Types of heater

Good for:

Be aware that:

• low running costs (when you use them properly)
• producing instant heat
• convenience - you can control the temperature with the thermostat and use the timer.

•  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 low temperature performance)
• some are a lot more efficient than others - look for the Energy Rating Label (the more stars, the more energy efficient)
• they won't work during a power cut.

Good for:

Be aware that:

• low running costs, especially if you have access to free or cheap firewood
• the environment - they produce very little pollution and use renewable wood energy
• heating large spaces
• heating hot water in winter through a wetback system.

• firewood must be dry to burn cleanly and efficiently, so you need to plan ahead and store it undercover, ideally for at least 12 months
• you need a building consent to install one and - unless your property is larger than two hectares - you need to use a woodburner on the approved list from the Ministry for the Environment.

Ministry for the Environment's list of approved wood burners

Good for:

Be aware that:

• 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 through a wetback system.

• unless you get an optional battery backup, they won't work if your electricity isn't working (they use a small amount of electricity)
• you cannot burn firewood in a pellet burner
• you need a building consent to install one
• only authorised burners can be used in areas with poor air quality

Good for:

Be aware that:

• convenience - you can control the temperature with the thermostat and use the timer
• heating large spaces.

• you will have to pay a fixed charge for reticulated gas supply (if you don't already)
• running costs are relatively high if you use LPG bottles
• while burning gas is relatively clean, the greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change
• you must have your gas heater installed by a registered gas fitter.

Good for:

Be aware that:

• heating smaller spaces, like bedrooms
• very cheap to buy.

• 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, but generally they aren't very accurate.

Good for:

Be aware that:

• providing heating for your entire house
• convenience - you can control the temperature with the thermostat and use the timer
• zoning - many are zone-controlled so you can control the temperature in different parts of the home.

• Can be expensive to install
• heat can be supplied by a range of heating systems for example gas, wood pellet or heat pump
• it’s worth choosing a system that has an individual thermostat for each room
• can be very expensive to run if your house isn't well insulated or is draughty.

Good for:

Be aware that:

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

• unflued portable gas heaters are the most expensive form of heating (except for some open fires)
• there are health risks - it will pollute air with toxic gases and large amounts of water vapour, so you must keep at least one window open when it’s in use and never use in bedrooms
• they can make your home damp and mouldy
• portable gas heaters can be a fire risk, as anything too close can quickly catch alight.