Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you banning open fires and woodburners?

At the moment Environment Canterbury has only proposed to ban open fires and older woodburners in Christchurch Clean Air Zone 1, Rangiora Clean Air Zone 1 and Kaiapoi Clean Air Zone 1. The bans will only come into effect when the Air Plan (Chapter 3 of the NRRP) (for the Christchurch ban) and Variation 11 (for the Rangiora ban) and Variation 12 (for the Kaiapoi ban) are beyond all legal challenge. There is no ban on open fires or woodburners in other areas.

Why do you measure air pollution in only one place, the worst place?

The National Environmental Standard (NES) for Air Quality requires us to measure air pollution in the worst place. Additional equipment would cost a lot of ratepayers’ money, while only the data from the worst site are considered for the NES.

Is power not too unreliable for home heating in towns?

In urban areas power is usually restored relatively quickly after a power black-out. If you are worried about power cuts, power shortages or the price of electricity you may choose to install a low-emission woodburner, a flued-gas heater or a diesel burner that does not require electricity to operate. Or you may install a heater that needs electricity and keep your old woodburner or open fire for emergency use. Only people that want to qualify for Clean Heat subsidies in Christchurch are required to remove their existing heating.

Is power not too unreliable for home heating in rural areas?

Air pollution is not usually a problem outside residential areas. On properties greater than 2 ha you can install any woodburner you like. On other properties you may install a low-emission woodburner, a flued-gas heater or a diesel burner that does not require electricity to operate. Or you may install a heater that needs electricity and keep your old woodburner or open fire for emergency use. Only people that want to qualify for Clean Heat subsidies in Christchurch are required to remove their existing heating.

Will electric heating not be too expensive to heat my home?

If you install sufficient ceiling and underfloor insulation you will find that you will need less heating as you are keeping the heat in better. Ideally a layer of approximately 200mm of fibreglass batts (or their equivalent) should be installed (R3.5).  A heat pump is a very efficient type of electric heating providing 3-4 kW of heating for every kW of power that is 3-4 times more efficient than an electric oil-column heater, fan heater or bar heater.

How can I keep warm with a heat pump or low-emission woodburner that has a lower heat output than my old woodburner?

If you install ceiling and underfloor insulation you will find that you need an appliance with a lower output, which will also mean you have lower running costs. Ideally a layer of approx. 200mm of fibreglass batts (or their equivalent) should be installed (R3.5).

Why don’t you educate people on how to use their woodburner better?

We are doing that now. Find out more about the best way to use your woodburner, minimize pollution and get more heat out of your wood.

Who can I call when I notice pollution?

For any pollution complaints, you can call the 24 hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 76 55 88.