Burn Right Tonight

As Canberra moves towards a net zero emissions future, we can all do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

When we think of greenhouse gas emissions, we often think of those caused by burning fossil fuels like coal and gas. However, did you know that even your wood heater at home emits greenhouse gases? In fact, in winter, smoke from domestic wood heaters is the main source of air pollution in the ACT.

What’s more, heating with wood often causes more greenhouse gas emissions than heating with electricity, especially in Canberra where our electricity is powered by 100% renewable energy.

That’s why the ACT Government is supporting Canberrans to replace their wood heaters with efficient electric heating systems, through the Wood Heater Replacement Program.

The Wood Heater Replacement Program aims to improve Canberra’s air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from wood fuel in the ACT. If you’re interested in replacing your wood heater, you can receive a rebate of up to $1,250 when replacing with an efficient electric heating system. You can also seek a rebate for permanently closing and removing your wood heater. To find out more about the program, visit our Wood Heater Replacement Program webpage.

If you are not ready to say goodbye to your wood heater, you can still help protect Canberra’s air quality by using your wood heater efficiently and safely.

Using your wood heater correctly will not only improve Canberra’s air quality, but save you money and keep your home warm during winter.

Here is how you can help protect Canberra’s air quality when using your wood heater:

• Have your flue swept by a professional chimney sweep ahead of the winter season
• Buy wood from a reputable firewood merchant that is dry, well-seasoned and treated, and store it in a well-ventilated covered space
• Always start your fire with the control fully open and use plenty of kindling to make a hot fire quickly
• Place logs in the firebox with enough space between them to allow good air flow
• Use smaller logs when reloading and allow the fire to burn on high for 20-25 minutes
• Don’t overfill your heater with wood
• Don’t let your fire smoulder overnight. Make sure to keep the air control open enough to maintain a flame (a fire set on low causes excessive smoke pollution)

As well as causing environmental pollution, smoke from domestic wood heaters is an environmental and health issue, linked to several serious health conditions including asthma, chronic lung disease, heart problems and premature births and deaths.

Remember, taking firewood from parks and reserves is illegal. There are hefty penalties in place for those who are caught cutting native trees or removing wood.

For more wood heater safety tips, visit the Burn Right Tonight website.