How the ecodesign directive will affect home fireplaces and fireplaces in the future
According to the new EU directive, “Ecodesign requirements for local space heaters using solid fuels will come into force on 1 January 2022. Product requirements under the Construction Products Regulation also apply to most space heaters. Space heaters include, for example, fireplaces and stoves.
The aim of ecodesign is to set requirements for products that use or are related to energy, improving their energy efficiency and reducing their other environmental impacts, including in terms of materials and repairability. Ecodesign and energy labelling requirements already apply to many product groups, including air conditioning units, household appliances, computers, displays and light sources.” (Source: Tukes)
Ecodesign is not exactly a new thing. Product requirements have previously applied to all devices, from refrigerators to coffee makers and air source heat pumps. (Many remember how the Moccamasters that switched off after half an hour at first caused people to frown.)
Traditional fireplaces will have to be more environmentally friendly in the future
How do ecodesign requirements affect home fireplaces? The new EU requirements come into force on 1 January 2022, when space heaters using solid fuels (i.e. fireplaces and stoves) will also fall under EU directives. According to the EU directive, fireplaces will have to be more environmentally friendly than before, and they will be assessed on factors such as materials, energy efficiency and repairability. Of course, when it comes to burning wood, a fireplace or stove is always less environmentally friendly as a heating method than many other forms of heating, but now, from January 2022, the EU is stepping in. Product standards will include requirements for efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions.
Every fireplace will have to come with an energy label
According to the ecodesign directive, manufacturers must draw up a Declaration of Performance (DoP) for products in accordance with the EU Construction Products Regulation and a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) in accordance with the ecodesign directive. The content of the Declaration of Performance is determined by product standards, and it must state the product's performance levels, i.e. its basic characteristics.
The Declaration of Conformity is a document by which the product manufacturer declares that the product in question meets all the requirements of the legislation applicable to it. The product will also always bear the CE marking in accordance with the EU Construction Products Regulations.
A new fireplace must now always come with an energy label. The regulation on energy labelling states what information the energy label must contain and what information about the product must be provided, including in online advertising. The energy label must be visible to consumers before they make a purchasing decision.
LumoX EkoAir air controller improves the performance and environmental friendliness of older fireplaces
LumoX has also developed its EkoAir product with the EU directives and a more environmentally friendly future in mind. Developed by retired firefighter Pasi Sillanpää, LumoX EkoAir preheats the combustion air and directs it onto the wood to improve combustion. This allows the smoke gases to burn almost completely in the fireplace, and thick black smoke no longer rises to the neighbours' annoyance. This means the wood burns more cleanly, and fine particulate emissions are reduced by up to 80%.
If you want to make your fireplace or sauna stove more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, there is no need to invest in a new fireplace. Just get LumoX Ekoair, and start burning wood more cleanly! You will also save money on firewood costs.