As the temperature continues to drop, Armidale’s wood smoke problems are again on many people’s agendas with the cold winter months resulting in an increase in wood smoke air pollution.

The local topography and frequency of low-level atmospheric temperature inversions have a strong influence on smoke concentrations in the ‘cauldron’ that is the city of Armidale.

Armidale Domestic Energy Working Party chair, Cr Jim Maher, said one effective way of tackling the wood smoke issue was installing insulation into a home’s ceiling.

“Without insulation, your home quickly loses heat and soon becomes cold,” Cr Maher said.

“Heat is lost through the ceiling, walls, windows and the floor. Together, these losses account for up to 70 per cent of the heating bill for an uninsulated home.

“Since hot air rises, the greatest loss of heat is through the ceiling, however lots of heat is also lost through windows.

“Ceiling insulation is remarkably effective and can reduce your winter heating bill by up to 30 per cent, and also reduce wood smoke by reducing the need to burn your wood heater throughout the night.

“Thick curtains are the most effective way of reducing heat loss through window panes.”

The Department of Environment and Climate Change say in order to reduce the level of wood smoke generated from a wood heater, it is recommended that home owners do not burn their wood heater overnight on reduced air flow.

Leaving the wood heater overnight at the minimum air setting with a full firebox produces little heat but generates lots of smoke, causing pollution outside and inside the home.

To assist home owners meet the cost of insulating their homes, the State Government and the Council are offering a ceiling insulation rebate, to a combined total of $600.

“The State Government rebate covers half the cost of installing ceiling insulation in your home, up to a maximum of $300,” Council’s manager of environment health, Euan Belson, said.

“Council will also match this rebate to the home owner dollar-for-dollar.”

The average home costs about $1000 to insulate. To be eligible for the rebate, the ceiling insulation must cover the entire ceiling area, comply with the Australian Standard for insulation - AS/NZS 4859.1:2002, and be purchased in full and installed between October 1, 2007 and June 30, 2009.

For further information on the State Government’s insulation rebate visit the DECC website atwww.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates or phone 1300-361-967.

For information on how to apply for council’s matched funding, contact Mr Belson on 6770-3872.

Insulation installed to comply with BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) for new homes or major renovations is not eligible for rebate.