Restrictions on stoves and fireplaces, from 15 October fines of up to 5 thousand euros

With the arrival of winter, we begin to crave cold afternoons spent in front of the fireplace. But be careful because there are rules to respect, the violation of which can transform a moment of pleasure into a considerable fine - from 500 to 5000 euros -.

In fact, there are limitations for wood heating in the home, which vary depending on the Region. The restrictions mainly refer to the number of "stars" of the stove or fireplace. What are these stars? Decree 186/2017 introduced an environmental classification system for heat generators powered by wood, pellets or wood chips, assigning from 1 to 5 stars based on efficiency performance and polluting emission levels. The higher the number of stars, the more efficient the device will be. In the areas that are most affected by the cold, but also by pollution, the restrictions are more rigid: in Lombardy it is forbidden to use biomass generators that do not reach at least the three-star environmental class and those that are installed new must have at least four, a requirement also required in Piedmont. Fireplaces with a power of up to 10kW, which can be lit occasionally for recreational purposes, are an exception from the regional regulations.

Then there is the technical standard UNI 10683 (last updated in 2022) which regulates the verification, installation, control, cleaning and maintenance of heat generators powered by solid biofuels - wood, pellets, wood chips - with thermal power less than or equal to 35 kW.

From today, 15 October 2026, the legislation on biomass heating comes into force in Lombardy. This means that new emission and system requirements become applicable - approved by the Council in 2024 - for systems with thermal power at the furnace exceeding 35 kW. The emission limit values ​​- of particulate matter and total organic carbon - differ based on the altitude of the municipality in which the appliance is installed and the type of fuel previously used for the one being replaced. The environmental class must be four stars. The resolution also focuses on the specifics of flue maintenance, which must take place at least once a year or every four tons of biomass burned. It is also up to the maintenance technician to sign a specific report of maintenance that has taken place, to be registered in the Curit - Single Regional Cadastre of Heating Systems -, under penalty of fine. For stoves and fireplaces with a power lower than 35 kW, the conditions of use and installation remain the same for another year, until 15 October 2027.

In case of non-compliance with regional provisions, the fine can amount from 500 to 5000 euros.