Change size

Print

Correct operation: Tips to keep your house warm overnight

Cartoon image of Anti Smoke Sam

  • Closing off all air to a fire produces very little heat and a lot of smoke.
  • Only turn down the air supply when you have a hot bed of charcoal.

At least half an hour before you go to bed:

  • Reload your heater with good quality wood.
  • Run it on a high burn rate for 25 minutes.
  • Turn the heater down but ensure that a visible flame is maintained.
  • Never shut the air flow right down.
  • Let the fire burn itself out over night.

Turning the air supply right down does not gain you any advantage, because the wood will only smoulder, creating little heat and a large amount of wood smoke.

Did you know?

To avoid a smouldering fire, consider alternatives to burning overnight. A portable electric heater, appropriate for size of the room being heated, switched on with a timer a short time before you wake will take the chill out of the morning air.

Air quality summary

Saturday November 7 2009: No summary is available today.

  • Click here for the latest air quality data

    Forecast: Good to Fair air quality is expected in Melbourne on Sunday