For many years Poland has been struggling with air pollution, especially during the heating season. In 2024, the government took further steps in the fight against smog, introducing strict rules on the usage of high-emission heat sources. The fresh regulations aim to reduce emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere and improve the quality of life of residents.
Prohibitions in subsequent regions
1 January 2024 is simply a symbolic date from which the ban on the usage of alleged cinderellas in 8 Polish provinces began to apply. This is only part of a broader plan to combat air pollution, which besides includes replacing old boilers, furnaces and fireplaces with more ecological solutions.
According to the European Environment Agency, 12 of the 20 most polluted cities in Europe are located in Poland. This is an alarming situation that requires swift and effective action.
Clean Air Program
The Government Clean Air Programme is increasingly curious in residents. backing for exchange of heat sources translates into an increase in the number of heat pumps and gas boilers installations. In September 2023, the amount of grants reached almost PLN 250 million, which represents a crucial increase compared to erstwhile years.
Device replacement schedule
The government has established a clear timetable for the exchange of equipment in individual voivodships, which is intended to facilitate the adaptation process for residents. As early as 2024, non-standard furnaces will gotta replace the inhabitants of 11 voivodships, and subsequent bans will come into force in the following years.
It is worth noting that the usage of old furnaces may consequence in severe financial consequences, including penalties of up to PLN 5 thousand.
Selecting green solutions
Despite the challenges associated with the exchange of heat sources, more and more people decide to install green heating systems specified as heat pumps. The availability of these equipment increased and producers increased production to meet the increasing demand.
Timetable for the exchange of equipment in individual voivodships
After the dates indicated below suse of these devices is or will be prohibited:
Mazovia Region
– 1 January 2023 – ban on Cinderellas (classless anchors) and furnaces not gathering the ecodesign requirements;
– 1 October 2023 – there is simply a full ban on coal smoking in Warsaw;
– 1 January 2028 in the municipalities surrounding the capital, with the exception of Class 5 boilers installed before 10 November 2017 and boilers complying with the Ecodesign standards installed before 1 June 2022;
– 1 January 2028 will be prohibited from utilizing boilers of a class below 5.
Lesser Poland Region
– from spring 2024 (until the end of the heating season) – classless furnaces and those which do not meet the criteria of the resolution;
– 1 January 2027 – furnaces with a class below 5.
Greater Poland Region
– 1 January 2024 – Cinderellas, i.e. furnaces not gathering the standards of any class;
– 1 January 2026 boilers not complying with ecodesign requirements or class 5 of PN-EN 303-5:2012, (exceptions);
– 1 January 2028 furnaces of Class 3 and 4.
Lower Silesian Region
– 1 July 2024 – boilers not complying with the requirements of the 3rd class of PN-EN 303-5:2012 (i.e. Cinderellas);
– 1 July 2028 – coal or wood stoves of a class below 5.
Silesian Region
– 1 January 2022 – classless furnaces operated for more than 10 years from the date of manufacture;
– 1 January 2024 – classless boilers utilized from 5 to 10 years from the date of production;
– 1 January 2026 – classless boilers utilized up to 5 years from the date of manufacture;
– 1 January 2028 – solid fuel furnaces of a class below 5.
Łódź Region
– 1 January 2025 – classless furnaces not complying with any of the standards (heaters and fireplaces before 2018 have until 1 January 2026 to be installed as required by the filter resolution);
– 1 January 2028 – all solid fuel furnaces below class 5.
Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region
– 1 January 2024 – fireplaces and another space heaters which do not meet the anti-smog standards;
– 1 January 2028 – furnaces with a class below 5.
Lublin Region
– 1 January 2024 – classless furnaces (cinders) and boilers of classes 1 and 2 according to PN-EN 303-5:2002;
– 1 January 2027 – each coal furnace of grades 3 and 4.
Lubuskie Region
– 1 January 2024 in Zielona Góra and Gorzów Wielkopolski – solid fuel furnaces with a class below 5;
– 1 January 2027 – solid fuel furnaces with a class of little than 5 outside these cities.
Opolskie Voivodeship
– 1 January 2029 – classless furnaces;
– 1 January 2032 – boilers of classes 3 and 4.
Podkarpackie Region
– 1 January 2024 – classless boilers operated from 5 to 10 years from the date of production;
– 1 January 2026 – classless boilers operated up to 5 years from the date of production;
– 1 January 2028 – coal furnaces of a class below 5.
Pomeranian Voivodeship
– 1 January 2024 in Sopot a ban on heating with coal and wood;
– 1 September 2024 – classless furnaces or little than 3;
– 1 September 2026, furnaces of Class 3 and 4.
Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship
– 1 July 2024 – Class 3 and 4 furnaces;
– 1 July 2026 – boilers of class 5.
West Pomeranian Region
– 1 January 2024 – classless furnaces, i.e. Cinderellas not gathering any standards;
– 1 January 2028 – furnaces with a class below 5.
Summary
The fight against air contamination is not only the work of the authorities but besides the common interest of local communities. The transition to greener heat sources is not only a step towards improving air quality, but besides an investment in a healthier future for all of us. Therefore, we encourage active participation in programmes supporting the exchange of old high-carbon furnaces for modern, ecological solutions.
More here:
As of 1 January, the ban on smoking coal and wood
