Ensuring that your wood heater is installed by a qualified and skilled professional who follows the latest standards is absolutely essential. Lately, we’ve been hearing troubling reports about installations carried out by rogue installers. Thankfully, these are not members of the AHHA, our members do the job correctly!
These subpar installations can lead to serious safety risks, including fire hazards, poor ventilation, and inefficient heating, which could end up costing homeowners far more in the long run.
In New South Wales, there’s no requirement for a licence or trade qualification if the installation cost is under $5,000. Similarly, in Queensland, the threshold is $3,300. This lack of regulation creates an opportunity for unqualified individuals to carry out installations, often resulting in dangerous and non-compliant setups.
Homeowners need to be aware of the risks involved when opting for these unlicensed operators who might not be fully familiar with the safety guidelines set out in the AS/NZS 2918 standard.
Victoria, on the other hand, takes a much stricter approach, requiring wood heater installers to be qualified plumbers with a specific certificate in wood heater installation. While some might find these requirements strict, they do ensure that only those with proper training and expertise are allowed to install wood heaters.
However, it’s worth noting that this requirement doesn’t currently recognise the AHHA installers course, which is specifically designed to ensure compliance with the AS/NZS 2918 standard.
For peace of mind, always choose an installer who is a member of the Australian Home Heating Association. Our members meet the highest standards, ensuring that your wood heater installation is safe, compliant, and efficient.
Don’t take the chance – insist on a properly qualified installer for your home.
