What's worth knowing

  • Have a thermostat and timer
  • Heat large spaces
  • Provide instant heat
  • Can run on mains natural gas (North Island only) or LPG bottles
  • Don't need building consent – but must be installed by a registered gas fitter
  • Fossil fuel releases greenhouse gas emissions
  • Fixed charges for main gas supply
  • Higher running costs for LPG bottles
  • Don’t work during a power cut

Be Gen Less with flued gas heating

  • New Zealand doesn’t have minimum energy performance standards for gas heaters so their efficiency and emissions vary a lot. Look for the Australian Gas Association gas energy rating label - more stars means it’s more efficient.
  • Use the timer to warm the room just before you get home and switch off when you don’t need it.
  • Set the thermostat to above 18ºC (to combat damp and mould) but below 21ºC (to save energy).
  • Have it professionally serviced once a year to keep it running well.

Unflued gas heaters

Gas heaters that don't pipe emissions outside get a low score from us.

Key facts

  • Portable, or have only one pipe that supplies the gas.
  • Release greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Unflued portable gas heaters are the most expensive form of heating.
  • Serious risks from toxic gases — never use in a bedroom.
  • Release water vapour that can make your home damp and mouldy.
  • Wasteful — you need to keep a window open when you use them.
  • Fire risk.