If you've recently installed a new woodfire and noticed that it doesn't shut down as much overnight, you're not alone. This is a common question among homeowners, and it all comes down to recent changes in legislation and the type of woodfire model you have.
Understanding the legislation changes
A few years ago, councils nationwide implemented a legislation change that required clarification on the model of woodfire being installed. This change was aimed at improving air quality and ensuring that the right type of woodfire is used in the appropriate setting.
Clean air vs. Rural models
There are two main types of woodfire models: clean air and rural.
Clean Air Models: These are designed to have more airflow, which prevents them from being shut down as much overnight. This increased airflow results in a cleaner burn, meaning less smoke and fewer pollutants are released into the air. Additionally, the higher airflow means the wood burns on a higher flame, not the slower, low flame like rural models. If you're burning a softwood like pine, you'll go through it much faster than a hardwood like gum. Clean air models are typically required in urban and suburban areas to comply with stricter air quality regulations.
Rural Models: These can be shut down overnight, which causes a 'dirtier burn' and more smoke to come out of the chimney. Rural models are only allowed to be installed on properties that are over 2 hectares (ha) in size. This is because larger properties are less likely to impact air quality in densely populated areas.
Compliance and installation
Before approving a building consent, the council checks all property title files, including the size of the land. This ensures that the correct model of woodfire is installed according to the property's specifications. Installing the wrong model can result in the woodfire not receiving a code of compliance, which is essential for legal and safety reasons.
Why your fire doesn't shut down overnight
If your new woodfire doesn't shut down as much overnight, it's likely because you have a clean air model. These models are designed to maintain a certain level of airflow to ensure a cleaner burn and comply with air quality regulations. While this might mean you can't shut down your fire as much as you'd like, it also means you're contributing to a healthier environment by reducing smoke and pollutants. Additionally, the higher airflow results in a higher flame, which can cause softwoods like pine to burn faster than hardwoods like gum.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between clean air and rural woodfire models, as well as the legislation behind their installation, can help explain why your new fire behaves the way it does. If you have any further questions or need assistance with your woodfire, feel free to contact us. We're here to help you keep your home warm and compliant with all regulations.
