In winter, air quality is more affected by smoke from wood burners and domestic fires, especially on cold, still nights when smoke becomes trapped close to the ground.
Why winter air quality gets worse
Smoke and smog happen when tiny particles build up in the air. These particles are called PM10. They are so small you can't see them and are much thinner than a human hair. Because they're tiny, they're easy to breathe in and can affect our health.
PM10 is released whenever fuel is burned, including from:
- wood and coal fires
- vehicles
- industry
- outdoor burning
Burn smarter for cleaner winter air
If you use a fire, a few simple steps can make a big difference. Burning the right way helps keep your home warm without smoking out your neighbours or polluting the air.
Use dry wood
Dry wood burns hotter and cleaner.
- Wood usually needs about 12 months to dry before it's ready to burn
- hardwoods and wood with lots of sap can take longer to dry.
Store wood properly
Good storage keeps wood dry and ready to burn.
- Store the wood under cover and out of the rain
- make sure air can flow around the stack
- a woodshed is ideal or store wood under eaves or along a fence line.
Look after your fireplace
A well-maintained fire creastes much less smoke.
- Clean your chimeny or lue once a year
- check airflow controls are working properly.
Don't burn unsafe materials
Some materials release harmful chemicals when burned.
- Never burn rubbish
- don't burn treate, painted or coated timber.
Check your chimney smoke
Your chimeny can tell how well your fire is burning.
- Clear or barely visible smoke usually means a clean, efficient fire
- thick or dark smoke means more pollution is going into the air.
Getting your fire off to a good start
Starting your fire the right way helps it burn cleaner, give off more heat and produce less smoke.
Start small and hot
- use crumpled paper or a fire-starter block with dry kindling
- if you have a woodburner, open all air vents fully when lighting the fire
- begin with small pieces of wood and slowly add slightly larger ones as the fire gets going.
Putting on big logs too early won't warm your home faster - it just creates more smoke.
Using the right size wood
For a good, steady burn:
- firewood should be about 10-15cm thick
- this size burns efficiently, keeps the fire going and gives good heat without excess smoke.
Keep the air flowing
Letting your fire smoulder creates smoke and wastes heat.
- keep air vents open so the fire burns properly
- a fire that's burning brightly produces more heat and less smoke than one that's starved of air.
Want to learn more?
For practical advice on choosing good firewood and burning better, check out Smoke-free Fire Demos