Since October 2023, new rules govern the maintenance of wood heating, whether pellet or log stoves. These obligations, enshrined in the Public Health Code, aim to limit polluting emissions and improve the safety of installations.
- New maintenance obligations for wood heating, with annual inspection by a professional.
- Objective of reducing air pollution and improving the safety of installations.
- Impact on the market, with a rise in more ecological pellet stoves despite a drop in sales in 2023.
Wood heating is experiencing renewed interest in France, particularly because of its ecological and economic advantages. However, the growth of this solution has led to the establishment of new maintenance obligations. These require annual monitoring of equipment, including cleaning and checking that the devices are functioning properly. Legislation that modifies the practices of users and professionals.
Since the decree of July 2023, all combustion fireplaces and heating appliances must undergo annual maintenance. This check must be carried out by a qualified professional, who is responsible for checking the correct operation of the device, cleaning the ducts and making the necessary adjustments. A certificate will be issued within 15 days following the intervention, and owners must keep this document in the event of an inspection.
Why is regular maintenance of your wood heating necessary?
Regular maintenance of wood stoves and fireplaces is essential for several reasons. First, it helps maintain the energy performance of the device, but also reduces the risk of fire due to clogging of the ducts. More importantly, it helps limit emissions of fine particles, which are particularly dangerous for public health. This type of pollution is linked to open fireplaces, such as traditional fireplaces, which produce a large amount of smoke.
Not all wood burning appliances are created equal. While pellet stoves offer better efficiency and are less polluting, open fireplaces can be particularly harmful. They release a large quantity of fine particles into the air, which affects air quality and the health of residents. To maximize ecological performance, it is recommended to choose closed stoves and ensure fuel quality.
The wood heating market remains dynamic
Despite a drop in sales in 2023, the wood heating market continues to do quite well. After a record year in 2022, sales of pellet stoves fell, but saw a notable recovery in 2024. This dynamic is largely due to the increase in pellet production and the desire of consumers to turn to more ecological solutions, despite price volatility. All of these new maintenance obligations are therefore accompanied by a real turning point for the wood heating industry, which seeks to meet ecological requirements while maintaining the attractiveness of its products.
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