If your fire is too smoky, there are several things you can do...

• Use dry, seasoned, untreated wood. The logs should make a 'crack' sound when struck together not a 'dull thud'
• Stack wood undercover in a dry well ventilated area
• Use small logs and place them in your heater in a way that ensures air can circulate freely
• Burn the fire brightly. Run the heater on a high burn rate (air control fully open) for 5 minutes before and 15 to 20 minutes after adding logs
• Don't let your heater smolder overnight - keep the air control open enough to maintain a flame. A well insulated house will stay warmer longer

Other good wood heating practices...

• Keep your heater and the flue clean to ensure good air flow
• Be aware of the source of your wood - firewood harvesting is destroying some of our most threatened remnant vegetation and animal habitats
• When buying a new wood heater, choose one certified to Australian Standard AS4013 with low emission factor, and make sure it's the right size - a big heater burning slowly produces more smoke than a small heater burning fast
• If you use an open fireplace, only use it on special occasions - they are 5 times less efficient than wood heaters
• If you follow these guidelines you'll save money, help the environment and we'll all breathe the benefits