The Environmental Protection Authority is calling on Victorians to avoid burning wood in their homes when possible.
If a wood heater or stove is your only option for heat, the EPA recommends getting it tuned so it produces less smoke and more heat.
EPA north-east regional manager Ben Kneebone said wood smoke and calm winter weather could reduce air quality, but there were simple ways to make your heater safer, cleaner and cheaper to run.
“A wood heater or fireplace provides valuable heating for many Victorians, but maintenance is important and one of the best things you can do is have the flue or chimney professionally cleaned,” he said.
“That can help prevent flue fires and ensure the heater produces more heat and less smoke.
“Checking the wood heater’s operating manual can help you to get the best out of it and give you the knowhow to choose the right fuel.”
The best fuel is dry, seasoned, untreated hardwood, which burns longer and produces more heat and less smoke.
EPA Victoria chief environmental scientist Mark Patrick Taylor said reducing wood fire smoke could help those with health issues.
“Wood smoke contains very small particles and gases that contribute to air pollution. This can cause problems for anyone with cardiovascular, breathing difficulties and respiratory conditions, resulting in symptoms for some people,” he said.
“While the impact of a single wood heater may be small, the cumulative effect is significant, particularly through autumn and winter, and tuning your wood heater for most efficient operation helps reduce impacts on air quality, optimises heating your home and minimises health risks.”
For tips on how to reduce wood smoke, visit https://tinyurl.com/mryfxbxm
Tips for reducing smoke pollution include
– Get a hot fire going quickly with plenty of paper and small dry kindling
– Keep the air controls set high enough to keep the fire burning hot
– Never overload a wood heater with too much wood
Make sure you never leave the wood heater to smoulder overnight, as this starves the fire of oxygen, producing more smoke