Heating your home in NZ? The cost can vary wildly — and it’s not just about what heater you buy. Location, house design, and lifestyle all play a major role.
Here’s the full picture
Heating Types & Running Costs
Heat Pumps
- Most efficient: 3–5kW of heat per 1kW of power
- Cost: ~26c per kWh of heat
- Ideal for regular use in medium to large rooms
Electric Heaters
- Cheap upfront, expensive long-term
- Cost: 19–40c per kWh
- Best for small or short-use rooms
Wood Burners
- Great for ambiance & off-grid setups
- High install + wood costs
- Needs dry storage & chimney cleaning
Gas Central Heating
- Efficient where natural gas is available (North Island only)
- High install cost, lower running cost
- LPG option available but costlier
Key Cost Factors (That Aren’t Your Heater)
Location
- Colder regions (Central Plateau, South Island) = more heating hours
- Natural gas is NOT available in the South Island
- Choose your system accordingly
House Design
- More heat loss in homes with:
- Poor insulation
- Lots of glazing (windows)
- Complex, open designs
- Well-designed homes cost much less to keep warm
Lifestyle
- Prefer a warm house 24/7? Expect higher costs
- Even a 1–2°C increase can bump heating use by 5–10%
- Heating unoccupied rooms = wasted energy
Heat Smarter: Tips to Save
Insulate First
- Focus on ceiling + underfloor insulation
- Stops heat loss before you even switch the heater on
Use Efficient Heating
- Heat pumps or gas (if available) are most cost-effective
Target Your Heat
- Heat only occupied areas
- Use timers, thermostats, and door seals
Check Subsidies
- The Warmer Kiwi Homes programme covers up to 80% of insulation/heating costs for eligible homes
Consider Hot Water Heat Pumps
- Save big on water heating — often 30–60% less energy used
Track Your Use
- Use your energy provider’s app to spot inefficiencies
Thinking about warming up your place?
Whether you’re ready to renovate or just scoping it out, we’re here to help.
Chat to the RB Thomas Ltd team today — we’ll help you build warm, smart, and cost-effective.
