New rules for the installation of stoves - what about 2024?

In recent years, new rules and laws regarding stoves and wood-burning stoves have been discussed. Boverket issued new directives in 2019 regarding what applies when you burn and want to install. Since 2020 and onwards, minor changes have been made continuously in parts of the new rules. So, what are the new rules that apply now? Here we go through the basics of the new rules and how they affect you if you want to install wood burning, wood stove, or a fireplace.

New rules for stoves and wood burning aim to reduce harmful emissions

To reduce emissions associated with burning, the government and Boverket have introduced new rules for fireplace installations. The rules cover, among other things, pellet-fired stoves, wood stoves and wood-burning stoves and other space heaters.

The hope is that the new rules will help reduce harmful substances such as particles, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. These substances can have a direct negative impact on human health and the surrounding environment. It has been observed that certain burning significantly impairs air quality, posing a risk to people living in areas where various types of heating, such as in residential areas, are common.

The change in rules also meets a number of EU requirements that came into effect in 2020. The EU has drawn up a list of products that must meet set targets for minimum energy efficiency. In this way, it is hoped that negative effects on the environment and people can be reduced while the product is in use. Various types of heating products, for example, are subject to these requirement levels.

What do the new rules imply for installing a fireplace or wood burning?

The rules apply if you are going to install a new fireplace or stove. To ensure that you comply with the new laws and regulations, it's wise to review the fireplace, fuel, burning method, and local regulations.

If you already have some type of heated space heater in your home, you can continue to use it as usual. However, it might be a good idea to consider installing a modern version of wood burning or a stove. The newer the model, the greater the chance that it is more environmentally friendly, efficient, and low in operating cost.

In some cases, Boverket's building regulations may make exceptions. This might be, for example, if a fireplace is to be installed in an old house where consideration is given to style, age, and possible cultural heritage. Generally, however, it's still a good idea to choose a modern variant. Newer wood and pellet-fired stoves, in most cases, meet the new requirement levels.

How do the new rules affect burning in different types of fireplaces?

In summary, the new rules mainly affect requirement levels for fireplaces that you are going to install or modify. However, it varies depending on the type of space heater or fireplace you want to install. For example, open fireplaces, pellet-fired stoves, and boilers are subject to stricter requirement levels for emissions and efficiency. Kitchen stoves and wood stoves intended for cooking, as well as tile stoves, however, are not affected by the latest requirement levels for emissions and efficiency.

So, what does this mean in practice? Let's take a closer look at how two popular types of fireplaces are affected: wood stoves and pellet-fired stoves.

Wood stoves and kitchen stoves refer to fireplaces whose primary purpose is cooking. For a short period, the installation of wood stoves was affected by the new rules, which may make the installation of wood stoves a bit confusing. However, wood stoves are currently not covered by the new rules, and you can therefore continue to use or install a wood stove in your kitchen yourself.

However, it is greatly beneficial to have a modern wood stove. Newer models are based on updated technologies that are better for both humans and the environment, unlike older wood stoves designed from a health and environmental perspective.

Pellet-fired stoves have new requirements for emissions and efficiency. If you are going to install or modify a pellet-fired stove, you need to ensure that the model meets the new requirement levels. You can find more information about which certifications and markings the pellet stove needs to have on Boverket's website.

Find out what new rules apply if you install a wood stove and fireplace yourself

Today, many homeowners choose to install modern models of heated space heaters. Although there are general guidelines, you need to further investigate which rules, laws, and local regulations apply if you are going to install a wood stove, fireplace, or another type of stove yourself.

You may, for instance, need to apply for a building permit. This mainly applies if the changes made when you install a pellet-fired stove or wood stove are extensive and change the appearance of the house.

At Ulma, you can find different types of pellet stoves, wood stoves, wood cookers, and pellet boilers. Our products are high-quality, efficient, and reliable heating systems, and to a large extent, Ecodesign Compliant according to EU guidelines.

Read more about what might be good to consider when choosing a pellet stove here.