INTRODUCTION
A specifiers guide to wood heater regulation and compliance.
In Australia, growing concern for climate change and rising gas and electricity prices have put into focus the value of building energy- efficient homes.1 According to a 2017 realestate.com.au survey, 79% of homeowners in Australia were actively trying to conserve energy to reduce costs.2 The economic and environmental benefits of improved energy performance are changing the needs of homeowners. At the same time, the design and construction industry is under pressure to identify energy-efficient solutions that meet modern design, efficiency and aesthetic requirements.
Historically, the Australian wood heater industry has not been a frontrunner in this space, partly due to limited enforcement of wood heater regulation.3 In Europe, the larger market allows for more creativity in terms of meeting performance and aesthetic requirements.
In recent years, home trends in Australia have started to mirror the European market. Firstly, the average size of an Australian home is shrinking, dropping to 189.8m2 in 2016/17 (a 2.7% drop from the previous year).4 Smaller homes are more insulated, which means lower total heat output is required to maintain a comfortable temperature. Secondly, population growth has increased the size of the market. According to a 2019 report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s population grew by 1.6 per cent in 2018, reaching 25.1 million people.5
In the regulatory space, updated Australian Standards for wood heaters, including AS/NZS 4012:2014 Domestic solid fuel burning appliances – Method for determination of power output and efficiency and AS/NZS 4013:2014 Domestic solid fuel burning appliances – Method for determination of flue gas emission, have introduced more stringent emission limits and new efficiency minimums for domestic solid fuel appliances.
Considering the wide range of local and imported wood heaters on the market, there is a risk that any given solution may not be compliant with the latest requirements.
Against this backdrop, it is critical for designers and specifiers to stay up-to-date with changing wood heater regulations, so they can confidently specify high performance heating solutions that are code-compliant, environmentally-friendly and in line with contemporary aesthetics.
In this whitepaper, we discuss the regulatory framework that governs wood heater emissions and operating efficiency. This information will equip designers and specifiers with the knowledge to make an informed choice when specifying wood heaters for residential homes as well as commercial buildings where the unit is on public display.
UNDERSTANDING THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
FIREPLACE INSTALLATION
Wood heater installation in Australia is regulated by AS/NZS 2918:2018 Domestic solid fuel burning appliances.
– Installation. All wood heater installations must follow this Standard, which includes restrictions that may impact fireplace location and clearance requirements. Chimney and flue regulations should also be considered. These cover the installation of fireplaces with a stainless steel flue, chimney and flue height requirements.
EFFICIENCY AND EMISSIONS
The power output, efficiency and gas emissions of wood heaters are also regulated. All wood heaters must comply with the aforementioned AS/NZS 4012:2014 and AS/NZS 4013:2014, which respectively set out efficiency minimums and emission limits. Compliance with these Standards ensures a quality product that delivers energy efficiency and minimises harm to the environment.
The Australian Home Heating Association (AHHA) is the peak industry body and manages a list of certified heaters. When choosing a home heating solution, specifiers should take care as not every solution sold in Australia is compliant with the relevant Standards. The AHHA certification process ensures wood heaters meet the current requirements of AS/NZS 4012:2014 and AS/NZS 4013:2014.
UNDERSTANDING THE EFFICIENCY AND EMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMESTIC WOOD HEATERS
AS/NZS 4012:2014 and AS/NZS 4013:2014 introduced increasingly stringent emission limits and set minimum efficiency levels for wood heaters. In this context, ‘efficiency’ refers to the rate the heating unit converts wood to heat, whereas ‘emissions’ refers to the amount of carbon a heater produces into the atmosphere. The new requirements are phased in two stages:6
- From 8th August 2015, wood heaters must have at least 55 per cent efficiency, and no more than 5 grams of particle emissions per kilogram of fuel burnt (g/kg).
- From 8th August 2019 the requirement is stricter – at least 60 per cent efficiency and emissions amounting to no more than 1.5 g/kg.
- 25 kilowatt (kW) wood heaters are also now not
It is critical to note that these new standards apply to both local and importer wood heaters.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR DOMESTIC WOOD HEATER SPECIFICATION
Against this regulatory backdrop, designers and specifiers should undertake a thorough and considered process when specifying wood heating solutions. Below are the main considerations made when choosing a wood heater for contemporary homes and commercial buildings.
PERFORMANCE
Poor heater selection can result in increased harm to the environment while also providing inadequate heating to an indoor space. For this reason, high emission and/or inefficient wood heaters should be avoided as they require more wood to operate effectively. In comparison, slow combustion heaters are more energy efficient in that they use the least amount of wood and also cost the least to run.7 Due to the robust testing requirements mentioned earlier, certified wood heaters will perform better than non-certified solutions, but more importantly they will have a smaller impact on the environment.
Non-certified wood heaters can emit up to 12 grams of particle emissions per kilo of wood burnt, while open fires emit roughly 17 grams per kilo.8 These figures are over four times the emissions limit set by current Australian regulations. If a wood heater does not comply with the current Australian Standards, upgrading to a more efficient, high performing model should be considered.
EFFICIENCY FEATURES
Due to advancements in heating technology, newer heaters will be cleaner and run more efficiently when compared to older models and open fires. The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority notes that a slow combustion heater, which seals the fire in an airtight box, will produce less pollution than a pot-belly stove or open fire.9 Newer heaters will also have additional efficiency features, something leading distributors like Castworks specialise in, offering a number of models with:
- heat bank technology, which enables the storage of thermal energy, usually during off-peak hours, for gradual release throughout the day or night;
- outside air kits, which supplement the supply of combustion air to the heater;
- heat transfer options, which are used to efficiently transfer hot air from one main room into other rooms; and
- vermiculite linings, which offer greater radiating heat than traditional brick.
EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE
Designers and specifiers should ensure the wood heater selected for a building complies with current Australian Standards, specifically AS/NZS 4012:2014, AS/NZS 4013:2014 and AS/NZS 2918:2018. Given the recent spate of changes to these Standards, many products available on the Australian market may be non-compliant. While distributors are usually relied on to ensure product compliance, there is a greater risk in the current landscape that some models do not meet the latest requirements.
An efficient way to check whether a wood heater is compliant is to demand a certificate of compliance from the supplier or manufacturer and/or the test report number and date. It is important to check whether the wood heater has been tested by a certified National Association of Testing Authorities laboratory. The compliance plate should also be checked as it should state whether the heater complies with the latest emissions and efficiency standards.
DESIGN FACTORS
Wood heaters must not only meet strict performance requirements, they must also fulfil aesthetic needs. Accordingly, assessing a variety of design options and styles is important when choosing a wood heater.
This is the case for contemporary homes and commercial spaces, where a range of interior aesthetics have to be accommodated. Sleek, clean lines and minimalist aesthetics are popular in modern interior design and a number of heaters on the market cater to this style. Classic wood heater designs are also available which are ideal if a traditional aesthetic is desired.
Some local distributors are sourcing heating products by recognised international designers. These heating units can be used as statement or display pieces when not burning.
For over 20 years, Castworks has been one the most respected importers and distributors of home heating products to the Australian market. Along with their strong network of local suppliers, this Australian-owned and operated company partners with leading global manufacturers in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Austria, Spain, Portugal and New Zealand.
Castworks has in-depth knowledge of the latest heating technology, products and trends, ensuring they source sophisticated heating products that meet the performance and aesthetic demands of the Australian market. The company also has an extensive spare parts and accessories portfolio.
Made in Austria, Austroflamm wood stoves, including the elegant Woody and portholed Clou Xtra, are available exclusively from Castworks. The Austroflamm Woody features a stylish wooden base and handle, with an oval cast door in portrait format and beveled lid. The exclusive Keramott firebox linings create exceptional thermal insulation and heat conduction. This enables the combustion chamber to reach higher temperatures sooner, resulting in a clean, low-emission combustion. Austroflamm are one of the few manufacturers in Australia with DBIT approval for Passiv House installation.
The Clou Xtra combines heat storage technology with exceptional design. Xtra technology guarantees more hours of heat storage without the need for refueling. The large firebox includes an equally large, round fire door that enables porthole viewing of the fire. The combustion chamber is also lined with the patented Keramott ceramic liners enabling quick production of high combustion chamber temperatures.
Hergóm is renowned for their efficient, sustainable and technically-advanced fireplace solutions from a state-of- the-art foundry in Santander. Their clean-burning wood- stoves deliver maximum heat and fuel performance with minimal particle emissions. The company carries out the full production process and guarantees optimal durability, reliability and performance.
The award-winning Glance L wood-burning fireplace is new to Australia. Combining Danish design with exceptional build quality, this cast-iron fireplace is ideal as a focal point of any room, offering 180° views of the fire through ceramic glass.
Suitable for small to medium rooms measuring from 100m2 to 150m2, Glance L has an A+ energy classification, with a double combustion system allowing for a cleaner and more efficient burn by injecting air into the firebox and re-igniting unburnt particles before they exit through the chimney.
Castworks also offers the ADF range of contemporary insert and freestanding fireplaces from Portugal. The range of ADF European freestanding woodfires includes the 820 Series and 1000 Series, which are designed to heat areas measuring from 150m2 to 200m2 and 200m2 to 250m2 respectively.
Features include a sleek, minimalist design and efficient heating through natural convection and radiant warmth. All models include a robust vermiculite firebox and optional fans, benches and stands.
ADF insert wood burning fires include the 820NMV and the 1000NMV. Designed to efficiently heat 150m2 to 200m2, the 820NMV features a triple combustion system that creates a dramatic flame pattern, a minimalistic frame, radiant and natural convection with optional fan, and Skamotec enclosure system.
Easily heating spaces up to 250m2, the 1000NMV Insert Fire also includes ducted system options for efficient heat transfer.
The Red Dot Design award-winning cast iron Morsø range is available in Modern, Classic and Living categories. The Morsø Modern wood burning range features clean, curved lines and minimalist design.
With models available from the Morsø 8100 Series, 7900 Series, 7600 Series, 6600 Series and 6100 Series, the Modern range marries high standards of manufacture and timeless aesthetics with superior fuel efficiency and environmentally- friendly combustion.
Each Series offers different design and performance features from the 8842’s powerful combustion technology, the 7900’s large panoramic glass window and optional heating storage units to the 6100’s convenient open log storage cavity.
The Classic range is characterised by its clean, classic design, and includes the 1410 and 1440 models. The cast iron 1410 model will radiate an even warmth, effectively heating areas of 60m2 up to 90m2 and features an ash pan and grate for easy cleaning, and top cook surface. The 1440 includes the features of the 1410 with a large viewing window but tighter clearances for smaller spaces.
The Morsø Living range includes solutions for outdoor fires, ovens, gas BBQs and accessories.
REFERENCES
1 Campbell, Iain. “A leap ahead for energy efficient homes in Australia.” Renew Economy: Clean Energy News and Analysis. https://reneweconomy.com.au/leap-ahead-energy-efficient-homes-australia-72961 (accessed 17 July 2019).
2 Ibid.
3 BDA Group. “Wood heater Particle Emissions and Operating Efficiency Standards: Cost Benefit Analysis.” Department of the Environment and Heritage. https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/a82032eb-e0b5-40cd-8b8f-0d448613e3be/files/wood-particle-emissions.pdf (accessed 17 July 2019).
4 Bunch, Aaron. “Apartments trend shrinks Aussie homes.” News.com.au. https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/buying/apartments-trend-shrinks-aussie-homes/news-story/618b885d7e9be8f330e72fb43487d3450 (accessed 17 July 2019).
5 Australian Government. “Australia’s population growth remains steady.” Australian Bureau of Statistics. https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/latestProducts/3101.0Media%20Release1Sep%202018 (accessed 17 July 2019).
6 New South Wales Environment Protection Authority. “Check your heater complies with the standard.” NSW EPA. https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/air/reducing-wood-smoke-emissions/what-you-can-do-about-wood-smoke-pollution/check-your- heater-complies-with-the-standard (accessed 17 July 2019).
7 Australian Government. “Heating and cooling.” YourHome. http://www.yourhome.gov.au/energy/heating-and-cooling (accessed 17 July 2019).
8 Australian Home Heating Association. “Certified Wood Heaters.” Certified Wood Heaters. http://www.certifiedwoodheaters.com.au (accessed 17 July 2019).
9 Above n 6.
All information is subject to change.
