Perth’s reputation as a coastal city can make people overlook the harsh realities of wintertime in the Hills, some parts of which seem to freeze over with the cold coming in June, July and August. Kalamunda, Mundaring and the Darling Range are most definitely the coldest spots, with overnight lows hitting single-figure temperatures, while older homes in Midland and Mahogany Creek start to feel the chill the moment the sun dips below the horizon. And let’s be honest, the difference in how homes heat up in these places has nothing to do with personal preference, it’s about doing what works. Wood heaters Perth homeowners choose often depend on the size of the home, the local climate and the type of installation required.
Australian Standards and WA Emissions Rules
When buying a wood heater, you’ve got to make sure it’s compliant with those stringent Australian standards and technically up to scratch, that’s the AS/NZS 4012 and AS/NZS 4013. And it’s those that dictate the design of the heater and how much pollution it’s putting out. But then again Western Australia takes a step further by setting a very tough emissions limit of 1.5 g/kg. So if you buy a heater that only meets current standards, well you’re probably going to end up getting stung trying to retrofit or replace it early to meet those future rules.
The good news is, buying a wood heater that already meets the 2030 limit now won’t break the bank. Compare that to being forced to replace the heater because it’s no longer allowed to be used, and that’s going to be a really expensive exercise.
Freestanding vs Inbuilt, Making the Right Choice
If you’ve got a new build or are looking to put a heater in a room without an existing fireplace, a freestanding model is likely your best bet. They can be installed almost anywhere, so long as you can pipe the flue to the outside safely. They’re also a pretty good option for homes built in the last 30 years.
On the other hand, if you’ve got an older home and already have a fireplace, then an inbuilt or insert model is probably the way to go. Certainly they can be a bit trickier to install, but they really do integrate well with the surrounding decor and can be a nice feature in a room.
Top Models Perth Buyers Are Choosing
A closer look at the most popular heaters in Perth makes it clear that the Blaze B605 is a popular choice for smaller to medium-sized rooms. It can handle spaces up to 190m² with some pretty impressive emissions numbers, 0.67 g/kg to be exact, putting it well under the 2030 target. And if you’ve got a bigger living room, the Masport Redwood is well worth a look, capable of heating areas up to 260m².
One model that really stands out for its speedy heat-up times and long-lasting heat retention is the VisionLINE Phoenix freestanding heater. If your main source of heat on chilly evenings is that heater, rather than just a supplementary one, then that’s a pretty significant plus. For those of us living out in the Hills or rural areas, having a heater that can keep a steady temperature for 8 to 10 hours on a single load is a whole lot more important than one that’s just going to need reloading through the night.
Installation Costs, Compliance and Ongoing Maintenance
If you’re looking to get a wood heater set up in your Perth home, you’re probably looking at a basic cost of around $750 for a pretty standard install. But things can add up fast if you’ve got a more complicated situation on your hands, like a raked ceiling or no chimney to speak of. A Hills property with a raked ceiling and no chimney can easily run to several thousand dollars in installation costs alone.
Now if you’re up in the Peel region, that’s Mandurah for us locals, then Mr Fahrenheit is a great choice for a Scandia heater supplier and installer who also does warranty servicing. And if you’re in the northern suburbs, Perth Evaporative & Heating has same-day bookings for new installs and maintenance calls.
