Do | Don't |
|---|
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 | Check your heater complies with the Australian Standard for pollution emissions (AS 4013:1999) |  | Don't use old inefficient heaters that don't comply with pollution standards |
| | | | Don't use open fires |
|
| Burn only, dry seasoned hardwood | | Don't burn coal, coke or moist wood |
| | Check your wood is dry by tapping it with a coin. You should hear a loud, hollow sound. | | Don't burn rubbish or painted or treated wood |
| Use a number of small logs in your heater | | Don't burn just one log |
|
| Store freshly cut wood for eight to twelve months before use | | Don't use green wood |
| Store wood under cover in a dry ventilated area | | Don't store your wood where it is exposed to water or moisture |
|
| Be aware of the source of your wood | | Don't 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 | | Don't pack wood too tightly in the firebox |
| Keep the flame lively and bright | | Don't let your fire smoulder |
| Open the air controls fully for 5 minutes before and 15 to 20 minutes after loading the heater | | Don't keep the vent closed when you add fuel |
|
| Keep enough air in the fire to maintain a flame or let it go out overnight | | Don't dampen down your fire or let it smoulder overnight |
| Rely on your home's insulation to hold in enough heat for the night | | Don't 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 | | |
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