Wood heaters and open fireplaces contribute significantly to air pollution in Victoria. Smoke from wood heaters can build up on days with not much wind. Where possible, consider using other ways to heat your house, such as an electric reverse cycle air conditioner.
To manage smoke from your wood heater:
- use your wood heater the right way
- use a wood heater that meets the Australian Standards
- have your heater professionally installed
- maintain your heater
- choose the right wood to burn.
Use your wood heater the right way
Australian Standards for wood heaters
Domestic solid fuel burning appliances – Method for determination of power output and efficiency(opens in a new window) (AS 4012:2014)
Domestic solid fuel burning appliances – Method for determination of flue gas emission(opens in a new window) (AS 4013:2014)
Find information on wood heaters that meet these standards at the Australian Home Heating Association(opens in a new window).
Professional installation
Domestic solid fuel burning appliances – Installation(opens in a new window) (AS 2918:2018)
Maintenance
To reduce smoke pollution from your wood heater:
- check your chimney for smoke
- clean your flue before winter.
If needed, use a professional to check your chimney or flue.
Clean the flue
The flue is the pipe that releases smoke from your wood heater into the air.
Over time, creosote builds up and blocks the flue. Creosote is leftover mixed char and oil that burning wood produces. More creosote means less air flows through the flue and the wood heater emits more smoke.
Clean the baffle plate
The baffle plate is the metal part inside the top of the wood heater. It helps produce more heat when burning wood.
Over time, ash builds up on top of your wood heater's baffle plate. This stops the wood heater from working well. You can clean the baffle plate by taking a metal coat hanger and bending it to sweep around and clear the ash.
Learn more about How to use your wood heater the right way.
Choose the right wood
Always use dry, seasoned and untreated hardwood. This means wood:
- dried over time in nature or kiln dried
- with no chemicals – for example, paints or stains.
This type of wood is best for burning because:
- it makes more heat and less smoke than other wood
- it does not clog your wood heater’s flue.
When you buy dry, seasoned and untreated hardwood, use it straight away.
It's cheaper to buy wood unseasoned in spring and dry it yourself. To dry your unseasoned hardwood:
- store it for at least 8 months in a shed or covered area that has good air flow
- stack the wood in a criss-cross pattern to allow for air flow.
Always use the type of fuel listed on the heater’s compliance plate and check the manufacturer's guide to safe fuels.
There are strict limits on taking firewood from public land. There are heavy penalties for doing the wrong thing. For more information on firewood collection in your region, visit Forest Fire Management Victoria(opens in a new window).
What not to burn in your wood heater
Burning the wrong things in your wood heater can make toxic smoke.
In your wood heater, do not burn:
- coal
- coke, which is a fire fuel made from coal
- driftwood
- household rubbish
- painted wood, which can contain chemicals
- treated timber or green-coloured pine logs – for example, those used at parks and playgrounds.
Report smoke from a wood heater
You can report smoke from a wood heater to your local council. For contact details, visit Know Your Council(opens in a new window).
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