Stay warmer for cheaper this winter
Environment Canterbury media release: 1st May 2024
When you use your wood burner efficiently, it consumes less wood, reduces your costs, and reduces chimney smoke and subsequent air pollution.
It’s that time of year when the fleece sheets, electric blankets and heaters are out of storage. For many of us with fireplaces, it's time to bring the wood in from the shed. There are three main ways to stay warmer for cheaper, and burn smoke-free as we head into winter.
Burn good, dry wood
Good quality, dry wood will get and keep your fire roaring. However, not all woods are equal. Some burn hotter and produce less smoke. Plantation pine, Douglas fir and blue gum are the best locally available timbers, while old man pine can be smoky, and is best suited for kindling or mixed with other woods.
A great way to get your firewood is to buy from one of our Trusted Good Wood Merchants. We audit these Waitaha/Canterbury firewood sellers regularly to ensure they’re selling good, dry wood. Moisture testing is part of our audit process.
Check your burning technique
Using good wood burning technique makes a big difference. Many of us were taught to build a fire in a pyramid shape, with kindling on the bottom and big logs on the top. But the upside-down method (also known as the Swiss method) - with big logs on the bottom and kindling on top - lasts longer and is more efficient.
Check out this step by step guide to learn how to burn better.
A well-maintained burner
If you keep your wood burner well maintained and the flue/chimney clean you will decrease your chances of a smoky chimney. Do not burn treated timber, driftwood or rubbish, as these can clog your chimney and increase pollution in the air. A buildup of chimney soot can also be a fire risk (the kind of fire you don’t want!) and reduce the burner’s efficiency.
Check out this handy burner maintenance checklist for more good advice.
Financial assistance
We know it’s a tough time out there for many people, and, if you meet the criteria, you may be eligible for financial assistance towards the cost of a new heat pump, ultra-low emission burner, or insulation upgrades through:
If you have any questions, phone us on 0800 324 636.