Before installing a wood fire heater in your home, it’s important to consider key factors to ensure you get the right heater for your needs. Here are five essential considerations to keep in mind before making your purchase.
1. Size & Heating Capacity
Choosing the right size wood heater in Perth is crucial to achieving optimal heating efficiency and comfort in your home. If the heater is too small, it won’t generate enough warmth, while an oversized unit may overheat your space and burn fuel inefficiently.
- Small to Medium Spaces – If you’re heating a small living area or a well-insulated modern home, a compact wood heater will suffice.
- Larger Areas & Open-Plan Homes – If you have a large space, open-plan layout, or high ceilings, a high-output wood heater is recommended.
- Slow-Combustion Heaters – These models are designed for longer burn times, maintaining heat throughout the night without frequent refuelling.
Joondalup Heating & Cooling can help you assess your home’s heating needs and recommend the perfect wood fire heater for your space. Their experienced team considers factors such as room size, insulation, and your heating preferences to ensure you get the most efficient solution.
2. Wood Supply & Storage
To get the best performance from your wood heater, it’s essential to use seasoned hardwood, as it burns more efficiently and produces less smoke than unseasoned or softwood.
Sourcing Firewood in Perth
In Perth, sourcing quality firewood requires some planning. The most effective fuel for wood heaters is seasoned hardwood, which has been dried for at least 12 months to reduce moisture content. Using unseasoned or damp wood can lead to excessive smoke, reduced heat output, and faster creosote buildup in the flue, increasing maintenance needs and fire risk.
There are several ways to source firewood in Perth:
- Local Firewood Suppliers – Many businesses provide seasoned firewood for home heating, and purchasing from a reliable supplier ensures you get properly dried wood.
- Self-Collection – If you have access to fallen timber on your property, you can cut and store your own wood. However, it must be dried correctly before use.
- Council Regulations – If collecting firewood from public land, always check local regulations to ensure compliance.
Storage Options
Proper storage is essential to keep firewood dry and ready to use. Here are some effective solutions:
- Firewood Storage Racks – These keep wood elevated off the ground to prevent moisture absorption.
- Wood Sheds – Provide excellent protection from rain while allowing airflow for proper seasoning.
- Covered Outdoor Areas – Placing wood under a patio or carport can be an effective and budget-friendly option.
By ensuring you have a consistent and properly stored wood supply, you can maximise your heater’s efficiency and enjoy clean, effective heating throughout winter.
3. Efficiency & Environmental Impact
Modern wood heaters are designed for clean-burning efficiency, meaning they use less wood to generate more heat while producing minimal smoke and emissions. In Australia, wood heaters must meet AS/NZS 4012 and AS/NZS 4013 standards, ensuring they operate efficiently and meet environmental guidelines.
Understanding Wood Heater Efficiency
Efficiency is measured by how much heat is generated per kilogram of wood burned. High-efficiency wood fire heater models use advanced combustion technology to ensure more complete burning, reducing waste and maximising heat output. Features to look for include:
- Secondary Combustion Systems – These burn excess gases and particulates, reducing emissions and increasing heat efficiency.
- Airwash Systems – Help keep the glass door clean by directing a stream of air over the inside surface, maintaining visibility and improving heat transfer.
- Baffle Plates & Firebox Design – These components control airflow to optimise combustion and heat retention.
Choosing a Low-Emission Wood Heater
Low-emission wood heaters are designed to burn wood more completely, minimising particulate pollution. When selecting a heater, check its g/kg emission rating – the lower the number, the cleaner the burn. Government incentives may be available for choosing an environmentally friendly model, making it a cost-effective and responsible choice.
Joondalup Heating & Cooling stocks a range of eco-friendly wood fire heaters that comply with Australian standards, helping you choose a model that’s both energy-efficient and environmentally responsible.
4. Cost Considerations
When investing in a wood heater, it’s important to factor in more than just the upfront purchase price. Consider:
- Installation costs – Professional installation ensures safety and compliance, and costs may vary based on home structure and flue requirements.
- Ongoing fuel expenses – The cost of firewood depends on supplier pricing, the type of wood used, and seasonal demand.
- Long-term efficiency – Higher-quality heaters may cost more initially but provide better efficiency, reducing fuel consumption over time.
- Additional accessories – Items such as heat-powered fans, hearths, and safety gates may add to the overall cost but can improve efficiency and safety.
Joondalup Heating & Cooling offers wood fire heaters to suit all budgets, from affordable options to premium models, ensuring you get the best value for your investment. Their team can guide you through financing options and product choices to find a heater that matches both your needs and budget.
5. Maintenance & Cleaning
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your wood heater running safely and efficiently. Key tasks include:
- Cleaning the firebox – Remove ash and unburnt wood regularly to maintain airflow.
- Checking the door seals – Ensure airtight sealing for optimal combustion.
- Flue cleaning – Over time, soot and creosote build up inside the flue, increasing the risk of chimney fires. The flue should be cleaned at least once a year.
Joondalup Heating & Cooling offers professional wood heater servicing, including flue cleaning and safety inspections, to ensure your heater operates at peak performance.
Conclusion
Installing a wood fire heater in your Perth home is an excellent way to enjoy cosy, efficient heating. By considering size, wood supply, efficiency, cost, and maintenance, you can make an informed choice that suits your needs.
For expert advice and a wide range of wood fire heaters, visit Joondalup Heating & Cooling. Their team can guide you through the selection, installation, and servicing process to ensure you enjoy years of comfortable, reliable heating.
Looking for the perfect wood fire heater? Contact Joondalup Heating & Cooling today!