Chimney & Wood Burner Glossary

Clear, plain-English definitions for chimney sweep and wood burner terms. From creosote to flue liner, understand the terminology that matters for keeping your home safe.

A

AS/NZS 2918
The joint Australian/New Zealand standard that specifies requirements for the installation of domestic solid fuel burning appliances, including wood burners, pellet fires, and open fires.

C

Clean Air Zone
A designated urban area where stricter air quality rules apply, including tighter wood burner emission limits, open fire bans, and firewood moisture restrictions.
Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)
An official document issued by a local council confirming that building work (including wood burner installations) has been completed in accordance with the NZ Building Code and the approved building consent.
Creosote
A sticky, tar-like deposit that forms inside chimney flues when wood smoke cools and condenses.
Creosote Stages (1, 2, 3)
Creosote accumulates in three progressive stages.

F

Flue
The pipe, duct, or channel that carries smoke and combustion gases from a fireplace or wood burner to the outside of the building.

G

Good Wood Scheme
A regional accreditation programme for firewood suppliers who test and guarantee their wood is dry (typically below 25% moisture content).

M

Moisture Content
The percentage of water present in firewood, measured with a pin-type moisture meter.

S

Seismic Restraint
Bracing or anchoring systems installed to secure chimney structures and flue systems to the building frame, preventing movement, collapse, or damage during earthquakes.

U

Ultra-Low Emission Burner (ULEB)
A wood burner designed to produce very low levels of particulate emissions, typically meeting standards of 1.