How to choose a wood fire heater

Key takeaways

Before choosing a wood fire heater, keep these important points in mind:

• Choose a heater that matches the size of the space you're heating to help avoid poor performance, excess smoke and creosote build-up.
• Radiant wood heaters provide direct warmth and can suit less-insulated spaces, while convection wood heaters are designed to circulate heat more evenly through insulated homes.
• The location of your heater is just as important as the heater itself, with clearances from combustible materials needing careful consideration.
• A correctly installed flue, suitable hearth and appropriate roof flashing are essential for safe operation.
• Have your wood fire heater and flue installed by a qualified, licensed installer who complies with local council and safety requirements.

Radiant wood heaters

Radiant heaters (pictured above) use a different process to convection heaters to warm your house. The outside of the heater radiates heat, warming the people and objects around it. The closer you are to the heater, the warmer you'll feel.

This style of heating is suitable for indoor and outdoor spaces and is often preferred for the traditional "fire-like" warmth it produces.

Due to less heat rising than with the convection process, radiant heating may be a practical option for homes with limited insulation. One thing to note is that combustible materials must be kept at safe distances from the heater. Leaving internal doors open and using a ceiling fan can help improve airflow and distribute warmth more evenly.

Convection wood heaters

When choosing a wood fire heater, you have a choice of two heating styles: convection or radiant.

Convection heaters provide a more even and consistent heat throughout a room. They work by drawing cooler air from near the floor, heating it, then circulating that warm air back into the room. As the warm air rises, cooler air moves into the heater and the cycle continues.

This style is generally best suited to insulated homes with standard ceiling heights.

Freestanding or in-built wood fire heaters

If you have an existing fireplace, you may want to install an in-built wood fire heater. This can be an efficient way to update an existing fireplace while improving heating performance.

Even if you don't have an existing fireplace, an in-built wood fire heater can sometimes be installed within a suitably constructed wall cavity, helping save floor space.

Freestanding wood fire heaters stand independently and typically require a flue to pass through the ceiling and roof. With a wide range of styles available, it's easy to find an option that suits your home's look and layout.

Choosing the right location

The location and size of your wood fire heater play an important role in performance.

If a heater is too large for the space, it may contribute to creosote build-up and increased smoke production. If a heater is too small, it may struggle to heat the area effectively and can be over-fired, which may affect its lifespan.

You'll also need to consider nearby combustible materials, including flooring, furniture, curtains and wall finishes. Check the manufacturer's installation requirements before choosing a location.

Installation and maintenance

Whatever type of wood fire heater you choose, have the heater and flue installed correctly by a qualified, licensed installer whose work complies with local council and safety regulations.

Regular maintenance helps your heater operate safely and efficiently. Use dry firewood, remove ash only when it is completely cold and keep the glass door clean to maintain visibility and performance.

Fireplace essentials

To ensure your Scandia wood heater is installed safely and performs as intended, there are a few additional products you'll need to consider.

Choose the right flue kit

A flue kit is one of the most important components of a wood heater installation. It connects the heater to the chimney and allows smoke and gases to exit safely.

To ensure compatibility with your Scandia wood heater, choose either a Scandia Black Mesh Flue Kit or a Scandia Sleek Black Flue Kit.

Install suitable roof flashing

Roof flashing helps prevent rainwater entering around the chimney, protecting your roof from water damage.

Scandia offers two flashing options to suit different roofing materials:

• Scandia Tile Roof Flashing for tiled roofs.
• Scandia Iron Roof Flashing for Colorbond® and similar metal roofs.

For best results, flashing should be installed by a qualified professional to ensure a secure, weatherproof fit.

Protect your floor with a hearth

A hearth provides a non-combustible surface beneath your wood heater and helps protect surrounding flooring from heat and stray sparks.

If your heater will be installed on a combustible surface such as timber, laminate or carpet, you'll need a suitable Scandia Hearth Pad.

Accessories to enhance your setup

While not essential, these accessories can make operating and maintaining your wood heater easier.

Add a heater safety guard

A heater safety guard creates a protective barrier around your wood heater and can help reduce the risk of accidental contact with hot surfaces.

Keep firewood neat and accessible

A dedicated firewood storage solution can help keep firewood organised, dry and close at hand.

Make maintenance easier with a fire tool set

A fire tool set typically includes a poker, tongs, brush and shovel, helping you safely manage and maintain your wood heater.

Find the right wood heater for your home

Once you've worked out the heating style, installation type and location that suits your home, the next step is comparing products and installation accessories. Browse Scandia’s range of wood fire heaters, flue kits, hearths and fireplace accessories online or visit your local store for advice.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know what size wood fire heater I need?

A wood fire heater should be matched to the area you want to heat. A heater that's too large may create excess smoke and creosote build-up, while a heater that's too small may not adequately heat the space and may be over-fired.

What's the difference between a radiant and convection wood heater?

A radiant wood heater warms nearby people and objects directly from the heater's surface. A convection wood heater circulates warm air around the room, creating a more even temperature throughout the space.

Can I install a wood fire heater myself?

Installation requirements vary, but this article recommends having both the heater and flue installed by a qualified, licensed installer who complies with local council and safety regulations.

Do I need a hearth under my wood fire heater?

That depends on the type of flooring. If the heater is being installed on a combustible surface such as timber, laminate or carpet, a suitable hearth is required to help protect the floor from heat and sparks.

Why is dry firewood important?

Dry firewood helps a wood heater operate more efficiently and cleanly. It can also help reduce smoke and support easier ongoing maintenance.