Pros and cons of types of heating

Deciding on a source of heating can be confusing, with a multitude of choices for consumers. According to EECA ENERGYWISE, how you use a room will help you to decide the most suitable type of heat source.

HEAT PUMPS

■ Good for: Low running costs when you use them properly, instant heat, convenience — control the temperature with the thermostat and use the timer.

■ Be aware that: 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 low temperature performance. Some are a lot more efficient than others. They won’t work during a power cut.

MODERN WOODBURNERS

■ Good for: Low running costs, especially if you have access to free or cheap firewood. Also good for the environment — they produce very little pollution and use renewable wood energy, heating large spaces, heating hot water through a wetback system. ■ Be aware that: Firewood must be dry to burn efficiently. Store wood undercover, ideally for at least 12 months. You need a building consent to install one and use a woodburner on the approved list from the Ministry for the Environment (unless your property is bigger than 2ha).

WOOD PELLET BURNERS

■ Good for: The environment — the pellets are made from waste products and burn cleanly, heat control (better than a wood burner), heating large spaces, heating hot water in winter.

■ Be aware that: They won’t work if your electricity is off. You cannot burn firewood in a pellet burner. Pellet prices vary greatly across the country. You need a building consent to install. Only authorised burners can be used in areas with poor air quality.

FLUED GAS (NATURAL OR LPG) HEATERS OR FIREPLACES

■ Good for: Convenience — control the temperature with the thermostat and use the timer, heating larger spaces.

■ Be aware that: You pay a fixed price for reticulated gas supply, running costs are relatively high if you use LPG bottles, while burning gas is relatively clean, greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change. You must have your gas heater installed by a registered gas fitter.

ELECTRIC HEATERS

■ Good for: Heating smaller spaces like bedrooms, cheap to buy.

■ Be aware that: They are more expensive to run than most other heating options. Their heat output is low compared to most other heater types, all electric heaters are equally efficient as they convert all the electricity they use into useful heat. There are different types (radiant, convection, fan) that deliver heat in different ways to suit different situations. Many have built in thermostats.

CENTRAL HEATING

■ Good for: Providing heating for your entire house, and convenience — control the temperature with the thermostat and use the timer. Many are zonecontrolled so you can control the temperature in different parts of the house. ■ Be aware that: They can be expensive to install, heat can be supplied by a range of heating systems, for example gas, wood pellet or heat pump. Choose a system with an individual thermostat for each room. They can be expensive to run if you home isn’t well insulated or is draughty.

UNFLUED GAS (NATURAL OR LPG) HEATERS, INCLUDING PORTABLE GAS HEATERS

■ Good for: Back-up heating during power cuts, if your normal heating relies on electricity.

■ Be aware that: Portable gas heaters are the most expensive. There are health risks — they pollute your home with toxic gases and water vapour so keep at least one window open and never use in bedrooms. They can make your home damp and mouldy. Portable gas heaters can be a fire risk.

■ For more information visit: www.energywise.govt.nz