When winter roles around and the temperature drops outside, we reach for another blanket and light our wood fires, and the air outside becomes mysteriously hazy.

Smoke from wood heaters is a major cause of air pollution. Not only is a smoking fire wasting your money, but the air pollution it causes can also affect our health. If you can see or smell smoke then you are causing a problem for yourself, your family and your neighbors.

Do’s and Don’t of Wood Heating

	Do		Don’t
	Check that your heater complies with the Australian Standard for pollution emissions (AS 4013:1999).		Use old inefficient heaters that don't comply with pollution standards.
			Use open fires.
	Burn only, dry seasoned hardwood.		Burn coal, coke or moist wood.
	Check your wood is dry by tapping it with a coin. You should hear a loud, hollow sound.		Burn rubbish or painted or treated wood.
	Use a number of small logs in your heater.		Burn just one log.
	Store freshly cut wood for eight to twelve months before use.		Use green wood.
	Store wood under cover in a dry ventilated area.		Store your wood where it is exposed to water or moisture.
	Be aware of the source of your wood.		Harvest wood in a way that threatens vegetation and animal habitats.
	Ask your wood seller to verify whether wood for immediate use is aged and dry.
	Stack wood loosely in your fire box, so plenty of air circulates around it.		Pack wood too tightly in the firebox.
	Keep the flame lively and bright.		Let your fire smoulder.
	Open the air controls fully for 5 minutes before and 15 to 20 minutes after loading the heater.		Keep the vent closed when you add fuel.
	Keep enough air in the fire to maintain a flame or let it go out overnight.		Dampen down your fire or let it smoulder overnight .
	Rely on your home's insulation to hold in enough heat for the night.		Allow creosote to build up in the flue, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.
	Check your chimney regularly to see how well your fire is burning. If it is smoky, increase the air supply.
	Clean the woodheater flue and baffle regularly.

For more information on wood smoke or wood heaters visit the NSW EPA website.