Help reduce pollution from wood heaters this winter

Help reduce pollution from wood heaters this winter

Published on 22 May 2018

Council is reminding Macedon Ranges residents to use their wood heaters efficiently in order to help reduce air pollution and protect the health of our community.

Council’s Manager Community Safety, Anne-Louise Lindner said while wood heaters are a great source of warmth and comfort, problems can arise if they are not operated correctly.

“Wood heaters can be a major contributor of air pollution in our towns and can negatively impact upon our health,” she said.

“Each year, Council responds to residents concerned about the pollution from wood heaters, so we’re encouraging people with wood heaters to follow a few simple steps before burning.”

To reduce pollution from wood heaters:

Use plenty of dry kindling Burn dry and seasoned wood (to check this, bang wood together - it should make a ‘crack’ sound rather than a dull thud) Use several small logs and stack them loosely in your heater (so air can circulate around them), and don't cram the firebox Open air controls 20 minutes after reloading Don't let your heater smoulder overnight - maintain a flame in the fire and only turn down the airflow when you have a hot bed of charcoal Inspect and clean the flue at least once a year and check it regularly to see if smoke is being emitted (wood heaters should only smoke for 20 minutes when first lit and just after reloading).

Ms Lindner encouraged residents affected by smoke from wood fire heaters on neighbouring properties to attempt to resolve the issue amicably.

“If after talking to your neighbour and you don’t see an improvement, contact Council”, she said.

If you are experiencing excessive smoke emissions from your wood heater or if you are concerned with smoke coming from a neighbour’s wood heater, contact our Environmental Health Unit on (03) 5422 0333.