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Wood fire heating

Using wood heaters correctly can make Canberra’s air cleaner and reduce health risks. Correct use helps reduce harmful smoke by burning wood more efficiently. Whether your heater is new or old, it’s important to use and maintain it properly to cut down on smoke and protect our air and health.

Wood smoke can cause health problems like asthma, chronic lung disease, heart problems and premature births and deaths. By using a wood heater, you are releasing harmful pollutants into the air. In winter, wood fire heater smoke is the main cause of air pollution in Canberra.

Tips to help you burn better

Using your wood heater correctly will improve Canberra's air quality and the health of our community.

  • Clean your flue: Get a professional to clean your flue before winter to stop creosote buildup, which can cause excessive smoke and building fires.
  • Buy seasoned wood: Buy dry, seasoned wood from a trusted supplier and store it in a covered, airy place.
  • Start your fire right: Start your fire with the control fully open and use lots of kindling to get a hot fire quickly.
  • Allow air flow: Place logs with space between them for good air flow.
  • Use small logs: When adding wood, use smaller logs and let the fire burn on high for 20-25 minutes.
  • Don’t overfill: Don’t put too much wood in your heater.
  • Keep a flame: Don’t let your fire smoulder overnight. Keep the air control open enough to maintain a flame.

Wood heater sale and installation

All wood heaters, including second hand wood heaters, sold or installed in the ACT must:

The minimum standards are:

  • a minimum overall average efficiency of 60%
  • a maximum appliance particulate emission factor of:
    • 1.5g/kg for a heater without a catalytic combustor
    • 0.8g/kg for a heater with a catalytic combustor

It’s against the law to sell or install a non-compliant wood heater. If you’re not sure if your heater meets these criteria, check the compliance plate on the heater.

Sourcing firewood

Source firewood from a reputable supplier. Firewood suppliers are regulated under the Environment Protection Act 1997 and must comply with the Environment Protection Regulation 2005.

Taking wood from public land, like parks and reserves, is illegal in the ACT. There are significant penalties for cutting native trees or removing wood.

Winter inversions

A winter inversion happens when cold air gets trapped by warmer air above it. This keeps smoke and pollution close to the ground, making the air look hazy or smell smoky. Inversions are common on cold, clear, calm days, especially in the mornings and evenings. Try to avoid using wood heaters during these times if you can.

Air pollution

The Environment Protection Authority administers the Environment Protection Act 1997 (the Act).

The Act ensures air quality in the ACT meets national standards and reduces harm from local emissions. Not using a wood heater correctly can lead to fines or prosecution.

Replacement programs

If possible, replace your wood heater with a cleaner option, like electric heating, for even better air quality and health benefits. The ACT Government offers rebates to remove your wood heater through the Wood Heater Removal Program.

You may be eligible for additional rebates and incentives to install an electric energy-efficient system through the Home Energy Support Program or the Sustainable Household Scheme. Find out more by visiting the Everyday Climate Choices website.