for wood-fired heating systems?

There are already electric dust sepa- rators for very small installations. In simple terms, they work on the basis of dust particles being electrically char- 3 Klippel, Norbert und Nussbaumer, Thomas (2006): Feinstaub- bildung in Holzfeuerungen und Gesundheitsrelevanz von ged and then collecting on the wall of Holzstaub im Vergleich zu Dieselruss. In: Thomas Nussbaumer (Hrsg.), Feinstaubminderung und Stromerzeugung im Rahmen the flue gas . In addition, a catalyst der zukünftigen Energieversorgung. is available that reduces the formation 9. Holzenergie-Symposium, 20. Oktober 2006, ETH Zürich, Zürich 2006, Verenum, Zürich und Bundesamt für Energie, of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and Bern, ISBN 3-908705-14-2, S. 21-40. http://www.holzenergie- fine particulates. symposium.ch/Dokumente/Tgband9HES.pdf 19

Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 19 14.05.2013 11:32:40 F urther information sources

M oney from the State – Where can I get E missions from wood-firing/combustion financial support for my wood-fired installations installation? UBA background paper “Die Nebenwir- There are different funding program- kungen der Behaglichkeit – Feinstaub mes run by the federal government and aus Kamin und Holzofen“ (Side effects the federal Länder. of cosiness: particulates from open fireplaces and wood-burning stoves), A good overview of the great variety of download at support programmes offered is found http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/uba- in the funding database provided by info-medien/dateien/3556.html the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie – BMWi). L ow-emission wood pellet stoves and Download at boilers www.Foerderdatenbank.de http://www.blauer-engel.de An important funding programme of the federal government is the market L ow-emission room heaters, heating incentive programme for renewable inserts and storage heaters energies. Information on the latter is www.dincertco.de found at http://www.bafa.de/bafa/de/energie/ erneuerbare_energien/

R elated literature S aving energy when heating Hartmann, Hans (Hrsg.): Handbuch Das Energie-Sparschwein (The Energy Bioenergie-Kleinanlagen. Fachagentur Piggy Bank) Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V., Gülzow 2003 Information on and http://mediathek.fnr.de/handbuch- heating energy saving for home-owners bioenergie-kleinanlagen.html and house builders Umweltbundesamt, Dezember 2003; Struschka, M. et al: Effiziente Bereit- Download at stellung aktueller Emissionsdaten für http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/uba- die Luftreinhaltung; UBA-Texte 44/08, info-medien/2595.html Dessau-Roßlau, November 2008 Download at www.umweltdaten.de/publikationen/fpdf- l/3677.pdf

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Layout_engl final 14.5.2013.indd 20 14.05.2013 11:32:40 I mprint

Published by: Photographs: Federal Environment Agency p. 6: Wodtke, Tübingen Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau p. 18: Mella / photocase.com Telephone: +49 340 / 2103 - 0 p. 2, p. 3, p. 8, p. 9, p. 10, p. 12, p. 18 E-Mail: [email protected] shutterstock.com Internet: www.umweltbundesamt.de http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/index-e. htm

Authors: Anja Behnke Federal Environment Agency (Section III 2.1) Dr. Bernd-Michael Kemper Landesanstalt für Umweltschutz, Baden-Württemberg

Edited by: Anja Behnke

T ranslated: from German by Andrea Bartel, Berlin

Design: Studio GOOD, Berlin www.studio-good.de

D ate: January 2013

Edition: xxxxxx copies Printed on Blue Angel recycled paper

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