There are several different options for flued gas heaters in New Zealand. Many versions have visible flames that mimic wood burning fires for a traditional look and added ambiance. Gas fireplace inserts can sometimes be retrofitted into existing chimney/flue spaces. Other options include fires inbuilt to the wall, freestanding fires that look more like traditional log burners, and non-flame versions. All flued gas fires or heaters use electricity for ignition and/or heat distribution.
Piped-in mains gas (natural gas) is not available in Otago. All flued gas heaters and fires in this area are powered by LPG bottles.
There is a large range of styles, sizes, capacities and efficiencies. This also translates into a wide variety of costs, from $3000-$8000. Cosy Homes recommends flued gas fireplaces or heaters that have an EnergyStar rating.
1. Inbuilt Flued Gas Fireplaces
An inbuilt flued gas fireplace has a traditional look, flush with the wall, and come in a large variety of decorative finishes and sizes. Though efficiency will vary with models, modern gas fireplaces generally achieve between 70-80% efficiency, meaning 70%-80% of the heat it produces will go to heating the space it is in.
Pros:
2. Freestanding Flued Gas Fireplaces
Freestanding flued gas fireplaces are similar to inbuilt ones, with slightly improved efficiency and a more traditional log burner look. Depending on the model, they can also heat larger spaces than the inbuilt versions.
Pros:
3. Flameless Flued Gas Heaters
Efficient and compact, flameless flued gas heaters are a practical heating solution for spaces where aesthetics may not be as important, or as a supplemental heater in addition to other solutions. A good heater can achieve 80-85% efficiency depending on the model, meaning that 80-85% of the heat produced goes into heating the space it occupies.
Pros:
How Much Gas Will Flued Gas Heaters Use?
Like any form of heating, you must factor in the cost of the fuel when considering overall expenses for using flued gas heaters. The wide range of sizes, styles, output and efficiencies of the flued gas heater market can make answering this question a bit complicated. However, there are some calculations that can be made as we know that standard New Zealand LPG cylinder hold:
45kg = 84litres of LPG = 2212megajoules (energy)
Heaters have a range of settings (low to high) that use a range of MJs when in operating. For example, on low, one flued gas heater may use 6MJ on low and 15MJ on high.
2212MJ (per cylinder)/6MJ = 368 hours of fuel on low
2212MJ (per cylinder)/15MJ = 147 hours of fuel on high
Assuming a use of 4 hours every evening, the heater in the example above would use one cylinder of LPG every 37 to 92 days, depending on the settings you use.
Prices for delivering new cylinders will vary depending on your location in Otago. Generally speaking there is an annual rental fee around $100, plus the cost of the gas cylinders you actually use.
Power companies in NZ often have an LPG service as well, and may offer a small discount if you purchase both your electricity and gas through them.
Many thanks to ElGas New Zealand for a hand with the calculations.
Piped-in mains gas (natural gas) is not available in Otago. All flued gas heaters and fires in this area are powered by LPG bottles.
There is a large range of styles, sizes, capacities and efficiencies. This also translates into a wide variety of costs, from $3000-$8000. Cosy Homes recommends flued gas fireplaces or heaters that have an EnergyStar rating.
1. Inbuilt Flued Gas Fireplaces
An inbuilt flued gas fireplace has a traditional look, flush with the wall, and come in a large variety of decorative finishes and sizes. Though efficiency will vary with models, modern gas fireplaces generally achieve between 70-80% efficiency, meaning 70%-80% of the heat it produces will go to heating the space it is in.
Pros:
- Some models can be used to retrofit open fireplaces, making use of existing chimney/flue
- Easy to use, often with push-button start and remote controls
- Gas flues can be run vertically or horizontally, giving more options for locations, including inside walls
- No firewood or pellets to deal with
- Must use LPG bottles in Otago
- Uses non-renewable fossil fuels
- Cannot heat whole house
- Only models with a battery back-up will work during a power outage
2. Freestanding Flued Gas Fireplaces
Freestanding flued gas fireplaces are similar to inbuilt ones, with slightly improved efficiency and a more traditional log burner look. Depending on the model, they can also heat larger spaces than the inbuilt versions.
Pros:
- Traditional freestanding log burner look
- Easy to use, often with push-button start and remote controls
- Gas flues can be run vertically or horizontally, giving more options for locations, including inside walls
- No firewood or pellets to deal with
- Must use LPG bottles in Otago
- Uses non-renewable fossil fuels
- Cannot heat whole house
- Only models with a battery back-up will work during a power outage
3. Flameless Flued Gas Heaters
Efficient and compact, flameless flued gas heaters are a practical heating solution for spaces where aesthetics may not be as important, or as a supplemental heater in addition to other solutions. A good heater can achieve 80-85% efficiency depending on the model, meaning that 80-85% of the heat produced goes into heating the space it occupies.
Pros:
- Easy to use, often with push-button start, timers and thermostats
- No firewood or pellets to deal with
- Very low risk of causing house fires
- Not as aesthetically pleasing in appearance; no visible flame for ambiance
- Must use LPG bottles in Otago
- Uses non-renewable fossil fuels
- Cannot heat whole house
- Only models with a battery back-up will work during a power outage
How Much Gas Will Flued Gas Heaters Use?
Like any form of heating, you must factor in the cost of the fuel when considering overall expenses for using flued gas heaters. The wide range of sizes, styles, output and efficiencies of the flued gas heater market can make answering this question a bit complicated. However, there are some calculations that can be made as we know that standard New Zealand LPG cylinder hold:
45kg = 84litres of LPG = 2212megajoules (energy)
Heaters have a range of settings (low to high) that use a range of MJs when in operating. For example, on low, one flued gas heater may use 6MJ on low and 15MJ on high.
2212MJ (per cylinder)/6MJ = 368 hours of fuel on low
2212MJ (per cylinder)/15MJ = 147 hours of fuel on high
Assuming a use of 4 hours every evening, the heater in the example above would use one cylinder of LPG every 37 to 92 days, depending on the settings you use.
Prices for delivering new cylinders will vary depending on your location in Otago. Generally speaking there is an annual rental fee around $100, plus the cost of the gas cylinders you actually use.
Power companies in NZ often have an LPG service as well, and may offer a small discount if you purchase both your electricity and gas through them.
Many thanks to ElGas New Zealand for a hand with the calculations.