Wood heaters and smoke complaints

Use a registered plumber to install your wood heater, or a person with a restricted plumber's license in roof plumbing and wood heater installation.

Buying firewood to use immediately

Buy dry, seasoned, untreated timber. Unseasoned wood can have up to 50% moisture content, so it's hard to ignite, slow to burn and produces smoke and less heat.

Storage of firewood

Ensure you store firewood undercover. Exposure to rain can make firewood hard to ignite and slow to burn, and burning this wood may produce smoke.

Buying firewood in spring

To save money, you can buy unseasoned firewood in early spring to use the following winter. If you do this, ensure you store the wood undercover in a criss-cross pattern to dry out for 8 to 12 months before use.

Collecting timber from public land

You may need a license or permit to collect timber from public land.

For more information, visit the Department of Sustainability and Environment's website, or call them on 136 186.

Conduct regular maintenance checks on your wood heater and have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year, especially before the start of winter.

Do not burn the following items in your wood heater:

• garden clippings
• household rubbish
• painted or treated timber
• particle board.

Smoke from wood heaters can pollute the air.

It's important that you check the amount of smoke coming from your chimney. There should not be continuous visible smoke after 30 minutes of operation. 

If the smoke is continuous and visible, book a maintenance check or replace your wood heater. 

For tips on how to reduce smoke from your wood heater, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website.