Episode 19 :: Efficient heating options

A good efficient heating system, coupled with proper insulation, will keep your home warmer, healthier and more comfortable all year round.

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Some heating systems are much more efficient than others, and for optimal performance, you need one that’s the right size and type for the job. 


Here’s how to choose the right efficient heating system for your home.

Insulate first

Before looking at your heating, make sure your insulation is sorted – you'll be able to use a smaller heating system and your home will be cheaper to heat.

 Find out more about insulating your home.

Get the right size heater for the job

For heating to work properly and efficiently, it needs to be the right size for the space you’re heating. To work out how much heat a room needs to keep it at healthy temperatures, use the free Consumer heater sizing calculator.

Choose an efficient heating system

To properly and efficiently heat the rooms you regularly, you should be looking at some form of fixed heating. The most common types of efficient heating are below.

 Download a list of EECA approved efficient heating products

Heat pumps that are ENERGY STAR® qualified

Some heat pumps are much more efficient than others. The ENERGY STAR mark is only awarded to the most efficient heat pumps on the market (for both heating and cooling modes).

 Find out more about choosing a heat pump.

Flued gas heaters with a 4-star or higher rating

If you go for a gas system, make sure it has an energy rating label of at least 4 stars – these are more efficient.  

 Find out more about choosing a gas heater.

Modern wood burners

Modern wood burners are energy efficient and are an environmentally friendly heating option. You do need a building consent to put one in.

 Find out more about choosing a wood burner.

Wood pellet burners

Wood pellet burners look similar to conventional log burners, but they offer a lot more control over how much heat is produced and when. They are very environmentally friendly and clean burning heating option.

 Find out more about choosing a wood pellet burner.

Heat your home to a healthy temperature

World Health Organisation guidelines recommend at least 18 ˚C in any rooms you are using (or at least 20 ˚C for more vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and people), and at least 16 ˚C in your bedroom overnight.

Tips for using your heating

  • Only heat the areas you’re using, and only while you’re using them.
  • Use timer features so your heater comes on an hour or so before you need it, instead of leaving it on all day.
  • Set the thermostat to sensible temperatures.
  • If you have a wood burner, make sure your firewood is dry – it burns better and produces less smoke.

Did you know?

Around 35% of the energy used in the average New Zealand household is used for heating.

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