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A modern wood fire is energy efficient and a carbon neutral way of using renewable fuel. When the right size wood fire is installed for your space, it will heat your whole home effectively. It is a cheaper way to heat your home with no risk of a hefty unexpected power bill. You’ll also have a reliable back-up source in the event of a power-cut, and some models offer wetback solutions to heat water or an integrated stove top for cooking.
It’s worth getting onto your wood fire purchase well before the cold weather arrives, as you require a building consent to install and installers get booked up closer to winter resulting in waiting lists.
There are two main types of wood fires available which distribute heat differently: radiant wood fires and convection wood fires.
RADIANT | CONVECTION |
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New Zealand has strict air quality guidelines that determine which wood fires can be installed by region. The country is split into two zones: Clean Air Zones and Non-Clean Air Zones which have specific requirements and restrictions. Talk to a Team Member or local authority to see what is right for your area.
Every home has different needs and having the right wood fire for your home is important to ensuring it works effectively and efficiently. When buying a wood fire at Mitre 10 we’ll ask you a number of questions to determine the heat output you’ll need based on the area you’re trying to heat, what council restrictions you might face and if any additional components will be required.
Heat output from wood fires could range around 12kW to 20kW but can be affected by several factors. Talk to a Mitre 10 team member to discuss the different elements that might influence your requirement.
You can expect questions such as: Is this for a new build or a renovation? What is the size of the property? How many storeys does your home have? How high and sloped is your ceiling? Do you have insulation or double glazing? How big is your home? As a guide –
All wood fires need the right flue system. A flue pipe releases smoke up and out of your home. Heat loss can occur within the flue and a shield is usually installed to either radiate the heat back into the room or prevent it from transferring into the wall. Some fires are able to be upgraded to Eco flues which have greater heating efficiency in the home.
All wood fires require a building consent to install and restrictions apply in a number of regions where there are unique local bylaws. If you have decided a wood fire is right for you contact your local council in the first instance. In addition, the Ministry for the Environment has a list of authorised wood fires that meet National standards for wood fires that can be installed on an urban property (less than two hectares). Click here to see the list. If your property is greater than two hectares, your local council may consent for you to install a rural wood fires, these have the added benefits of a larger heat output and ability to burn overnight.
Ash, heat and sparks may damage the area surrounding your wood fire so be sure to install a floor protector to prevent this. Different size floor protectors are available so check with your installer what size you’ll need. We can also offer you a variety of designs and trims plus options that can be installed directly over your existing flooring.
You’ll need building consent before installation can go ahead and we recommend you arrange for a certified installer to visit your home to determine the best position for your wood fire. They will also advise on any extra components required to ensure your wood fire has the correct clearance to be safe and to make a recommendation on ventilation. Installers can also help you with completing your building consent and laying the hearth. Talk to our staff about site delivery too.
Mitre 10 has a wide range of fireside accessories to help you complete your look including screens to protect children and pets, as well as sets to help you tend the fire and keep it tidy.
Maintaining your woodburner will ensure your unit is safe, efficient and clean-burning.
It is recommended that the woodburner should be serviced at least every 12 months. A regular service will ensure the important aspects of your unit are functioning correctly. Service your woodburner during Spring or early Summer - this minimizes the corrosive effects of creosote residue and condensation during the off-season.
Here are a few pointers on the best ways to clean some of the easy to access parts of the heater yourself:
Interior Cleaning Tips
Exterior Cleaning Tips
While cleaning out ash is all very well, instructions for most fires will say something like “leave a 25-40mm ash bed in the base of the firebox and set your fire on this. The ash bed enables air to be drawn from below the fire, to improve combustion.
How do you maintain the flue?
The flue is one of the most important components and maintaining it well is crucial. In extreme cases, when not maintained, a flue fire caused by creosote buildups becomes the cause of a house fire. It is best to get the flue of the woodburner cleaned by a trained technician annually to be safe and worry-free.
To clean it yourself, use a flue brush to scrub down the flue to remove/ loosen any built-up soot. Soot-Loose chimney and flue cleaner may be used regularly (every 3-4 weeks) during the winter. This reduces the build-up of tar, creosote and soot in the flue, and increases the efficiency of the woodburner and reduces smoke emissions.
Obstructions to look out for:
Inspecting the inside of the flue and external exit cowl for obstructions is also important. Wood fire flues operate at extremely high temperatures and making sure that there are no blockages or obstructions is vital for the safe operation of your woodburner.
Over time, the fibreglass rope seals on your wood burning or multi fuel stove door will either compress sufficiently so that they no longer effectively seal the door, or they will begin to pull away or fray.
Check your door seals with the paper test.
Take a piece of paper, similar size to a $5 note is ideal. Open your woodburner’s door, place the paper between the door and the stove body. Close the door and then attempt to slide the paper out. The paper should either stay locked in place or slide out slowly with resistance. Work your way around the door and check each point, just because it seals by the hinges doesn’t mean it will by the latch.
If at any point the paper slides out easily then assess if it is time to replace the rope or adjust the door.
How to replace Fibreglass Door Rope: