Burning ban: where and when does it apply?

The topic of a heating ban is increasingly relevant in the Netherlands. Whether you are enjoying a relaxing moment in your hot tub or sauna or a cozy evening by the wood stove, a heating ban can impact your plans. In this blog, we explain exactly what a ban on heating means, what the difference is with a heating alert and what you can do when heating is not allowed for a while.

Is there a legal ban on heating in the Netherlands?

A complete legal ban on heating does not currently exist in the Netherlands. What is common, however, is a stoking alert. This is a warning from the RIVM not to burn wood during certain weather conditions. A heating alert has no legal obligations, but is strongly recommended to prevent health risks and nuisance.

In the Netherlands, more and more municipalities are taking measures to improve air quality and reduce nuisance from wood burning. Amersfoort, for example, was the first large city to introduce a local "ban on wood burning. This means that residents are not allowed to use their wood stove in windless weather or fog, in order to reduce smoke pollution and health complaints. This basically amounts to having to follow the stoking guide. The municipality of Utrecht is also taking measures.

What is a heating alert?

A heating alert is issued by RIVM when weather conditions cause poor air quality. For example in windless weather or fog, where smoke from wood-burning stoves and fire pits lingers in the air. The aim is to protect vulnerable groups such as asthmatics. Check the RIVM Stookwijzer regularly for the current situation in your region.

Who does a heating alert apply to?

A heating alert is mainly addressed to people with wood-burning stoves, fireplaces or outdoor stoves. But even if you have a wood-fired hot tub or sauna, you also have to deal with this. You are not obliged to adhere to this (except in municipalities where this is explicitly decided), but it is recommended. By doing so, you prevent others from being bothered by wood smoke. 

How do I know where a heating alert applies?

RIVM indicates for each region where a heating alert is in effect. Through the Stookwijzer you can quickly see if there is an advisory in your municipality.

Alternatives in the event of a firing ban or firing alert

Nothing is as changeable as the weather, so if a heating ban is in place now, it could be different in a few hours. Do you live in a municipality where you are required to follow the heating guide? Then it is advisable to choose an electric hot tub or electric sauna, a hybrid hot tub or a hot tub with biodiesel heater. This will allow you to use your hot tub or sauna regardless of the weather.

Convert existing hot tub or sauna 

It is possible to convert your wood-fired hot tub to a hot tub with biodiesel heater, provided you have a filtration system. This is because the biodiesel heater is connected to the filtration system, so you don't have to make any modifications to the hot tub itself. It is also possible to connect your hot tub to another type of electric heating system. For more information, feel free to contact us.  

Turning a wood-fired sauna into an electric sauna is also not impossible, but it is a little more difficult. The stove is easy to replace, but the chimney hole has to be plugged and you have to install power in the garden. Because of this, the costs to convert a sauna can be high. You can always contact us for the possibilities.