Fire burner cosy 1214910286

Is your wood burner past its expiry date?

Date:
Category: News | Air Quality | Home Heating

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that wood burners expire in Canterbury. Some burners can no longer be used after 20 years, as older models produce significantly more smoke pollution that impacts air quality and community health.

We're seeing growing levels of non-compliance, often because people simply don't realise their burner has expired or is close to expiry.

Where older wood burners are no longer allowed

Under the Canterbury Air Regional Plan, low-emission burners can be used for 20 years from installation (or 15 years in Timaru), after which they become non-compliant and can no longer be used.

Clean Air Zone rules:

  • Christchurch, Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Ashburton, low-emission burners are non-compliant after 20 years and not allowed to be used
  • Timaru, low-emission burners are non-compliant after 15 years and not allowed to be used
  • Geraldine and Waimate, low-emission burners are still allowed

Clean Air Zones are areas where stricter air quality rules apply to help limit pollution and protect community health. Find out more about Clean Air Zones.

Check your wood burner now

Replacing an expired burner with a cleaner option, such as an ultra-low-emission wood burner or an efficient heat pump, can help keep your home warm while improving winter air quality for everyone.

Moving to cleaner heating options

Many people in Canterbury have already switched to cleaner home heating options and as a result, our air quality is improving. With all of us playing our part, we can reduce emissions even further, so everyone has cleaner, healthier air to breathe.

  • Keep using a burner: To keep using a burner to heat your home you need to upgrade to a clean air-approved, ultra-low emitting burner. Expired burners produce far more air pollution than modern burners or heat pumps.
  • Switch to a heat pump: You can replace your burner or pellet fire with an efficient heat pump.
  • Buying a new heating option: A number of heat pumps and ultra-low-emission burners are now available to buy from home improvement shops and specialist heating companies.
  • Installing a new heating option: When installing a new burner into your property, you will also need to obtain a building consent from your local district or city council.

Financial assistance to upgrade your heating

You may be eligible for financial assistance towards the cost of a new heat pump or ultra-low emission burner (ULEB) and/or insulation upgrades through the government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidy and our subsidy scheme.  

Environment Canterbury subsidy

To be eligible for this financial assistance for replacement heating , you must:  

  • Be the homeowner and occupier of a house with an expired burner in a Clean Air Zone and,
  • Hold a Community Services Card (CSC) or SuperGold Combo card holder (with ‘CSC’ on the back). 

Other evidence of financial hardship is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please note:

  • Burners that expired before 25 October 2016 are not eligible for funding.
  • Tenanted properties are also not eligible.
To check your eligibility and find out more on our financial assistance for replacement heating page, or contact our advisory team.

Alternative ways to fund your heating 

  • Many banks offer low-interest loans or mortgage top-ups to help you upgrade your home heating. 
  • Some retailers offer flexible payment terms so that you can pay off your ultra-low emission wood burner or heat pump over time.

If you are finding it difficult to upgrade your heating or are worried about staying warm, please contact us on 0800 324 636. We may be able to help you understand your options. 

If you’re renting

Under the Healthy Homes Standards, most landlords are responsible for providing an efficient fixed heater (such as a heat pump or compliant burner) in the living room.

More about clean air and home heating in Canterbury

Last updated:

Back to top