In most cases the best advice will come from your local Australian Home Heating Association Retail Member. They know your local conditions and in most cases can visit your home and give on the spot advice to supplying the best size and type of heater for your home and budget. In general though there are a few simple factors you need to consider.

Always consider safety first. Only purchase a wood heater manufactured by a member of the Australian Home Heating Association. That way you can be sure it has been manufactured to all the rigorous Australian standards that apply to wood heaters.

Consider your heating needs and the output of the models you are looking at. Heat is rated in kilowatts. How many kilowatts you need will depend on where you are in Australia, the size of your home, how much glass area there is and if you have home insulation. For example, an 18 square house that is well insulated will require a lower output than the same home with no insulation. We recommend that heaters should be sized to accommodate the average rather than the extreme temperatures. You can make a room too hot and uncomfortable by installing a heater too big for your needs. Get the advice of your local association member listed in these pages.