Get ready to shake up your German household routines in 2024, because some major changes are on the horizon! The federal government, insurance companies, and other organizations have lined up some updates for the New Year. Here's what you should expect:
Goodbye to Harmful Substances
Starting 2024, a harmful group of chemicals known as PFAS will be banned. These chemicals can be found in various products, including foam fire extinguishers. You'll need to replace old fire extinguishers that contain PFAS and dispose of them properly.
There are two easy ways to manage this:
- Visit your local recycling center and dispose of your old fire extinguisher for a small fee.
- Look for specialized fire protection companies in your area, who often accept old fire extinguishers when you purchase a new one.
Updating Your Smoke Detectors
Saxony residents will need to upgrade their smoke detectors by December 31, 2024, while families in Baden-Württemberg and Hesse have until the same date to replace existing smoke detectors that have reached their maximum allowable service life, as per "DIN 14676-1."
Mandatory Smoke Detectors
Since 2022, smoke detectors have been mandatory for new buildings in all German federal states. Currently, fire safety regulations are slowly being adopted in existing buildings, but this process may vary by state.
So, what's new in 2024, specifically for German households?
According to our research, there are no specific regulations in place for renewable energy source-based heating systems or new smoke detector requirements in 2024, beyond the ongoing adoption across German regions.
However, it's essential to stay informed about any future changes by following news about German building regulations and fire safety guidelines. In the meantime, ensure you safely dispose of any harmful substances in your household items and replace your smoke detectors when necessary.
