Installing your wood fire: what you need to know
Getting building consent
All wood fires require a building consent to install and restrictions apply in a number of regions where there are unique local bylaws. If you have decided a wood fire is right for you contact your local council in the first instance. In addition, the Ministry for the Environment has a list of authorised wood fires that meet National standards for wood fires that can be installed on an urban property (less than two hectares). Click here to see the list. If your property is greater than two hectares, your local council may consent for you to install a rural wood fires, these have the added benefits of a larger heat output and ability to burn overnight.
Installation
You’ll need building consent before installation can go ahead and we recommend you arrange for a certified installer to visit your home to determine the best position for your wood fire. They will also advise on any extra components required to ensure your wood fire has the correct clearance to be safe and to make a recommendation on ventilation. Installers can also help you with completing your building consent and laying the hearth. Talk to our staff about site delivery too.
Maintaining your wood fire for efficiency & safety
Keeping your wood fire in good condition ensures it burns efficiently, lasts longer, and remains safe to use. Without proper care, soot and creosote can build up, reducing performance and increasing the risk of chimney fires. A well-maintained wood fire also produces less smoke and emissions, making it better for both your home and the environment.
Daily & weekly cleaning
Regular upkeep prevents excessive buildup and keeps your wood fire operating at peak efficiency.
- Remove ash regularly – A small layer of ash helps retain heat, but too much blocks airflow and reduces efficiency. Aim to remove excess ash every few days.
- Keep the glass door clean – Soot buildup can reduce visibility and heat output. Use a wood heater glass cleaner and a soft cloth or newspaper. Avoid harsh abrasives, which can scratch the glass.
- Check the air vents and firebox – Blocked air vents reduce airflow, making your fire burn inefficiently. Ensure vents are free from debris and adjust settings for optimal burn.
Annual servicing & deep cleaning
- Inspect the door seals – A faulty seal lets too much air in, reducing efficiency. Place a strip of paper in the door, close it, and pull – if it slides out easily, the seal needs replacing.
- Check firebricks and baffle plates – Cracked or damaged firebricks reduce heat retention, making your fire less efficient. Replace any broken parts.
- Clean the flue to prevent blockages – Soot and creosote build up over time, increasing fire risk. Use a flue brush or hire a professional cleaner.
How do you maintain the flue?
The flue is responsible for venting smoke and gases from the fire safely outside. Over time, soot, creosote and other debris accumulate inside the flue, restricting airflow and increasing the risk of chimney fires. Regular cleaning removes these deposits and keeps the fire burning efficiently.
To maintain a clear flue, check for blockages at the start of each heating season. Bird nests, leaves and debris can obstruct the flue, reducing ventilation. If your fire produces excess smoke inside the room or has a strong smoky smell when not in use, the flue may be partially blocked. A thorough clean with a flue brush at least once a year helps keep airflow unrestricted.
Obstructions to look out for:
Inspecting the inside of the flue and external exit cowl for obstructions is also important. Wood fire flues operate at extremely high temperatures and making sure that there are no blockages or obstructions is vital for the safe operation of your woodburner.
- Ensure no overhanging trees or branches have grown into the clearance zone.
- Make sure the installation has not been affected by wind damage or other natural events.
- Check for birdsnests in or near the flue system in the roof cavity.
- Visually check if all the firebox, baffle plate, tubes, bricks and the door glass are aligned and sitting in the correct position.
- There may be cracks but this does not necessarily mean it must be replaced. It only needs replacing when it will not stay in place.
When to clean the flue yourself vs. when to call an expert
Some maintenance tasks can be done at home, while others require professional servicing. If you use your wood fire occasionally, a simple flue brush clean once a year is usually enough. If you burn wood regularly, especially softer woods that produce more residue, consider cleaning the flue more frequently.
Signs you may need professional cleaning include:
- A thick, black creosote buildup inside the flue, which is highly flammable and difficult to remove.
- Persistent smoke issues inside the home despite using dry wood and proper ventilation.
- Obstructions like bird nests or large debris that cannot be easily cleared with a flue brush.
Certified chimney sweeps have specialised tools to remove hardened creosote deposits that standard brushes may not reach. If your flue hasn’t been cleaned in several years, or if you are unsure about its condition, having an expert inspect and clean it is the safest option.
Checking & replacing your wood fire door seals
Over time, the fibreglass rope seals on your wood fire door compress, fray, or wear out, reducing their ability to create an airtight seal. A poor seal allows too much air into the firebox, making the fire burn too fast, reducing efficiency, and increasing wood consumption. A properly sealed door improves heat retention and overall performance.
Check your door seals with the paper test.
Take a piece of paper, similar size to a $5 note is ideal. Open your wood fire’s door, place the paper between the door and the stove body. Close the door and then attempt to slide the paper out. The paper should either stay locked in place or slide out slowly with resistance. Work your way around the door and check each point, just because it seals by the hinges doesn’t mean it will by the latch. If at any point the paper slides out easily then assess if it is time to replace the rope or adjust the door.
How to replace Fibreglass Door Rope:
- Make sure the wood fire has cooled (not in use), remembering that embers can stay hot for some time after the flames have died down.
- With leather gloves, carefully remove the wood fire door and place it on a soft padded surface.
- Using a screwdriver, pry out and remove the old door rope.
- Thoroughly clean out the channel, making sure to remove all the old adhesive with a wire brush.
- Apply Pyrogrip hi-temp adhesive or similar high hear sealant into the door channel.
- Insert the new door rope into the door channel.
Need help deciding?
Choosing the right wood fire means more than just warmth it’s about efficiency, comfort and finding the perfect fit for your home. Whether you need a freestanding model, inbuilt fire or ultra-low emission option, we’ve got you covered. Visit us in-store or speak with our experts to find the best option for your space.
Want to explore our other heating options including heat pumps, gas heaters and electric heating to see what works best for your space? Check out the link below to learn more.
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