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IS BURNING IN A FIREPLACE LEGAL?

There is a lot of information circulating on the internet about bans on burning in wood fireplaces, which can be confusing. The truth is that the general No smoking in wood fireplaces does not exist. In the European Union, of which Poland is a member, there are no directives prohibiting the possession and use of wood fireplaces. EU directives focus on improving air quality, and modern fireplaces that meet ecological standards, are in accordance with these guidelines.

In Poland, local regulations for improving air quality are established by Voivodship assemblies. Currently, the only place where there is a total ban on burning in wood fireplaces is Krakow. In other parts of Poland you can smoke in wood-burning fireplaces, provided they meet ecodesign requirements.

Users of fireplaces that do not meet the requirements ecodesign, must take action to comply with the new regulations. They can do this by modernization existing equipment by installing emission-reducing technologies, or replacing old fireplaces with modern models that comply with standards.

From January 1, 2022 all fireplace manufacturers in Poland can only sell devices that meet the requirements ecodesign. Therefore, future users of fireplaces can rest assured, as key Polish manufacturers have been offering only ecological products for a long time. Before buying a wood fireplace, it is worth making sure that the manufacturer declares the device's compliance with ecodesign requirements and ask for the appropriate declaration or download it from the manufacturer's website.

Local air quality regulations determine when you can burn wood in a fireplace. In some provinces, there may be temporary bans on burning wood in fireplaces due to so-called smog days, when concentration pollution in the air is elevated.

Nominal power in the HITZE-1 fireplace
Nominal power in the HITZE-1 fireplace

HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR FIREPLACE HAS
ECODESIGN?

1. Choose HITZE

All fireplaces HITZE, offered by the Polish manufacturer, meet ecodesign requirements. What's more, HITZE has always adapted its products to these standards. For over 9 years, HITZE devices have been compliant with the ecodesign requirements that have been in force since January 1, 2022.

2. Check your fireplace

If you already have a fireplace, you can check whether it meets ecodesign requirements using the manufacturer's declaration of conformity. Ecodesign fireplaces are characterized by the following parameters:

• Seasonal energy efficiency: ≥ 65% (which means that
the fireplace should have a thermal efficiency of ≥ 75%)
• CO emissions: ≤ 1500 mg/m³
• NOx emissions: ≤ 200 mg/m³
OGC Emission: ≤ 120 mg/m³
• PM emission: ≤ 40 mg/m³

WILL IT BE POSSIBLE IN FIREPLACES?
BURN?

YES. There is no indication that ecological wood-burning fireplaces will be banned. The priorities prevailing on the European market often change. Until recently, some EU member states indicated that gas was the fuel of the future, but now they are pursuing an intensive policy of promoting heating devices using biomass.

Relying on solar or wind energy in the 100% also carries some risk due to its dependence on the weather, while wood-burning fireplaces are independent and a reliable source of heating.

WHY IS IT WORTH HAVING A WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE?

Wood burning fireplace symbolizes energy independence, thanks to the widespread availability and renewable nature of wood as a fuel classified as biomass, which reduces dependence on external energy suppliers. This is particularly important in crisis situations, where power or gas outages can disrupt the functioning of a household.

Wood, being a cheaper alternative for fossil fuels, enables economical heating, and modern wood fireplaces are designed to minimize pollutant emissions, making them more environmentally friendly. Owners of wood fireplaces can also be independent from the fluctuating prices and availability of energy markets, which stabilizes heating costs and provides constant access to
warm.

And above all, a fireplace or a wood stove is also amazing atmosphere. The warmth and flickering glow of the flames make the fireplace the focal point of the room. The play of light and shadow cast by the fire adds charm and elegance to the interior, and the variety of fireplace styles allows them to match any type of décor, from traditional to modern arrangements. The sound of crackling wood is soothing and relaxing, introducing a natural acoustic background into the home that helps to relax and unwind
after a long day. This combination of warm light and the calming sounds of the fire makes the fireplace not only a source of heat, but also comfort and aesthetic pleasure

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