Wood heaters have become a popular home addition recently due to the warmth they offer. Modern wood heaters allow for automated control, which has increased their efficiency. Wood heaters work by allowing fresh air to enter the box, providing oxygen for combustion. As the wood burns, the smoke is forced through the chimney. Some wood heaters come with dampers that can be opened and closed allowing for control of the flames. They come in different types and finishes, and they also display evident variances in their heat delivery method.

Types of wood heaters

1. In-built heaters

In-built heaters are designed to fit in with an existing fireplace, and most can be installed without a pre-existing chimney. They offer a homeowner the decision on where to place the heater, offering you either a traditional or a modern fireplace look.

2. Insert heaters

This type of heater is explicitly intended for installation in a fireplace. They are usually used to enhance open brick fireplaces that do not offer enough warmth. This type of heater ensures that sufficient heat is transferred to the room from the radiator rather than the heat being passed through the chimney. This type of heater directs any emissions through the vent. It is also very efficient.

3. Pellet heaters

Pellet heaters work by burning compressed wood or biomass pellets in order to produce heat. They are used for both residential and industrial buildings. They do not require any adjustments as they slowly utilise wood from a storage container that is built into the heater.

How to minimise pollution caused by wood heaters

The wood heaters contribute significantly to pollution due to the smoke from the burning wood. A wood heater can decrease the quality of air in your home, and before buying one, you need to ensure that it meets the Australian quality standards. Before buying a wood heater, check that it meets the Australian standard AS/NZS 4013:1999 and that the heater and chimney conform to local building codes. Additionally, you can use dry and untreated wood to minimise the pollution your heater emits. Finally, you should ensure that you never leave a fire burning overnight.

With the increasing fuel and energy bills, many people are looking into alternative sources of energy. Wood heaters increase the efficiency of burning wood by 86 per cent by allowing for most of the heat produced to be used up with very little heat going to waste.