What does the EPB (energy performance) say about wood-burning stoves?

What does the EPB (energy performance) say about wood-burning stoves?

When building or renovating a home in Flanders, you inevitably come into contact with the EPB regulations. These regulations determine how energy-efficient your home must be. But what if you have a wood stove want to install? Will that affect your EPB declaration? And what about the energy performance certificate (EPC)? In this article, we dive deep into the regulations and give you a clear overview of what the EPB says about wood-burning stoves.

What is EPB and why is it important?

EPB stands for Energy Performance and Indoor Climate. These regulations have been in force in Flanders since 2006 and aim to make buildings more energy efficient. The rules apply to:

• New-build homes
• Major energy renovations
• Certain extensions or conversions

The EPB takes into account various factors such as insulation, ventilation, heating systems and renewable energy. The result of this calculation includes the E-level, which indicates how energy-efficient your home is.

What exactly is a wood stove?

A wood stove is an appliance that produces heat by burning wood or wood pellets. There are several types:

• Classic wood stoves: mostly firewood-based.
• Pellet stoves: operate on compressed wood pellets (pellets) and are often programmable.
• Built-in or inset fireplaces: integrated in the wall or fireplace.

Some models can also be connected to the central heating system (e.g. via a buffer tank), contributing to the general heating of the home.

Is a wood-burning stove included in the EPB calculation?

The answer depends on how the wood stove is used and what role it plays in the home's heating system.

1. Wood-burning stove as main heating: yes, is included

If you use a wood or pellet stove as a primary heating system, it must be included in the EPB calculation. This means:

• The performance of the stove must be demonstrated through technical data sheets or certificates.
• The stove must meet minimum efficiency requirements.
• The device must be correctly inscribed in the plans and technical sheets accompanying the EPB declaration.

So make sure you choose an appliance with high efficiency and low emissions, preferably with a CE mark or energy label A or higher.

2. Wood-burning stove as auxiliary heating: no, not compulsory to include

Do you use the stove only sporadically, for example for atmosphere or extra warmth during cold days? Then it is considered additional heating. In that case, it need not be compulsorily included in the EPB calculation.

Note: If, during an inspection, you cannot prove that the stove is only serving as a supplementary heating system, this could still affect your E-level.

Impact of a wood-burning stove on the E-level and EPC score

Both the E-level and the EPC (energy performance certificate) are important indicators of the energy efficiency of your home. A well-chosen wood or pellet stove can weigh both positively and negatively on this:

Positive influence:

• High-efficiency pellet stoves: Some pellet stoves have efficiencies above 90%, which is beneficial for your E-level.
• Connection to central heating: If the stove heats multiple rooms, it counts more heavily in the calculation.
• Connection with solar boiler or heat pump: Smart combinations can greatly improve E levels.

Negative impact:

• Low efficiency in classic stoves: Older or cheaper models often achieve only 60-70% efficiency.
• Poor indoor/outdoor air quality: Poorly installed stoves can cause particulate matter problems, which can indirectly affect ventilation requirements within EPB.
• Deduction due to lack of renewable energy source: A wood stove alone is usually not enough to meet the requirements around renewable energy within EPB rules from 2014.

What requirements must a wood-burning stove meet within EPB?

According to the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA), there are specific requirements for heating appliances within new construction projects:

• Energy efficiency ≥ 75%
• Low CO emissions (≤ 0.12%)
• CE marking mandatory according to European standards EN 13240 or EN 14785 (for pellet appliances)
• Connection to flue according to NBN standards

Make sure your installer is certified and experienced in EPB-compliant placements. Always ask for technical documentation required for your reporter EPB.

Do wood-burning stoves still match BEN homes?

Building according to BEN standards (Nearly Energy Neutral Building) means that your home meets strict requirements around insulation, airtightness and renewable energy. A modern pellet or biomass stove can certainly be part of this, provided:

• Connection to buffer tank or central heating system is present;
• Heat pump or solar water heater is combined with stove;
• Air supply comes directly from outside to avoid negative pressure;
• Quality installation done by approved installer;

So yes: even with a wood or pellet stove, you can perfectly meet BEN requirements - as long as the system is cleverly integrated into the overall concept of your home.

Alternatives to traditional wood burning within EPB context?

Since 2021, heating appliances that run on solid fuels such as wood have come under increasing scrutiny. Therefore, it pays to also consider alternatives that score better within the framework of renewable energy and air quality:

• Heat pumps (air-water, geothermal)
• Solar boilers coupled with underfloor heating or radiators
• Central heating on pellets instead of individual appliances (fully automated)
• Low-temperature heating combined with solar panels

Such systems ensure lower emissions as well as better scores within both EPC and E-level calculations.

Internal links for further exploration:

• What exactly does an EPB declaration entail?
• All about the EPC certificate when selling/leasing
• Sustainable ways to heat your home in 2024

Useful external sources:

• Official Flemish government page on EPB requirements (Vlaanderen.be)
• Energiesparen.be - Information on energy-efficient building and renovation
• Test-Aankoop - Comparison of pellet and wood stoves (subscription required)

Conclusion: what does the EPB say about wood-burning stoves?

In a nutshell: yes, a wood or pellet stove can be included in your EPB calculation - but only if it serves as main heating. Do you only use it as additional heating? Then it does not have to be included. Always choose appliances with high efficiency, low emissions and correct installation to avoid negative impact on your E-level. Also consider combinations with other sustainable techniques to score optimally within both the EPC and future regulations on sustainable living.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions on "What does the EPB say about wood-burning stoves?"

Will my classic fireplace be included in my E-level?

No, fireplaces are usually considered auxiliary heating unless they effectively serve as main heating AND can demonstrate sufficient efficiency - which is rarely the case.

Does my pellet stove count as a renewable energy source?

Sometimes yes - depending on type of installation and connection to central heating. Only appliances that meet certain standards and effectively contribute to primary heating can count under renewable energy sources within EPB rules since 2014.

Does a wood-burning stove always make for worse EPC score?

No, modern systems like pellet boilers can even contribute positively to EPC score provided they are installed correctly and operate efficiently.

Will I face penalties if I do not declare my stove on my EPB declaration?

Possible though - if it turns out that there is main heating that was not declared, this could lead to sanctions from VEKA or lower premiums/subsidies in construction/renovation projects.