Approved heating appliances

The air we breathe is vital to leading a healthy life. During summer the air quality we enjoy in Otago is excellent, however in winter, some Otago towns exceed the acceptable level of air pollution under the national environmental standards. Around 95% of this air pollution comes from chimney emissions, and it’s up to all of us to burn cleaner with high performing heating appliances to change this.

  

How do I know if my burner is compliant or not?

Depending on where you live, there are different rules for what burners are allowed to be installed.

• Air Zone 1 (Alexandra, Arrowtown, Clyde and Cromwell) and Milton: burners must have an emission rate less than 0.7 g/kg and a thermal efficiency of at least 65%.
  
  
• Air Zones 2 and 3 (Rest of Otago): burners must meet the MfE guidelines of an emission rate less than 1.5 g/kg and a thermal efficiency of at least 65%.

Check the compliance status of your existing heating appliance here.

 

What appliances are approved in Air Zone 1 and Milton

Heat pumps (all models)

Flued gas heaters

Pellet fires

"Ultra-low" emission wood burners as per the table below:

 

What else can I do to help improve the air quality in my neighbourhood?

If you choose to use a wood burner to heat your home, please consider that up to 95% of air emissions in polluted towns come from chimney emissions, mainly from burning coal or wet wood.

• Only burn dry wood (with moisture less than 20%). You can check the moisture level of wood with a wood moisture reader. These are available at most home hardware stores.
• Don’t burn rubbish, plastic, green waste or electronics.
• Use kindling and plenty of paper to get your fire started quickly – remember, a hot fire is an efficient fire.
• Don’t burn coal – it produces more harmful pollutants than wood and may damage your burner.

For more information on what you can and can’t burn, visit our Burning FAQs page.

 

Who else can I talk with about heating my home more efficiently?

Cosy Homes Trust

The Cosy Homes Trust offers Otago residents free guidance on accessing any available subsidies for heating and insulation, and provide general advice on keeping your home warm, dry and energy efficient.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)

EECA’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme will cover up to 80% of the cost for ceiling and underfloor insulation and up to 80% of the cost of heating appliances (heating appliance capped at $3,000).