Correct operation: Tips on efficient lighting and burning

These tips will help you get a hot fire burning quickly. If you follow these tips, you can reduce smoke emissions as long as well-seasoned firewood is used, the wood heater is certified and has been correctly installed, and regular maintenance has been undertaken.

When starting the fire

• Use plenty of paper and small, dry kindling to get a good fire going quickly.
• Use smaller logs instead of large logs.
• Place a sheet of newspaper above your unlit fire to create a good updraft.
• Fully open the air controls for 20 minutes after lighting and after adding more fuel.

When the fire is burning well

• Place the wood end-on into the firebox rather than sideways.
• Leave a minimum 2-centimetre gap between pieces of wood.
• Reload regularly to ensure rapid ignition of the new fuel, but do not overfill the heater.
• Burn on high air flow for 20 minutes after adding wood to the fire.
• Keep the fire burning brightly so it doesn't smoulder.

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Check your chimney

Check your chimney (image from the Department of the Environment and Heritage)

Go outside occasionally when the fire is established and check your chimney or flue for smoke.

If there is continuous visible smoke after 20 minutes of operation, adjust your fire for better burning. Refer to the tips on efficient lighting and burning.

Remember: Keep the flame lively and bright. A fire should never be dull or smoky.

If you follow these tips for correct operation and still have excessive smoke emissions, a problem may exist with your wood heater or flue, maintenance may be required.

If your wood heater is old and won't stop smoking, you may need to consider replacing it or switching to another form of heating.

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Did you know?

One of the worst things you can do is dampen down your fire and let it smoulder overnight. View tips on keeping your house warm overnight without leaving your fire to smoulder. (Adobe PDF file, 1025KB)

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