Dust Collector FAQs: What are the legal benefits of installing an electrostatic precipitator?

The Federal Immission Control Act and the 1st BImSchV Ordinance for stoves and tiled stoves stipulate that appliances tested between 1 January 1995 and 21 March 2010 must emit a maximum of 4 grams of carbon monoxide per cubic metre of flue gas and a maximum of 0.15 grams of particulate matter per cubic metre of flue gas. They must meet the requirements of the 2nd stage of the 1st BImSchV. Stoves that are to continue to be used after 31 December 2024 must provide proof of these values. This can be done either by the manufacturer (written proof), by a chimney sweep (usually costs between 400 and 500 euros) or by retrofitting a modern dust reduction device. In the case of a high quality fireplace insert that is permanently walled in and cannot be replaced without major rebuilding work, the installation of an electrostatic precipitator allows continued operation after 31 December 2024 without further measurement or testing by the chimney sweep. In other cases, continued operation is possible, but additional measurements by the chimney sweep may be required. As the rules vary from state to state and sometimes even from municipality to municipality, it is worth checking with your local chimney sweep or municipality (not guaranteed after December 2024).