Renovating a chimney in an old building – what you need to consider
A fireplace not only provides warmth, coziness and living quality in an old apartment, but is also a real eye-catcher. As it is also possible to reduce heating costs with a fireplace modernization, retrofitting a fireplace is also popular with many owners. We present some of the fireplace types and explain what to look out for.
How can the chimney be modernized? Chimney sweep as the first point of contact
Regardless of whether you want to modernize or install a fireplace, the chimney sweep should always be your first point of contact. As the corresponding system must be approved by the chimney sweep before commissioning, it makes sense to involve him in the planning at an early stage. In addition to providing technical advice on any requirements and replacement obligations, the chimney sweep can also quickly find out the extent to which a connection to the existing chimney is possible in your old building, especially in the case of a retrofit chimney installation. In the course of control measurements and on the basis of the year in which the stove was built, it can be determined whether and by when action is required and the corresponding stove must be replaced by a new one with modern construction and combustion technology. At this point, it may be advisable to retrofit the stove by installing a heating cassette, a modern combustion control system or a fine dust filter. In order to minimize pollutant emissions, meet current emission and safety requirements and retain heat for longer, it is worth retrofitting open fireplaces with a heating insert with a viewing panel. According to the Federal Immission Control Ordinance, existing fireplaces will require a door, a fine dust filter and certain emission values to be complied with from 2024 anyway.
An overview of chimney types to make your chimney renovation a success
Once you are aware of the technical conditions, you can turn your attention to further planning. In general, the output range of the fireplace should be adapted to the respective premises. For example, if your old building has only recently been insulated, you should opt for a smaller version. Depending on individual heating and user behavior, the ideal type of fireplace can be very different. For example, a fireplace can either have a fast heat output or score points with its long storage times. If you are looking for a fireplace that does not require you to bend down to light, stoke and clean the fire, you will be delighted with a suspended fireplace. Originally from Scandinavia, this type of fireplace is also becoming increasingly popular in this country. The advantages of a suspended fireplace are obvious: by placing the fireplace higher in the room, which is particularly effective in old apartments with high ceilings, the risk of burns for children and animals is reduced. It can also be positioned centrally in the room. A glass fireplace is always particularly cozy, as the fire can be admired through a large glass surface, ideally on three sides. This creates the best possible campfire effect. If the cleaning effort of a conventional fireplace puts you off, a gas fireplace could be the right choice for you. Advantage: Not only the fireplace, but also the air itself remains clean with a gas fireplace, as it produces virtually no fine dust.