Tips for maintaining your wood heater this winter
Published on 21 June 2022
As the cold snap of winter sets in, the incorrect use of wood heaters can affect air quality and potentially compromise our health.
Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Marijke Graham said that due to an increase in enquires and concerns about the use of wood heaters, Council was urging households to check they were being used properly.
“Solid fuel heaters, such as wood heaters and fireplaces, continue to be a valued source of heating for many residents. Well-operated, they can provide an efficient way to heat your home and should produce heat without smoke,” Cr Graham said.
“But wood heaters that aren’t maintained or used correctly can be a major contributor to air pollution, an environmental nuisance for neighbours, and waste money through unburnt fuel if used inefficiently,” she said.
Check your chimney regularly to see how well your fire is burning. If there is smoke coming from your chimney, increase the air supply to your fire. Your fire should only smoke when you first light it and when you add extra fuel.
“Excessive smoke generated by wood heaters can affect indoor and outdoor air quality and potentially impact people’s health. This is particularly concerning for people with respiratory illnesses, vascular conditions, the elderly and children,” Cr Graham said.
Using unseasoned or damp wood that contains moisture can struggle to catch fire, resulting in more smoke and dangerous creosote build-up in the chimney, which is a potential fire hazard.
You should also never burn rubbish, driftwood, painted or treated wood. These are sure to pollute the air and can produce poisonous gases.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) advises households with wood heaters to minimise the risks through regular cleaning and maintenance; burning dry wood with a bright flame; not allowing the fire to smoulder overnight; and never burning rubbish or treated wood.
When replacing or looking to buy a new wood heater, look for the Australian Home Heating Association (AHHA) logo and Landcare logos to ensure your new wood heater complies with current Australian standards and has minimal impact on the environment.
What to do if you’re concerned about smoke
If you’re concerned about smoke from your neighbour’s wood heater, Council suggests first talking to your neighbour as they may not be aware there’s a problem. If this issue continues, or you don’t feel comfortable speaking directly with your neighbour, you can report your concern to Council’s Environmental Health Unit on 1300 88 22 33.
How to reduce wood smoke
Simple steps to reduce wood smoke include:
- Don’t let your heater smoulder overnight. Keep enough air in the fire to maintain a flame.
- Burn only dry, aged hardwood in your wood heater. Unseasoned wood has lots of moisture, which causes a fire to smoke.
- Store your wood undercover in a dry, ventilated area. Freshly cut wood needs to be stored for at least 8 to 12 months.
- Never burn rubbish, driftwood, painted or treated wood. These are sure to pollute the air and can produce poisonous gases.
- When lighting a cold heater, use plenty of dry kindling to establish a good fire quickly.
- Use several small logs rather than one large log and stack them loosely in your heater so air can circulate. Don’t cram the firebox full.
- Keep the flame lively and bright. Your fire should only smoke when you first light it and when you add extra fuel. Open the air controls full for 5 minutes before and 15 to 20 minutes after reloading the heater.
- Check your chimney regularly to see how well your fire is burning. If there is smoke coming from the chimney, increase the air supply in your fire.
- Have your chimney professionally cleaned every year to prevent creosote build-up
- If you are buying a wood heater, make sure it has a compliance plate showing it meets Australian Standards.
Further information
For more tips on how to operate your wood heater correctly, visit the
To make sure your wood heater is an AHHA-certified wood heater, visit the
The Australian Home Heating Association Inc. (AHHA) is Australia’s the peak industry body representing over 250 manufacturers, retailers, installers, maintenance companies and firewood suppliers within the home heating industry.
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