What are the proper fuels, how should one heat their home, and what are the owner's responsibilities? Heating with wood is once again in high demand. Because of the current state of the energy market, many homeowners and apartment dwellers are installing more wood stoves or reactivating old, deactivated systems. Coal is scarce or non-existent on a commercial scale. Firewood has also seen a major price spike. This is linked to the possibility of improper fuels being used for heating. As a precaution, the Barnim district would want to educate all wood stove operators in the interest of fire and environmental protection.
The commissioning of new wood-burning stoves or previously shut down wood-burning stoves must be reported to the authorized district chimney sweep responsible. He must inspect the fireplace for operational and fire safety and give a certificate and the appropriate fireplace permit. The fireplace decision imposes obligations on the owner based on the related legal requirements for chimney sweep operations (cleaning, inspections, measures), which must be completed within defined time frames.
If your heating behavior changes, notify your authorized district chimney sweep so that the specifications in the fireplace notice can be discussed. The cleaning sequence should be expanded for many customers who previously only had to have their chimneys cleaned once a year since they only used their fireplaces sporadically but now use them often to save natural gas. This prevents a chimney fire by counteracting the increasing accumulation of soot in the chimney.
For wood-burning stoves, the appropriate kindling is everything. Wood is a climate-neutral, renewable energy source derived from local woods that is gaining popularity as a fuel. On the other hand, hand-loaded wood-burning stoves produce fine dust when used incorrectly. This fine dust formation can be effectively countered by following simple principles, which also offer potential savings in firewood consumption.
Using a firelighter between several dry, tiny pieces of wood is ideal. The firelighter is positioned on top of the wood stack in the stove rather than beneath it. Many individuals must be made aware that newspapers and cardboard can't be burned in a fireplace or tiled stove. As a result, neither is acceptable for cheering. Firelighters come in various materials on the market; hardware stores usually have several to select from.
Only dry, untreated wood with a residual moisture content of no more than 20%, preferably less than 15%, and a maximum diameter of 10 centimeters, or untreated wood briquettes, should be used as fuel. Because the oven is not a garbage incinerator, coated or varnished wood should not be used. Overaged wood is also not recommended because it produces more fine particles when burned.
Do not overfill the combustion chamber; otherwise, severe soot buildup is possible. Experts recommend that the air flaps on the stove be opened before and during the entire burning process and that they be closed only when the embers are scarcely visible. A bright, yellow-reddish, lengthy, and vigorous flame shows that there is enough air. The fire will not burn if there is little air, and there is a chance of smoke gas deflagration. Toxic gases are also generated. If, on the other hand, the chimney pulls too much air and the stove overheats, carefully throttle the air intake flap. When only intense embers remain in the stove, add more wood. The logs quickly catch fire again. The air flap must be opened again to create a clean burn. In addition, the expert advises just placing individual pieces of wood in the oven.
The commissioning of fireplaces without previous approval by the appropriately authorized district chimney sweep and using unsuitable fuels is an administrative offense punishable by a fine.