New Zealanders tend to have very cold houses. No-one really knows why but it’s possible that our ‘pioneer spirit’ might have something to do with it. Because being cold in winter can lead to illness and, in susceptible people, even death, government agencies have been trying to improve our home heating record while still addressing energy and sustainability issues. So let’s talk about heating!

Portable gas heaters

As their name suggests, these can also be useful for moving around your home according to heating needs, but they produce quite a lot of vapour, which can cause dampness – and that’s not ideal. Where possible, try and stick to fixed gas heating methods that involve flues

Bar and fan heaters

They’ve been demonised by people who believe they chew through too much power, but bar heaters and fan heaters are relatively cheap to buy and can still have their place when heating small spaces. They tend to heat the objects in front of them rather than making the whole room more comfortable, though.

Open fires

Nothing looks and feels as good as an open fire – or does it? Generally speaking, open fires only heat a small space. They’re lovely if you’re curled up on a rug right in front of the fireplace – most particularly if you’re a cat – but as far as heating beyond one room, they’re not very effective. What’s more, they require large amounts of wood and coal to sustain them and you’ll need to have your chimney cleaned regularly. Modern options, such as a gas heater that looks like a fire, will provide far superior heating, and that heat can be ducted to cover a wider area.

It’s recommended that such a heater is flued. This means the pollutants it produces are vented outside, which reduces the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Earlier this year, Christchurch became the first city in New Zealand to outlaw open fires and wood-burners due to pollution concerns. In other areas you may still be allowed an open fire – although it must be built by a registered installer. Check with your local council for advice on your own particular situation.

Wood burners

These are a popular option here in New Zealand as we have a good ongoing supply of wood. These little powerhouses can produce an impressive amount of heat, which can be ducted into other rooms or areas.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have grown in popularity over the last few years and although they can be expensive to install, they are highly recommended for their energy and money-saving capabilities. Basically, they work by using air from outside and pumping it back to heat the air inside.

Begin with the basics

Installing insulation in your ceiling and making sure you have heavy, thermal-backed curtains can be good starting points when it comes to heating your home. No heating system is perfect but when you use them in addition to measures such as these, the combined effect can be most satisfactory.