The 1st Ordinance for the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act (Ordinance on small and medium sized combustion facilities - 1. BImSchV) stipulates which fuels may be used in fireplaces, tiled stoves and similar systems. Permissible solid fuels are natural split logs, wood briquettes/pellets as well as lignite and pit coal. So-called paraffin logs are also on the fuel market. These square-shaped blocks usually consist of a mixture of sawdust and a considerable amount of paraffin. In stoves and fireplaces and similar units regulated by 1. BImSchV, these fuels are prohibited.
Anyone who nevertheless burns logs with high amounts of paraffin risks being fined as well as having to deal with other problems, e.g. neighbours, for the dust emissions of a heating unit using paraffin logs can be eight times as high as those in which dry logs are burned. What is more, there are safety issues to be considered.
Anyone who wants to take the climate into account should consider-- in addition to his choice of proper fuel- the following:
- Get rid of old firing units: opt for modern, low-emissions systems. These include pellet stoves awarded the Blue Angel eco-label.
- Operate the unit properly: fire it up quickly and follow manufacturer advice on quantity and type of fuel.
- Have the unit serviced at regular intervals: have a professional company carry out a thorough inspection, at the beginning of every heating period at the very least.
A print version is also available free of charge by placing a call (local charges) to: 01888/305-3355, fax: 01888/305-3356 or by sending an email to: uba [at] broschuerenversand [dot] de. Direct written orders to: Federal Environment Agency, c/o GVP Gemeinnützige Werkstätten Bonn, Postfach 30 03 61, 53183 Bonn.
14 November 2008
