Australian Woodheater Standards

Australian Standards

When buying a solid-fuel heater make sure it has a certificate of compliance from the Australian Home Heating Association under Australian Standard AS4013 for smoke emissions and AS3869 for design.

The current emission limit under the Australian Standard (AS4013) for any new woodheater sold is 4 grams of particles for every kilogram of wood burned (ie g/kg).

As an average figure non-certified woodheaters emit around 12 g/kg and open fires are by far the most inefficient and emit around 17 g/kg.

The AS4013 standard for emission limits and testing of woodheaters was implemented in 1992 and updated with stricter emissions levels in 1999.

Check with your Council before having your woodheater installed as notification is required under Building Regulations.

Make sure your heater and any fittings are installed according to the manufacturer's instructions by a qualified person or someone who has been accredited by the Australian Solid Fuel and Home Heating Association. Ensure the installation is carried out according to relevant Australian Standards. A catalytic converter installed in the flue can further reduce emissions.

If you are buying a slow combustion wood heater, make sure it meets the Australian Standard AS4013 and is installed correctly, according to AS2918.

Tasmanian Regulations

Woodsmoke is an environmental nuisance. In 1993, Tasmania introduced the Environment Protection (Domestic Solid Fuel Burning Appliances) Regulations. These Regulations called up the Australian Standard AS4013 1992, requiring any appliance model-line manufactured, or imported for sale, in the State to hold a certificate demonstrating the emission factor is not greater than 5.5 g of particles per kilogram of wood burnt. New regulations for domestic solid fuel burning appliances are being developed and are hoped to be released in 2006. These new regulations will incorporate the stricter Australian Standards (AS4013) of 4g/kg which was introduced in 1999, and prohibit the resale or installation of pre 1999 woodheaters.

A National Woodheater Action Plan was released by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment on behalf of the States and Territories in Mary 2004. A new accreditation process is also being developed by the Commonwealth, States and Territories in consultation with the industry, and is expected to be implemented in 2006.

Further Information

For further information, please contact:

Air Specialist

134 Macquarie Street
GPO Box 1751
Hobart TAS 7001

Phone: 03 6233 3373
Fax: 03 6233 3800

Email: EnvironmentEnquiries@environment.tas.gov.au

See also