A wood heater can turn a large living room into the warmest and most inviting space in the house. The glow of a real fire is hard to match with any other kind of heating. It also comes with rules, approvals and a fair bit of know how. A poorly chosen or badly run heater makes smoke, wastes wood and annoys the neighbours.
The good news is that a modern heater run well burns cleanly and gives steady heat. Most of the work is in the planning stage and in the daily habits of lighting and loading. This guide covers choosing a heater, getting it approved and installed, picking firewood and keeping smoke down. Rules differ between states and councils, so treat the examples here as a starting point.
Is a wood heater the right choice for your home?
Start by asking how you plan to use the room and how often. A heater suits a home where people gather in one main living area through the cooler months. It is less suited to a house that needs even warmth in every room at the press of a button. For that kind of setup, it is worth comparing options such as reverse cycle air conditioning units before you commit.
Wollongong City Council suggests reverse cycle air conditioning or better home insulation as alternatives to solid fuel heating. Its reason is simple. Smoke from solid fuel heaters is a significant source of air pollution. It can affect people nearby, especially those with breathing conditions or weak immune systems.
Location matters too. A 1999 NSW Environment Protection Authority guide notes that homes on steep hills or in valleys where cold air pools may need another form of heating. In those spots smoke tends to hang low instead of clearing. If your block sits in a dip, talk to your council early.
Choosing a heater that burns cleanly
Bigger is not better with wood heaters. The same EPA guide explains that an oversized heater runs at low burn rates most of the time. That causes more pollution and makes the room temperature harder to hold. A smaller heater run near its design rate gives more heat from each load of wood and makes far less smoke.
Check that any new model is certified. In NSW, heaters sold must have a certificate of compliance showing the model meets the relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards. Wollongong City Council’s wood heater page lists AS/NZS 4013:2014 for emission control and AS/NZS 2918:2018 for installation. It also explains that lower emissions mean fewer pollutants and higher efficiency means less wood is needed.
Look at the firebox as well as the styling. The EPA guide says firebox linings of refractory brick hold heat, though they take longer to warm up. Large areas of glass look beautiful but reduce performance. Weigh up the view of the flame against the heat you need from the unit.
Buying a second hand heater
A secondhand heater can suit a period home or a budget renovation. Wollongong City Council says it must show a compliance plate confirming it meets the standards. It also needs the original installation specifications from the manufacturer for its year of make. Without those documents you may struggle to get approval.
Approvals and installation
Do not book the installer before you speak to council. North Sydney Council says NSW homeowners must lodge a planning application through the NSW Planning Portal. Council approval is needed before installing or replacing a wood heater or open fireplace. Wollongong City Council adds that approval cannot be granted once the heater is already in. Other states and councils run their own systems, so check locally first.
Flue height is one of the main things council will look at. Wollongong City Council requires the flue to extend at least one metre above any structure within 15 metres of the outlet. It also says the flue should not sit more than two metres above the roof ridge. A tall enough flue helps smoke disperse well clear of your own windows and your neighbours’.
The cost of a compliant flue and approval should sit inside your renovation budget from day one. It is one of those areas where saving or splurging on a renovation needs careful thought. Cutting corners on installation can lead to smoke problems, failed approval or a fire risk. Use a qualified installer who works to the standard.
Picking and storing firewood
The fuel you burn makes the biggest difference to smoke. The NSW EPA guide recommends dry, well seasoned hardwood, with softwood kept for kindling. Green wood holds roughly 25 to 50 per cent water. Wet wood smoulders, wastes heat and coats the flue with creosote.
Wood should be cut and split soon after felling, then left to season before it is burnt. The guide suggests storing it at least 10 centimetres off the ground under a roof with open sides. Stack it in alternating layers and keep the pile at least half a metre from walls and fences. A quick check is to tap a piece with a key or coin, as dry wood gives a sharp ring and damp wood sounds dull.
Some timber should never go in the firebox. The guide warns against burning wood treated with copper chrome arsenate, creosote or lead based paint. Painted and varnished timber and glossy magazine paper are also out. If you are working with reclaimed Australian building materials, keep any offcuts of old treated or painted timber well away from the woodpile.
Lighting and running the fire
Good habits keep a heater clean and efficient. The EPA guide gives clear steps that suit most models. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your heater as well.
- Start with the air supply fully open and a small fire of paper and kindling.
- Add small hardwood logs once the kindling is hot, and leave the air open until they burn well.
- Keep the fire compact and add wood in small, frequent loads.
- Open the air inlet fully before refuelling and keep it open until the new wood is burning well.
- Avoid filling the firebox and turning the air right down overnight, as this makes little heat and lots of smoke.
Watch the chimney. North Sydney Council says visible or noticeable smoke is a sign the heater is not running correctly. The EPA guide adds that smoke lasting more than 15 minutes after lighting or refuelling means the wood or the method needs attention. In NSW, councils can issue smoke abatement notices and fines for excessive smoke.
Cleaning and upkeep
A heater needs regular care like any other part of the home. The EPA guide recommends cleaning the chimney and flue at the end of every heating season, not the following autumn. Inspect for soot and creosote through winter, as heavy use may call for a clean midway through. Creosote build up can release gas into the house and may catch fire.
Planned checks like these save trouble later in the season. Leave a shallow layer of ash in the firebox while the heater is in use. At the end of the season, remove all of it to prevent corrosion. Keep a tidy hearth rug or tray nearby to catch stray ash before it reaches the floor coverings.
Ash and soot can mark soft furnishings close to the fireplace. A good rug in front of the hearth looks lovely but takes the brunt of it. The same care used for maintaining newly cleaned carpets applies here. Sweep up promptly and keep logs and kindling in a basket rather than stacked on the floor.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need council approval to install a wood heater?
In NSW, yes. Councils such as North Sydney and Wollongong require approval before a heater or open fireplace is installed or replaced. Other states have their own rules, so check with your local council.
How long should firewood be seasoned?
The 1999 NSW EPA guide suggests six to 12 months after cutting and splitting. Store it off the ground under cover with open sides. Dry wood gives a sharp sound when tapped with a key or coin.
Why is my wood heater smoking?
Smoke usually points to damp wood, too little air or an overloaded firebox. Try drier hardwood, smaller loads and a fully open air supply after lighting. If it keeps happening, have the heater and flue checked by a qualified installer.
How often should the flue be cleaned?
The EPA guide recommends cleaning at the end of every heating season. Heavy use may mean a clean is needed in the middle of winter too. Regular inspection for soot and creosote is the best guide.
Wood heater rules are set by state and local governments and can change. Check the current requirements with your council before you buy or install.
