Heating

Comparing the options

Heat pumps - Good for:

• Low running costs, when used properly
• Producing instant heat
• Convenience, as you can control the temperature and timing with the thermostat and timer controls

Heat pumps - Be aware that:

• They must be sized correctly for the space and the climate to work well (if you live in a colder area, ask the supplier to size the heat pump based on its "H2" performance)
• Some are a lot more efficient than others (look for the ENERGY STAR® mark to show you the most efficient model)
• They won't work during a power cut

Modern wood burners - Good for:

• Low running costs, especially if you have access to free or cheap firewood
• The environment, as they produce very little pollution and use renewable wood energy as a fuel
• Heating large spaces
• Heating hot water in winter through a wetback system

Modern wood burners - Be aware that:

• Firewood must be dry to burn most efficiently, so you need to plan ahead and store it undercover (ideally for at least 12 months)
• Building consent approval for installation is needed, and unless your property is larger than two hectares, you need to use a woodburner on the Ministry for the Environment's list of approved wood burners

Flued gas (natural or LPG) heaters or fireplaces - Good for:

• Convenience, as you can control the temperature and timing with the thermostat and timer controls
• Heating larger areas for longer periods

Flued gas (natural or LPG) heaters or fireplaces - Be aware that:

• You may have to pay a fixed charge for reticulated gas supply
• EECA recommends choosing an ENERGY STAR qualified model (view a list of ENERGY STAR qualified products)
• Gas heaters must always be installed by a registered gas fitter

Unflued gas (natural or LPG) - Good for:

• Back-up heating during power cuts, if your normal heating relies on electricity to operate

Unflued gas (natural or LPG) - Be aware that:

• Unflued LPG heaters are the most expensive form of heating, except for some open fires
• There are health risks, as it will pollute air with toxic gases and large amounts of water vapour and can make your home damp
• Portable LPG heaters can be a fire risk, as anything too close can catch fire quickly

Electric heaters - Good for:

• Heating a small room infrequently and for short periods only
• Your budget, as they are very cheap to buy

Electric heaters - Be aware that:

• They are more expensive to run than most other heating options
• There are different types but they all have the same efficiency, i.e. the same amount of heat output per unit of electricity used
• There are different types, e.g. radiant, convection, fan, that deliver heat in different ways
• Many have built-in thermostats, but generally they aren't very accurate