New Zealand’s winters can be brutal, whether you’re in the frosty South Island or the damp, chilly North. Many Kiwi homes—especially older ones—aren’t well insulated, making heating a big decision both for comfort and energy costs.
But with so many heater options out there, how do you know what’s best for your home? Many people rush into buying a heater based on price or size without thinking about running costs, efficiency, and room suitability. This often leads to higher power bills or rooms that never quite feel warm enough.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll help you make the best choice for your home, covering:
- The best heater type for your region and home size
- Energy-efficient and cost-saving heating solutions
- The latest smart heating trends in NZ
- The best heater brands recommended by Kiwi homeowners
- Common mistakes to avoid and safety tips
Let’s dive in and find the perfect heater for your NZ home!
Table of Contents
Understanding New Zealand’s Heating Needs by Region
North Island vs. South Island: Why It Matters
New Zealand’s climate varies significantly from the North Island to the South Island, and this plays a crucial role in determining the best heating solution for your home.
- North Island: Winters here are generally milder compared to the South, but the high humidity levels mean homes can still feel cold and damp. This dampness can lead to mold growth and make indoor spaces feel much colder than they actually are. In these conditions, using a dehumidifier alongside an efficient heater can greatly improve comfort and air quality.
- South Island: This region experiences colder temperatures, frost, and even snowfall, particularly in areas like Queenstown and Dunedin. South Island homes require more powerful and consistent heating solutions. Heat pumps, wood burners, and well-insulated homes are key to staying warm in these harsher climates.
Does Your Home’s Insulation Affect Your Heating Needs?
Yes! Insulation is just as important as your choice of heater. If your home isn’t insulated well, you will struggle to maintain warmth, regardless of how powerful your heating system is. Many New Zealand homes, especially older ones, have poor insulation—which means they lose heat quickly, making heating inefficient and expensive.
If your home lacks proper insulation, consider investing in ceiling and underfloor insulation first before purchasing a heater. Well-insulated homes retain heat better, meaning you can use smaller or less powerful heaters while still staying warm and saving on energy costs.
Best Heaters for Different Home Types
Different types of homes have different heating needs, so it’s important to choose a heater that suits the structure and layout of your living space:
- Small Apartments and Townhouses: Compact living spaces can benefit from panel heaters or heat pumps. These options provide sufficient warmth while being space-efficient and energy-conscious.
- Medium-Sized Homes: Homes with multiple rooms may require a combination of heat pumps and oil heaters. Heat pumps are best for the main living areas, while oil heaters provide quiet and efficient warmth for bedrooms.
- Large Houses or Open-Plan Living Spaces: For bigger homes, heat pumps, wood burners, or high-output gas heaters are the best options. These provide consistent warmth for large areas without excessive running costs.
Comparing Heater Types: What Works Best in NZ Homes?
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are one of the most popular heating options in New Zealand because of their efficiency and dual functionality—they provide warmth in winter and cooling in summer. While the upfront cost is higher, heat pumps are the most cost-effective heating solution in the long run. They work by extracting heat from the air outside and transferring it indoors, using significantly less electricity compared to traditional electric heaters.
Oil-Filled Radiators
These are excellent for heating bedrooms and small office spaces, as they operate quietly and continue radiating heat even after they are turned off. However, they take longer to heat up compared to other heater types and are not ideal for large spaces.
Convection Heaters
Convection heaters warm up the air in a room, making them a good option for enclosed spaces. However, they can be expensive to run if used continuously.
Fan Heaters
Fan heaters provide quick bursts of heat, making them useful for heating small rooms in a short amount of time. However, they can be noisy and consume a lot of electricity.
Panel Heaters
Panel heaters are low-energy and wall-mounted, making them a great space-saving option for apartments. However, they are slower to heat up than other heaters and may not be powerful enough for large rooms.
Gas Heaters
While gas heaters efficiently heat large, open areas, their higher emissions are leading to a gradual phase-out in some NZ regions. If you use a gas heater, ensuring proper home ventilation is crucial to prevent carbon monoxide accumulation.
Running Costs & Efficiency: Which Heaters Save You the Most Money?
With electricity prices rising, it’s crucial to choose a heater that is both cost-effective and energy-efficient. Here’s an estimated breakdown of running costs per hour:
- Heat Pump: $0.30 – $0.60 (Most efficient)
- Oil Heater: $0.50 – $1.00
- Fan Heater: $0.70 – $1.50
- Convection Heater: $0.60 – $1.20
- Gas Heater: $1.00 – $2.00
As you can see, heat pumps offer the best long-term savings, especially when used correctly with timers and thermostats. If you’re heating multiple rooms, a heat pump is the most cost-effective option.
💡 Thinking about installing a heat pump? Check out this heat pump installation cost and guide for a detailed breakdown of pricing and benefits.
Heat Pumps vs. Electric Heaters
Heat pumps are more efficient than traditional electric heaters because they generate more heat than the electricity they consume. While electric heaters convert 100% of electricity into heat, heat pumps can deliver 300-400% efficiency.
Example: To heat a 3m x 4m x 2.4m room, you need about 1.5kW of power for effective heating. A heat pump can achieve this while consuming much less electricity compared to an electric heater.
Example Calculation
If you run a 2kW heater on a high setting for 5 hours per day at a cost of $0.25 per kWh, it will amount to $2.50 per day or about $75 per month. Using a thermostat can help reduce this cost by preventing unnecessary heating.
How Thermostats & Timers Help
A thermostat maintains a steady room temperature by switching the heater on and off as needed, avoiding excess energy use. A timer allows you to pre-set heating schedules, such as warming your home before you wake up or shutting it off after bedtime, further cutting costs.
Smart & Energy-Efficient Heating Solutions (2025 Trends)
As technology advances, smart heaters are becoming more popular in NZ homes. Many modern heat pumps and panel heaters now come with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control your heating from your smartphone.
Eco-Friendly Heating
More homeowners are investing in solar-powered heating systems and heat recovery ventilation systems, which help retain warmth while reducing power consumption.
Best Heater Brands for NZ Homes
Some of the most trusted heater brands in New Zealand include:
- Heat Pumps: Mitsubishi, Daikin, Panasonic
- Oil Heaters: DeLonghi, Goldair
- Panel Heaters: Nobo, Dimplex
- Fan Heaters: Dyson, Kmart (budget-friendly)
- Gas Heaters: Rinnai, Paloma
Safety Tips & Common Heating Mistakes to Avoid
Some of the most common heating mistakes include:
- Placing heaters too close to furniture or curtains can be a fire hazard.
- Leaving heaters on overnight without proper safety features.
- Using gas heaters in unventilated rooms can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Making the Right Heating Choice
When choosing a heater for your NZ home, it’s important to consider your region, home insulation, and running costs. Investing in an energy-efficient solution will keep you warm while saving on electricity bills.
Need expert advice? Contact Aotea Electric Ashburton Advisors today for personalised recommendations!
