Winter weather is here already, and Victorians are already turning up the heat. Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is encouraging households with wood heaters to consider their neighbours and take practical steps now to help reduce smoke from their heaters during winter.

Reduced air quality across parts of Melbourne and regional Victoria over the winter months are in some part attributable to wood smoke and still weather conditions. 

EPA CEO Lee Miezis said many of the air pollution problems associated with wood heating can be reduced by following some simple tips to make the wood heater safer, cleaner, and cheaper to run. 

“If possible, people with wood heaters should consider alternative heating methods, but we know that for many Victorians, wood heaters and fireplaces are a main source of heating, particularly those living in regional areas,” said Mr Miezis.

“Poorly maintained or operated wood heaters can produce a lot of smoke. Have your flue professionally checked and cleaned before winter begins. Ensuring it’s clean and free from obstructions will help prevent flue fires, unnecessary smoke and ensure the heater operates more efficiently.

“Checking the wood heaters’ operating manual can also be very useful - it will help people to understand how their heater operates and how to use appropriate fuel.”

Mr Meizis said people should also ensure they use dry, seasoned, untreated wood.

“Damp wood creates more smoke as it takes more heat to evaporate the water before the wood will burn. More efficient, less smoky, fires will also warm your house better,” he said.

He added that reducing wood fire smoke also helped to minimise any health impacts.

“When wood is burned, very small particles and gases are released into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution. This can cause problems for people with breathing difficulties and respiratory conditions, resulting in symptoms for some people.”

He encouraged people to reduce their use of wood heaters and fireplaces on still days and to go outside occasionally to check their chimney for smoke.

“Overall, Victoria’s air quality is very good. This is mainly due to a range of initiatives and controls introduced over the years that have reduced emissions from industry, motor vehicles and banning backyard incineration in residential suburban areas.

“Many of the air pollution problems associated with wood heating can be prevented or minimised by operating your heater correctly.”
Other tips for reducing smoke pollution include: 

• Getting a hot fire going quickly with plenty of paper and small kindling;
• Keeping the air controls set high enough to keep the fire burning brightly;
• Never overloading a wood heater with too much wood; and 
• Not leaving wood heaters to smoulder overnight as this starves the fire of oxygen, producing more smoke and air pollution.

EPA advises people should never burn household rubbish, driftwood, treated wood such as pine or old painted wood in their wood heaters. 

People considering a new heater should think about all the heating choices available to them, including options which may produce less smoke than wood heaters. The Victorian Government is offering assistance to upgrade heating systems. For information go to https://www.heatingupgrades.vic.gov.au

For more information on how to maintain a wood heater and what you can do if you have an overly smoky  neighbour go to https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/air-quality/smoke-from-wood-heaters/how-to-choose-and-maintain-a-wood-heater

If you’re having issues with smoke from a neighbours fire, advice is available here https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/report-smoke