Tasmanians are being encouraged to 'Burn Brighter This Winter' to reduce wood smoke emissions and improve air quality by using their wood heaters more efficiently.
It is important to keep warm and well in our homes during the winter months, so the EPA is encouraging householders to change the way their wood heater is operated and reduce smoke leaving the chimney.
It is possible to operate a wood heater and produce less smoke by burning wood with a flame for 20 minutes when you add new wood, before shutting the air intake down overnight. Smouldering wood creates excessive smoke that can become trapped by cold air and linger around our homes and neighbourhoods. This has the potential to cause considerable health impacts for the elderly, young children, or anyone with existing respiratory conditions.
The good news is that even in an old wood heater, residents can follow a few simple tips to reduce smoke.
Only burn dry, seasoned wood
Always burn with a flame - don't let your fire smoulder
After reloading, open the air intake and burn your fire on high for 20 minutes, especially before going to bed
Ensure your flue is clear.
A well-maintained wood heater or fireplace should produce little visible smoke when a fire is burning well. Using your wood heater efficiently can reduce annual heating costs, will provide more heat, and send less smoke out into your local area.
You can learn more on how to Burn Brighter This Winter here.
Published on:
9/07/2025