14-02-2025
What are the rules for wood burners and fireplaces in Spain?
Yes, it definitely gets cold enough in Spain to need a wood burner (estufa de leña) or a fireplace (chiminea), particularly in the northern regions and those at high altitudes where it can get very chilly.
And we've already established that Spanish homes in all regions can be freezing in the winter – often colder than it is outside (we're not joking).
Although most people in Spain don't have fireplaces because they live in apartment buildings, there are still a significant people who live in houses that do.
What's more, there was a boom in the sale of wood burners in 2022 and the use of them grew by 30 percent, according to the Spanish Association of Stove Manufacturers (Aefecc).
Having an alternative heat source to boilers and radiators is also a good option when the price of gas skyrockets and many people can't afford to use their central heating.
Also, according to Spain's National Institute of Statistics, 30 percent of homes in Spain don't have any type of central heating, so alternative ways of keeping warm in winter are needed.
But if you do have the option of installing a fireplace and decide down this route there are several rules and regulations you need to keep in mind, mainly to ensure your safety as well as that of those around you.
In urban areas, chimneys must comply with more specific standards, since emissions can affect both the residents themselves and the environment.
Although there are less rules for those in the countryside without nearby neighbours safety regulations still apply.
Fireplaces
Wood burning fireplaces (chimeneas de leña) are regulated through the Royal Decree 919/2006. It states that fireplaces must meet certain characteristics, including minimum height of the smoke outlet and certain distances from the walls and ceilings. These are:
Chimneys must protrude at least one metre above any nearby obstacle, such as the roof, to avoid problems with condensation or gases leaking back into the home. This is particularly important in buildings, where chimneys share space with other installations.
The minimum safety distance between the smoke outlet and any combustible material on the roof must be at least 1.2 metres.
Proper ventilation of a chimney is key to avoiding the accumulation of toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide. You must allow for efficient gas evacuation, especially in areas such as the kitchen. It is advisable to have cross ventilation that facilitates the escape of these gases.
The smoke outlet must be located at a minimum distance of two metres from any other opening in the home or building to prevent it from leaking back inside the house.
Wood burners
If you want to install a wood or pellet burner instead of a full fireplace, there are also several rules. It is also possible to have these types of burners in an apartment, but it will require altering the building.
According to Spain's Horizontal Property Law (LPH) if you want to install a pellet stove in an apartment in Spain you need consent from the community of owners because it may affect common areas such as facades and roofs.
You must present a technical plan carried out by a qualified professional to your Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) in order to get authorisation to install one too. You may also need additional permits depending on where you live.
The location of a pellet stove is crucial to ensuring it's safe and works efficiently. It must be located at a minimum distance of one metre from flammable materials such as furniture, curtains or wooden walls.
Adequate ventilation is also essential according to Spain's Technical Building Code. The stove must be located in a well-ventilated space that allows for the entry of fresh air and the escape of gases. Ideally, it should be located in an area with access to direct sunlight, which promotes better air circulation and improves energy efficiency.
Smoke evacuation must be taken into consideration. It is essential to have an approved system that allows fumes to be directed outside through the roof or specific ducts. Technicians must also be able to access the roof for regular maintenance.
Pellet stoves without a flue/duct are not permitted.
Chimneys or ducts must be made of heat resistant materials.
You may need to change your flooring as these types of stoves cannot be placed directly on wooden floors.
Regular maintenance is need for pellet stoves. This includes periodic cleaning to remove ash, reviewing the combustion system and inspecting the chimneys and ducts to make sure there are no blockages. You can hire professionals to do this for you.
