Wood Fires

Wood Fires at Mitre 10

A modern wood fire provides powerful, reliable heat for New Zealand homes and keeps running during power outages. The range covers radiant fires for draughty homes and high ceilings, and convection fires for even whole-home heating. Ultra Low Emission Burners (ULEB) meet the strictest air quality rules and can be installed in all parts of New Zealand. All wood fires require a building consent and professional installation.

What size wood fire do I need?

As a guide, 1kW of heat output suits around 10m² of floor area in a home with average insulation and a 2.4m stud. A typical 150m² three-bedroom home needs a 15kW wood fire. Undersized fires struggle to warm the home; oversized fires run on low too often, which causes poor combustion and flue creosote. A certified installer will size the fire based on your home.

Do I need a building consent for a wood fire?

Yes. Every wood fire installation in New Zealand requires a building consent from your local council, which covers the appliance, flue, hearth and clearances. Many urban areas also require the fire to be on the Ministry for the Environment's list of authorised low-emission burners. Allow six to eight weeks for consent and installation, and book your installer well before winter.