A combustion inspection is an official emissions measurement on heating systems. Its legal basis is the Swiss Clean Air Ordinance (LRV), which sets limits for oil, gas and wood firing – for example for carbon monoxide (CO), soot number and combustion losses. Depending on the canton and municipality, responsibility lies with the cantonal combustion-control office or the local chimney-sweep company. The aim is to keep air pollution low and ensure economical, safe operation.\n\nDuring the appointment, the specialist uses a flue-gas analyser to measure values directly in the exhaust pipe, checks combustion quality and efficiency, and inspects visible safety aspects. At the end you receive a measurement report with the recorded values and a verdict of «passed» or «not passed». If limits are exceeded, a deadline for corrective action is set.\n\nThe inspection takes place at recurring intervals; how often depends on the fuel and the cantonal rules (wood and oil heating are usually measured more frequently than modern gas appliances). A measurement is also typically due after installing or substantially modifying a heating system.\n\nLook for an officially licensed specialist, a clear, traceable report and transparent cost information. Common mistakes: ignoring the inspection notice, not warming up the heating before the appointment, or postponing due servicing of the system – poorly maintained burners fail more often.
Combustion inspection
A combustion inspection (Feuerungskontrolle) is the legally required, periodic check of heating systems (oil, gas, wood) for their flue-gas and emission values, carried out by an official inspector or chimney sweep. It verifies whether the system meets the limits of the Swiss Clean Air Ordinance (LRV), burns cleanly and operates safely.
Example
A family in a detached house in the canton of Bern receives a notice from the chimney sweep for the periodic combustion inspection of their oil heating. On the agreed morning they let the heating warm up beforehand; the specialist measures the flue-gas values, finds a slightly elevated CO reading and recommends servicing the burner. After the heating service, the value is back in the acceptable range and the next measurement report confirms «passed».
Frequently asked
Is a combustion inspection mandatory?
Yes. Periodic emissions measurement of heating systems is legally required under the Swiss Clean Air Ordinance (LRV). The specific organisation and intervals are set by the canton and municipality, usually via the cantonal combustion-control office or the responsible chimney-sweep company. You must comply with the inspection notice you receive.
How often does my heating need to be inspected?
It depends on the fuel and the cantonal rules. Wood and oil heating are generally measured more frequently than modern gas appliances, often on a cycle of one to several years. A measurement is usually also due after a heating system is newly installed or substantially modified. Your municipality or chimney sweep will tell you the exact interval.
What does a combustion inspection cost?
The cost depends on the system type, fuel, the effort involved in the measurement and the applicable cantonal or company tariffs, and is billed in CHF. Ask for the price in advance. If the measurement fails, additional costs for servicing or corrective work plus a re-measurement may apply – a regularly serviced system is more likely to pass.