Sitting in front of a woodheater on a cold winter’s night can be delightful.

However, woodheater smoke can be a nuisance to neighbours.

If you have a woodheater, following a few simple practices can help it burn more efficiently, reduce pollution, and minimise its impact on others.

• Use only dry, seasoned wood.
• Never burn treated or painted timber.
• Use plenty of kindling to establish the fire quickly.
• Keep the air intake open for up to 20 minutes after lighting the fire or adding more wood, and always leave it open enough to ensure the fire burns brightly rather than smoulders.
• Avoid overloading the heater.
• Use several smaller logs rather than a single large log.
• Have the chimney flue cleaned at least once a year.
• Avoid operating the woodheater overnight with reduced airflow.
• Regularly check the chimney from outside. Once the fire is established, there should be little to no visible smoke after 20 minutes.
• Remember that producing excessive smoke from a woodheater is against the law, so it is important to operate it responsibly.

For more information, including advice on dealing with chimney smoke that is causing you problems, call 8397 7444.

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