Fuel

Fuel prices compared

Fuels table

Click on one of the fuel types below to view their pros and cons.

Wood
 
  • Large Heat output
  • Generally the cheapest to run, buy and install
  • Best option for large areas
  • Wetbacks available
  • Non-reliant on electricity
  • Renewable energy source
  • Carbon neutral
  • Silent running
  • Involves more manual labour
  • Fire needs to be kept refueled constantly
Multi-fuel
 
  • Ash pan for easy removal of ash
  • Can burn a wider range of fuels
  • Exempt from the NES
  • Can have powerful wetbacks
  • Longer burn time
  • Silent running
  • Not as clean as a wood burner
  • Unit cost is higher than a wood burner
Pellet Fire
 
  • More convenient than wood
  • Mostly carbon neutral
  • Renewable energy source
  • Completely relies on electricity
  • High service rate
  • Greater chance of failure due to high number of electrical and mechanical components
  • More uncertainty around fuel price and supply
  • Noisy
Diesel
 
  • Do not have to keep refueling like a wood burner
  • Non reliant on electricity
  • Simple mechanical system, no complex electronics
  • Wetbacks available
  • Overnight burn
  • Cheaper than LPG
  • Silent running
  • Clean as gas
  • More expensive than wood
  • Subject to price fluctuations
  • Less attractive flame when compared to LPG
  • Not carbon neutral (Bio-diesel is carbon neutral)
Gas (Natural Gas)
 
  • Cheaper than LPG
  • Relies on reticulated gas which is only available in the North Island
Gas (LPG)
 
  • Convenient to use
  • Attractive flame
  • Wide range of styles
  • Can have remotes and other features
  • Most expensive to run
  • Less effective at heating large areas
  • Flue less gas can be dangerous
Electricity (Heat Pump)
 
  • No additional fuel source needed
  • Convenient to use
  • Cools in summer
  • Good running cost
  • Completely relies on electricity
  • No flame effect
  • Efficiency and effectiveness significantly reduced in cold temperatures
Electricity (Fan heater, etc.)
 
  • No additional fuel source needed
  • Can be relocated around the home
  • Convenient to use
  • Cheap to buy
  • Expensive to run
  • Will not heat the whole house or large areas
Ask an Expect at Harris Home Fires