07/05/2026
With all the recent chatter around the future of wood fires in Launceston, it is worthwhile highlighting a few things for current wood heater owners or anyone considering a new fireplace:
1- The LCC Draft Plan for Wood Smoke is open for comment. Please have your say at https://tomorrowtogetherlaunceston.com.au/launceston-domestic-wood-smoke.
2- When buying a new fire, always check that you are purchasing a unit certified in Australia and compliant to current standards- the list of brands and models can be checked easily on the Australian Home Heating Association site at www.homeheat.com.au. This protects you from buying something dodgy, but also helps our environment and health.
3- Due to the significant noise around compliance in recent years, there have been instances of misleading information about the legality of older fireplaces or flue systems. While important to check that a new purchase or installation is compliant to current standards, if someone visits your home and informs you that your current heater or flue is non-compliant or ‘condemned’, always seek a second opinion. Particularly if this includes a follow up offer to sell you a new fireplace, or alludes to things like the potential for compromised insurance coverage if you do not update it. All things wear out over time; however, just because a fireplace or flue system is older does not automatically mean it is non-compliant and must immediately be replaced. Similar to changes in building codes, new standards do not necessitate immediate removal and update. No-one wants to see people parting with hard-earned money unnecessarily- wood fires are a long term investment after all!
4- Wood heat is good heat and well worth the extra effort involved. The AHHA website referred to above provides excellent material on how to get the most out of your unit- if you’re new to wood heaters or struggling with inefficient performance, it is a fantastic resource. Alternatively, we’re always happy to provide advice on how you can best enjoy the wonderful benefits of owning a wood fire!