Our Guide to Australian Fireplace Regulations

A new fireplace makes your home a warmer and more comfortable place to live and can even increase its value. Yet installing a fireplace requires meeting several standards and regulations to ensure your family’s safety and help protect the environment.

The Australian fireplace regulations are vital for both the efficient installation of your fireplace and its safe and enjoyable operation. These rules protect both homeowners and the rest of the community from the dangers of open flames and smoke emissions. They also help you prevent fire risks, protect the quality of your indoor air, minimise fuel consumption, and avoid fines and legal troubles.

As Sydney’s leading fireplace retailer, Home Fires has been supplying, installing and servicing Australian fireplaces for more than 40 years. As one of the most trusted fireplace retailers in the country, we can install and maintain a fireplace that meets all acceptable standards. Here’s our guide to making sure your fireplace installation is up to par by meeting the Australian fireplace regulations.

Australian Fireplace Regulations

There are several areas of Australian fireplace regulations to address:

Clearance dimensions

It’s vital to protect the space around your fireplace, including the walls and floors. One must-have element is a hearth, which should extend beyond the opening of the fireplace and be constructed from non-combustible materials: homeowners generally choose between tiles, tone or slate. Adequate clearance between the fireplace and combustible materials in the room is essential in order to prevent fires.

Installation requirements

All fireplaces and wood heaters installed in Australian homes have to adhere to Australian Standard AS/NZS2918 Domestic solid fuel burning appliances- Installation. This document outlines the rules that have to be followed regarding Australian fireplace installation. The flue is required to be a minimum length of 4.6 metres from floor to ceiling, with a minimum of 3m left around its end. The flue needs to match the size of your fireplace and allow smoke to escape in a tightly sealed vertical direction rather than make its way into your home.

Chimney regulations

Chimneys vent smoke and prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Your chimney should clear the roofline of your home by at least 600mm and be no more than a metre higher than the rooftops of neighbouring homes. It’s mandatory to use fire-proof materials such as stainless steel or brick for chimneys, and regular inspection and cleaning are important for safety.

Proper use and maintenance

Ongoing maintenance of your fireplace is just as important as a safe installation. Some guidelines for using your fireplace responsibly include:

• Make sure you’re using appropriate firewood and avoid wood that’s been painted or treated.
• Clean regularly to prevent the build-up of creosote, a common cause of chimney fires.
• Close your doors and windows when using your fireplace as it helps you insulate your home better and your chimney or flue to operate more efficiently.
• Organise an annual inspection by a qualified fireplace professional.
• Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and keep combustible materials away from your fireplace and its surrounds.  

What to Consider When Installing a Fireplace in Your Home

Whether your home is rustic and traditional or modern and chic, it’s possible to make it more pleasant and cosy with a fireplace. You just have to choose the right fireplace and make sure you’ve considered the other factors involved. Some of the top things to consider when installing a fireplace in your home include the following:

The style

Fireplaces run on a choice of three main fuel sources: wood, gas and electric. Wood fireplaces offer traditional rustic charm and a source of heat and light even if the power goes out. Gas fireplaces are efficient with minimal maintenance, and electric fireplaces provide warmth with just the push of a button. If you’re looking for an easy fireplace installation, consider a zero-clearance fireplace. This style has lightweight, contemporary designs and requires minimal work to install. Choosing the right fireplace ultimately comes down to your own personal tastes and unique requirements.

The location

To get the most out of your fireplace, put it in the room of the house that you use the most (apart from the kitchen!). Whichever room you choose, make sure the floor joists are reinforced.

Frequency of use

For a lot of households, the fireplace is more than a heat source. It’s a focal point and a place for relaxation and family gatherings. When choosing a fireplace, consider how often you’re likely to use it and how you can supplement it with different heating sources in other areas of your home.

The cost

It goes without saying that you’ll want to choose a fireplace that suits your budget, but don’t forget the additional costs of upkeep. For wood fireplaces, it’s fuel and chimney-sweeping. For gas, there are periodic inspections, while electric fireplaces add to the power bill.

Stay Warm This Winter with Home Fires

No matter what kind of fireplace you’re looking for, Home Fires can keep you warm this winter. Our fireplaces in Sydney include gas, wood, electric and outdoor models from leading brands like Masport, Modern Flames, Real Flame, Regency, Nectre, British Fires, Clean Air and many more.

Our fireplaces deliver exceptional quality with cost-effectiveness and easy installation, as well as features like leading-edge Smart Technology and easy operation. No matter what kind of look and feel you’re going for, from rural and down to earth to chic and contemporary, we have a fireplace or heater that suits your home perfectly.

Home Fires can handle the supply, installation and maintenance of your fireplace and make sure it meets the standards of Australian fireplace regulations. We offer all the major lifestyle brands under one roof and a guarantee that all of our fireplaces and heaters meet the highest standards of quality and safety. We offer personal service and expert advice so you can rest assured you’re taking home the right fireplace for you.

To find out more, contact the Home Fires team online or pay a visit to our Minto or Casula locations.