Wood fire heaters

It’s your responsibility to make sure your wood heater has been installed and maintained properly to avoid creating excess smoke that can be a nuisance to your neighbour. Wood smoke can become a serious problem for the health and quality of life of those affected.

If you're having problems with a neighbour's heater, The Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) encourages you to resolve problems privately if possible. Talk to your neighbour respectfully if their wood heater is producing a lot of smoke as they may not be aware there’s a problem. 

To help avoid excess smoke:

  • Only purchase a wood heater that is certified to Australian Standards AS/NZS 4013:2014 and AS/NZS 4012:2014 
  • Make sure your heater is installed by a licensed person in accordance with the Building Act 1993 (Vic).

For more information, please call us on 1300 322 322. 

Ways to reduce smoke from your wood heater

  • Before winter, have your flue professionally checked and cleaned. 
  • Refer to the manufacturer’s operation manual for instructions specific to your wood heater model.
  • Burn only dry, seasoned, untreated wood.
  • Get a hot fire going quickly with plenty of paper and small kindling. 
  • Keep the air controls set high enough to keep the fire burning brightly.
  • Never overload your wood heater with too much wood.
  • Never leave your heater to smoulder overnight. This starves the fire of oxygen, producing more smoke and air pollution 
  • Check the chimney occasionally for smoke emissions.
  • Consider the wellbeing of your neighbours.
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