Ensure your Sydney Fireplace is Installed Properly
Wood heaters and fireplaces in Sydney have experienced a surge in popularity as a heating source. The rise in the usage of slow-combustion wood heaters has also coincided with an increase in illegal and poorly executed installations of these units.
It is Crucial Your Wood Fireplace is installed correctly
Throughout history, wood fireplaces and heaters have been a reliable means of warming homes. Slow-combustion heaters, in particular, offer improved efficiency and ease of operation. Choosing the right wood heater for one’s home can be a time-consuming process, often taking weeks or even months. However, the problem arises during the installation phase, where people commonly opt for the “cheapest price.” Unfortunately, this approach frequently results in incorrect and non-compliant wood heater installations. It is crucial to ensure that your wood fireplace or heater is installed correctly.
All Fireplace Installations Must Be Up to Code
One prevalent misconception among many fireplace retailers is the belief that a 3.6m flue kit is considered “standard” and adequate for compliance. Don’t be caught off guard! All wood heater installations are subject to regulation under the Australian Standard AS/NZS2918 and must adhere to Australian Standard AS/NZS 2918:2001. According to these standards, the minimum flue height should be 4.6m from the floor on which the wood heater is positioned. Therefore, unless the wood heater itself measures over 1000mm in height, a 3.6m flue will render the installation non-compliant.
You’ll Need Adequate Clearance!
The standard also dictates that there should be a three-metre clearance around the cowl (the end of the flue pipe). If the cowl is less than three metres away from any trees, windows, or double-storey walls, it must have an additional metre of clearance. Furthermore, a minimum clearance of 6 metres is required from any neighbouring property. Failure to meet these clearance requirements will render the installation non-compliant.
Installations Must Be Performed by a Licensed Tradie
In NSW, any wood heater that penetrates a roof (either internally or through an eave/pergola) must be exclusively installed by a licensed tradesperson holding a solid fuel credential. Additionally, a certificate of compliance must be provided with the installation, serving as a guarantee for six years and proving compliance with your home insurance and any installed unit warranties.
A Proper Fireplace Installation is Good for All of Us
Standard AS/NZS 2918:2001 not only fulfils the legal requirements for wood heater installations in Australia but also contributes to the proper functioning of the fireplace by preventing the return of expelled smoke down the flue and into your home – and that’s good for all of us!
Contact Fireplaces Australia Today for a Quality Installation
To ensure your wood heater is installed correctly, get in touch with the wood heating experts at Fireplaces Australia today. Fireplaces Australia are leading providers of wood (and electric) fireplaces and heaters for Sydney homes. We offer a comprehensive range of heating products, including excellent wood heater options.
As a fully licensed company, we can handle your wood heater installation from start to finish. Reach out to our friendly team of experts for more information on how we can assist you in finding the best wood heating solution for your home.