WOOD-BURNING STOVES IN LOW-ENERGY HOUSES

FACTS INSTEAD OF MYTHS

Time and again, contradictory statements circulate about the use of wood-burning stoves in modern, energy-efficient buildings - especially in passive and low-energy houses. Modern wood-burning stoves - professionally planned, correctly installed and properly operated - are clean, efficient and absolutely compatible with today's building standards.

Can I install a stove in a low-energy house?

Yes - you can install a stove in a low-energy house!

The following points will help you get there quickly:

With an outside air connection on the stove
with optimised heat output
Best with a certified stove
(e.g.: DIBt, BImSchV)
In cooperation with a stove builder and/or chimney sweep
We can recommend storage stoves with ceramic heat accumulators -
they give off gentle heat without overheating the house.

Can I install a stove in a house with living space ventilation?

Yes, you can install a stove in a house with living space ventilation!

You can enjoy your fire without worrying about the following points:

With an air-independent stove, such a stove has a separate air circuit, the combustion air comes from outside, not from the living room, and is sealed airtight and tested. This means that there is always enough oxygen in the heating chamber for complete combustion.
A DIBt approval, which is often mandatory, as well as European or national approvals, is useful here.
With pressure monitoring (e.g. vacuum safety switch)
This technology switches off the ventilation system if a vacuum develops. This means that every oven can be operated safely.

Does it make sense to have a stove installed in a low-energy house?

Yes, it makes sense - it is even particularly useful, ideal as a self-sufficient heat source, e.g. in the event of a power cut or as a supplement and support for heat pumps and solar thermal energy!

The advantages at a glance:

Independence from the power grid provides security and comfort.
Storage heaters provide gentle, healthy radiant heat.
The psychological "fire effect" increases well-being.

Is heating with wood CO₂-neutral? Or is the opposite the case?

Heating with wood from sustainably managed forests is CO₂-neutral.

Warmth with a clear conscience:

In Europe, the proportion of forest has risen continuously in recent decades, meaning that more wood is growing than is being utilised. And this is despite the fact that the proportion of wood-fuelled heating systems has also increased.
The entire forest must always be considered when posing the question. Statements based on a single tree are inadmissible.
A managed forest that also favours regeneration binds even more CO2 than a primeval forest with only old trees.